Who among us doesn’t love perusing the aisles of a thrift store? After all, it’s a great way to find some new clothes to wear, furniture for every room in your house, or that perfect piece of decor you’ve waited years to find. But there’s one common household item you may want to look at more closely next time you’re out: mugs. While many people are quick to overlook these cups in favor of the most valuable thrift store items to seek out, you should never pass them up because they could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, used for DIY projects, or repurposed around the house.

Typically, thrifted mugs will only cost you a few bucks, and if you know what you’re looking for — or you just happen to get lucky — you could easily make a mint or add a priceless addition to your own great mug collection. These valuable finds can range from Japanese Otagiri mugs (starting price at $30) to vintage Fire-King collectible mugs (some selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay) and Starbucks regional mugs (rare variants worth over $1,000). While there are plenty of items at thrift stores worth more than their discounted price tags, mugs tend to fly under the radar, making it easy for you to swoop in and see what’s available at your local shop. 

As it turns out, thrifted mugs can be used for so much more than holding your morning cup of coffee. If you like tackling a good DIY project (or four), turn an old coffee mug into beautiful wall art by taking your hammer to a colorful ceramic mug and reinventing it as a bold mosaic or even a drink coaster, quirky picture frame, or garden stepping rock. Likewise, repurpose mugs into unique planters or terrariums for small plants to display anywhere you like all over your home. 

Old mugs also happen to be great stand-ins for other household uses, like holding your loose change, toothbrushes, desk supplies, makeup brushes, favorite candies, or paintbrushes. You can even upcycle them into candle holders, flour scoopers, cookie or biscuit cutters, flower vases, or bird feeders. Honestly, the only limit with what you do with your thrifted mugs here is your creativity — and, okay, scooping up your local thrift store’s mug supply before someone else does.