How to Thrift Picture Books: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Beautiful Children’s Library on a Budget
There’s a special kind of magic in finding a vintage picture book tucked between tattered cookbooks and old paperbacks at the thrift store. The kind that makes you gasp quietly, hold it close, and flip through pages that feel like they’ve been waiting for you.
Over the years, I’ve built our family’s library almost entirely from thrifted children’s books. Stories with worn spines, breathtaking illustrations, and words that beg to be read aloud. Whether you’re hunting for out-of-print treasures, adding beauty to your shelves on a budget, or simply enjoying the thrill of the search, thrifting for picture books can become its own kind of treasure hunt.
Today, I’m sharing exactly how to find beautiful used children’s books, step-by-step, so you can bring home your own stack of storybook gems.
1. Where to Go Book Hunting
The first step to building your thrifted book collection is knowing where to look. Here are my favorite places to score affordable children’s books:
Local Thrift Stores: I live in Utah, so my go-to is Deseret Industries, but Goodwill, Salvation Army, and small charity shops are also gold mines.
Library Book Sales: Many libraries host annual or seasonal book sales where children’s books are often just a dollar or less.
Yard Sales & Estate Sales: Great for bulk finds, especially if the family had young kids.
Facebook Marketplace: My best find was from a retired first-grade teacher who was selling her entire classroom library. I left with boxes of treasures!
Tip: Ask employees when they restock the shelves. My thrift store puts books out at certain times each day, and knowing that has completely changed my book-hunting game.
2. How to Scan the Shelves Efficiently
Thrift stores can feel overwhelming, but having a system makes a huge difference:
Start in the children’s section, but peek into other categories. Picture books sometimes get misplaced in fiction, travel, or even cookbooks.
Keep a wishlist in your phone’s notes app or camera roll so you can quickly scan for titles you’re hunting.
Flip through books to check for illustration style, language, and condition before committing.
3. My Criteria for a “Yes” Book
When I thrift, I’m not just looking for cheap children’s books; I’m curating a library of quality and beauty. Here’s what I look for:
Illustrations: Rich, detailed, timeless, and beautifully illustrated. I gravitate toward books that look like works of art, because picture books are usually our kids’ first introduction to beautiful artwork.
Language: Lyrical, thoughtful, and not overly simplified.
Themes: Living books qualities: nature, timeless stories, strong characters, and real-life richness.
Condition: Minimal damage, no mold or mildew (although marks and inscriptions can add charm).
Bonus Finds: Award winners, older editions, and out-of-print authors.
4. When to Pass on a Book
Not every book is worth bringing home. I’ll pass if:
Pages are torn in a way that affects reading.
The book has a musty smell that’s unlikely to go away.
The illustrations are overly commercial or tied to media franchises without much substance.
5. Making the Final Decision
Here’s my secret: I keep every “maybe” in my cart until I’m done thrifting. Then, I go through them one last time.
If I keep flipping through it, it’s probably a keeper.
6. Cleaning & Caring for Thrifted Books
Even the best thrifted finds sometimes need a little TLC:
Covers: Gently wipe with a soft cloth or Lysol wipe.
Stickers: Remove with care. Sometimes, a little heat from a hairdryer helps.
Freshening: A few hours in the sunshine can help reduce lingering smells.
Share Your Best Thrifted Book Finds
I’d love to hear from you — what’s your favorite thrifted children’s book find? Share in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @TheBorrowedNest_ so I can see your treasures!
