What to Look For at a Yard Sale

Most of us go to yard sales for one reason or another. Maybe it's to buy new clothes for your little one or to find something to add to your collection -- whatever it might be that you happen to collect. Whether you're a casual observer or hardcore thrifter, here are a few things to maybe consider when you're out yard saling.

Pyrex
Like many, we grew up using Pyrex casserole dishes for a variety of foods. The reason we never had to buy new ones is because they'll probably last forever if you let them. They're very durable, too. Yes, of course, we've broken a few by dropping them on the ground, but they work for a variety of things. They're also very collectible.

Silverware
It seems like just about everyone sells silverware -- knives, forks and spoons. I always pass them up, but regret passing them up because it seems like we keep losing spoons or forks. May as well grab some just in case. If you find great knives, you could buy those to replace the dull ones you've been trying to use for the last few years.

Outdoor Gear
There are several reasons why you could pick up outdoor gear like fishing rods, kayaks and even camping supplies. So many people try it out, buy the supplies, use them once and learn it's not for them. You can get near new (or even new) stuff for next to nothing! Even if it's not your thing, you can use them as gifts for coming birthdays and holidays.

School Supplies
At our house, we can never have enough pencils, crayons, markers, paper and other school supplies.

Winter Clothing
Because nobody is thinking what the weather is going to be like in a few months, many sell off old winter clothing for next to nothing during the summer. Especially for your kids, make sure you get a size extra for them to grow into and they'll be set without paying full retail prices when they actually do need a new winter coat or boots.

Tools
You know the phrase they sure don't make them like they used to? Buy tools from a time they made them like they used to! Hammers that won't fall apart on you, screwdrivers where the bit won't pop out of the handle and more. Even gardening tools from people that used to have a garden or Grandpa's power tools. They're usually very affordable.

Cookbooks
Yes, I know we have the Internet and have any recipe at our fingertips, but I still love cookbooks. Especially the classic cookbooks from the '60s and '70s. Have you noticed that nobody cooks better in the kitchen than your grandma? What cookbooks do you think she was using. Re-create some of those classic dishes.

These are just a few things I look out for. How about you? Tell us in the comments.
If you're looking for a great yard sale coming up, Yakima's Biggest Yard Sale is May 9, at the Perry Tech parking lot, starting at 8 a.m. We'll see you there!