Amazing Goodwill

Artist Cheryl Anderson, known as The Dotting Chick, shares how to turn a thrifted vase into a relaxing, hand-painted Valentine’s Day keepsake. Using simple dot painting techniques and an affordable Goodwill find, this DIY project proves that creativity—and second chances—can turn everyday items into meaningful art.

Turn a thrifted puzzle into a charming Valentine’s Day heart wreath using simple materials, hot glue, and creativity. This easy DIY adds layered texture and heart-filled style to your seasonal décor.

Looking for a gift that feels personal without feeling over-the-top? This star-crossed vase DIY transforms a simple thrifted glass vase into a constellation-inspired keepsake using gold paint and your zodiac signs. It’s easy, affordable, and proof that secondhand pieces can shine a little brighter.

Style Pantone’s Color of the Year for under $25 with thrifted finds! Play with coordinating hues, layer textures and accessorize for personality. Affordable, chic and effortlessly stylish.

Learn how to turn thrifted frames into cozy winter wall décor with easy DIY ideas using Goodwill finds, paint, decoupage paper, and a little sparkle.

Learn simple tips for thrifting holiday decor on a budget. From shopping year-round to repurposing items creatively, these ideas will help you find unique pieces and make your home festive without spending a lot.

Winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for warmth. Discover how to embrace layering, texture and structure to create outfits that feel intentional, expressive and effortlessly chic, even in the coldest months.

Meet Goodwill’s first-ever Community Collaborators—five local creators bringing their own unique thrift style, DIY inspiration and sustainable living ideas to our community. Follow along as they share fresh, creative secondhand content all season long.

Learn how to spot real pearls vs fake ones while thrifting secondhand from an Ecommerce jewelry expert, including what to look for in luster, texture, shape, metal settings and more.

Give toys a second life this holiday season. Donating toys to Goodwill helps fund local job programs, supports sustainability, and brings joy to families in your community.

Upcycling pro Jen Dunne turns a broken thrifted clock into a cozy fall masterpiece in this Goodwill Second Chance Studio tutorial. Follow her step-by-step guide to create your own pumpkin floral wall art—proof that even broken things can bloom again.

Goodwill Thrift Studio kicked off Arts in the Dark Chicago with The Haunted Runway, a live DIY costume contest celebrating creativity, sustainability, and secondhand style. Hosted by Suavé — professional MC/DJ and founder of Hip Hop ConnXion — and powered by DJ Ray, the event lit up State Street with music, dance, and thrifted looks. Paradegoers voted live via QR code, crowning Mad Hatter Janna as winner. The Haunted Runway proved that fashion can be fearless, sustainable, and community-powered — all 100% thrifted and 100% nonprofit.

It's officially spooky season! Whether you need a fun family costume or a unique thrifted look, here are some tips and inspiration for shopping at Goodwill for Halloween.

Need a costume in a pinch? From Kim Possible to Effie Trinket, these Goodwill finds show how to thrift five creative Halloween looks under $20—plus two easy DIY tutorials for last-minute magic.

Goodwill thrift finds just hit the spotlight! From Chicago to Milwaukee, local style experts showed how to turn secondhand treasures into fresh fall looks—on a budget.

Ever wonder what really happens when you donate clothes to Goodwill? Julie Deming, Goodwill's Director of Inventory, explains how your donations fuel programs, support sustainability and give clothing a second life.

Must-have fall fashion trends that you can build with affordable finds from Goodwill.

Kids grow fast but Goodwill makes it easy to keep up. Here are tips on how to find stylish, affordable back-to-school looks for your children.