My Thrift Shopping Challenge: Outfit and Home Decor Under $20 Each

To stay within my budget while shopping for ahome and clothes, I decided to give myself a fun little challenge: Could I put together an entire outfit and refresh part of my home with just $20 for each?

That’s $20 for clothes. $20 for decor. No sale racks, no online deals, no cheating. Just straight-up thrifting.

If you haven’t tried it, thrifting or going to yard sales can be fun, and you often walk away with a score.

The Fashion Find: Flared Jeans, Cute Top, and a Sundress

Thrifting clothes can be hit or miss, but this time, it's a hit! It was a straight-up win.

Here’s what I came home with:

• Flared high-rise jeans: $6.50

• Ribbed pastel top: $4.99

• Flowy floral sundress (yes, it has pockets): $5.99

• Total: $17.48

This outfit is everything I want for spring: light, easy to mix and match, and versatile enough to wear either dressed up or down. The jeans fit perfectly, and the top looks cute layered over the dress as well. Major versatility for under twenty bucks? I’ll take it.

The Home Decor Haul: DIY Canvas, Lamps, and Coastal Vibes

Now, for the real surprise, I love to paint in my spare time, and canvases can be expensive. I often find used canvases at the thrift store for a fraction of the price of new ones. I found a massive 4x4-foot blank canvas just sitting there, waiting for me to turn it into a statement piece.

As if that wasn’t enough, I also scored some coastal-style lamps, which fit well with my décor.

• Blank canvas (perfect for DIY abstract art): $7.00

• Two small beachy lamps (matching!): $6.00 each

  
  

Total: $19.00

My living room is officially getting a refresh. I’ve already started painting the canvas (with an ocean theme!), and the lamps add a cozy, eclectic touch.  Everything came together so well; it honestly looks like I spent way more than I did. And the best part? I still had change left over.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Sleep on Yard Sales

Thrift stores are great, but if you really want to stretch your budget, yard sales are gold mines. I’ve found some of my favorite furniture pieces, kitchen appliances, and even name-brand clothing for a few bucks, sometimes less. Once, I got a nearly perfect blender for $3. Perfect for mixing up some smoothies or mixed drinks.

The key is to arrive early (the best items sell quickly), bring small bills, and don’t be afraid to haggle politely. People are usually just happy to get rid of stuff, and you can walk away with some serious steals.

It’s like treasure hunting, but with lemonade stands and friendly neighbors.

A Few Tips if You Try This Challenge:

• Bring cash. It makes it easier to stick to your budget.

• Don’t skip the back sections. That canvas was hidden on the back wall.

• Think creatively. Something a little worn or outdated might just need a coat of paint or a new light bulb to feel brand new.

• Check out yard sales on weekends. Furniture, décor, clothing, and kitchenware, often for less than $5.

• Try stuff on. Clothes, home items, everything. You’ll be surprised by what works.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This little $20 thrift challenge gave me new outfits and a home refresh, for less than a single Target run. And weirdly, it felt super empowering. Like, "I can do a lot with a little" kind of energy.

Plus, it made me think more about how I shop. Choosing secondhand isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s a small way to be more sustainable. Every time we reuse or repurpose something, that’s one less item ending up in a landfill. And honestly, there’s something pretty cool about giving things a second chance.

If you’ve never tried thrifting or yard sale hunting with a strict budget and an open mind, I seriously recommend it. It turns shopping into a mini adventure, and you’ll walk away with pieces that have personality and a story.

Thinking of making this a monthly thing.

Let me know if you’ve ever done a thrift or yard sale challenge, or if you’re going to try this one. I want to see your $20 wins!