Happy Monday and welcome to a new series here on the blog that I like to call “Thrifting Adventures!”.  Basically, this series will be all about my different experiences while I’m out exploring different thrift shops and vintage stores here in Chicago. (And possibly other cities as well).

This series is sort of similar to my vinyl hunting posts (I know, it’s been forever since I’ve posted about my vinyl hunting journey) but more so focused on the things that I find at different thrift stores. 

Here’s some of the awesome finds I found on my latest Thrifting Adventure:

A Goodwill recently opened up near my house (I can legit walk there from where I live) and I’m OBSESSED with it. Since my mom is going to be a reading teacher next year (she’s usually a social studies/history teacher but they switched her position), we went to the grand opening to see if they had some good books she could get for her students.

I went into Goodwill with the intention of helping my mom look for fun books for her upcoming junior high students but I wound up hitting the Disney jackpot!

Since the toys/kids section is directly across from the books aisle, I immediately spotted this adorable Explorer Tigger while I was scanning for books for my moms classroom. Upon further investigation I discovered that it was a vintage Walt Disney World exclusive Animal Kingdom Safari Tigger plush! 

(Best part, it was only .75!).

The crazy thing is, I remember seeing this at Animal Kingdom back in like 2001! Oh the memories.

I also found this cool 1980s Mickey piggy bank but I decided not to get it because it was in too poor condition (all the paint was peeled off the back).

After a successful first trip to Goodwill (my mom scored 40 books for her students, all under $1), we decided to make a second trip three days later. And that’s when I hit the ultimate Disney jackpot!

I found two more Disney Parks exclusive plushies, another Tigger and Dale. (And even though I already have that Dale, there’s no way I’m turning down anything Chip ‘n Dale related).

Speaking of Chip ‘n Dale, here’s a fun little trick to remember if you ever find yourself not being able to tell them apart. Chip has a black nose, like a chocolate “chip”, and Dale has a red nose.

I know this isn’t Disney-related (in fact, this is the only non-Disney thing I picked up while at Goodwill) but you guys, it’s Papa Bear from Berenstain Bears. Talk about 90s kid nostalgia! 

I know what you’re thinking, “So when exactly did you hit the Disney jackpot?”. Well, I’m getting there, be patient. While I helping my mom look for more books for her students, I stumbled upon an entire collection of Disney children’s books. 

You know how they say “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”?

Well I must have stumbled upon a treasure chest. According to one of the workers at Goodwill, someone JUST (that morning) donated there entire Disney book collection. The books in this collection all have a publication date of 1979-1987 and have that “vintage feel” to them.

I can’t wait to pass these books down to my future children or nieces and nephews!

My favorite movie in VHS form!

Even though my grandmother still has a VHS player (don’t ask), I decided not to get any Disney VHS’, although it’s still a cool little throwback. How awesome is it that they had a VHS dedicated to the Main Street Electrical Parade?

Now time for my official Goodwill Haul:

There’s no way I was going to pass up vintage Disney Parks plushies! (Even though I already have that Dale one). 

I also picked up Papa Bear (I know, I know it’s not “Disney” but it’s so rare to find PBS kids stuff. You feel me?).

My absolute favorite find at Goodwill was the collection of 22 Disney children’s books.

The collection includes:

• The Rescuers (so underrated!)
• Lady and the Tramp
• Scamp Saves the House
• Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too
• Peter Pan and Wendy
• Three Little Pigs
• The Brave Little Tailor
• Ducktales
• Thumper 

• Dumbo 
• Bambi Grows Up
• Sleeping Beauty 
• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 
• Tod and Copper (Also super underrated)
• Pinocchio
• Aladdin and the Missing Jewel Chest
• A Picnic in the Woods
• Cinderella 

• The Jungle Book
• Goofy and the Enchanted Castle 
• Donald Duck Buys a House
• Pluto the Detective 

Oh, did I mention that each of these books were only .50?!

I love how I don’t even have children yet but I’m already thinking about their future library. All in all, this was definitely a successful Thrifting Adventure! See you again soon Goodwill.