Philly AIDS Thrift is arguably one of the most fun thrift stores ever. The window displays and mannequins are always provocative and stylish. The walls are covered with art and eye-popping displays. Everyone is sincerely friendly and there are always interesting people to shop or chat with at PAT.
Philly AIDS Thrift
I especially love spending money at PAT since they contribute to 29 different AIDS/LBGT related charities in the Philadelphia area.
Wander around all the different rooms packed with lamps, TVs, furniture, paintings, clothes, jewelry, and records. Nearly all clothing items are under $10, and most are half of that. Pick up one of their neat PAD logo tote bags or t-shirts made from recycled items. Besides all that, my favorite thing about PAT is that they have A LOT of books.
PAT has more books than a small bookstore. Boxes are piled on the floor because the shelves are often overflowing. Philadelphia is a well read city and the book selection reflects that. If you’re looking for mass-market bestsellers, try the $1 room. 
The books are neatly organized by genre, Art, LBGT, Politics, Poetry, History….. One afternoon, I spent at least an hour just looking at art books.
Even if you leave empty handed, you will leave smiling. It’s just a fun place to go. But I usually find something, and often leave with a bag full of clothes for around $20. You can find anything here. They have lots of vintage as well as gently used designer items.
On this visit, I noticed lots of nice jeans, a few shirts and a French Connection pencil skirt for just $1, but I didn’t buy anything. I just didn’t see anything I really needed.
Sometimes it’s hard to pass on things that are nice and a great deal, but if you don’t need it, it’s really just a waste. I’ve been thrifting for years, but sometimes I still have to remember to be mindful, and not buy stuff I don’t need. At these prices, it’s easy to do.
Buying stuff you don’t need defeats the purpose of thrifting. You don’t save money or the environment by buying and hoarding stuff you don’t need, even if it is a great deal, and for a good cause like Philly Aids Thrift.
Next post, this “thrift store” has mostly NEW clothes.
