For some, thrifting isn’t just about saving money. It’s a way of life. From dusty antique shops in small towns to bustling resale stores in bigger cities, Thrifters know the thrill of uncovering treasures at a bargain price. But one Texas woman says not every secondhand deal is worth the risk. While you might see charm and value, she warns that some thrift store finds carry something far more sinister than age.

Image Source: @tatiscreepystories TikTok
There is no shortage of ghost stories, and haunted objects often play a starring role. From historic rocking chairs to worn garments with tragic backstories, locals have long whispered about items that seem to hold more than memories.
Tati, a Texas-based paranormal TikToker with a knack for unsettling tales, has gone viral for revealing the three thrift store items she says you should never buy. Her concern isn’t about germs or stains. It’s about the energy objects carry. She warns that certain pieces can hold onto trauma, negativity, or even restless spirits. So what should shoppers leave behind when combing through thrift store aisles?
Three Haunted No-Buys
According to Tati, the first danger comes in the form of weapons. Knives, swords, or anything used for violence may look collectible, but she claims they’re often linked to dark pasts. “You have no idea what they’ve been used for,” she warns, hinting that such objects can stir nightmares and heavy energy.
The second item is something far less sinister in appearance but just as risky. Wedding dresses. Tati says these gowns carry the emotional weight of the bride who once wore them—and if they ended up in a thrift store, chances are things didn’t go as planned. Buying one, she claims, means inviting that same bad luck into your own life.

Finally, she singles out rocking chairs, especially antiques. According to Tati, these pieces act like magnets for spirits. “They love to sit and rock,” she says, describing them as silent carriers of grief and loneliness. For those who love antique furniture, this warning might just make you think twice before dragging one of those creaky chairs home.
Of course, skeptics argue that objects can’t be haunted. Still, even in thrift shops, shoppers admit they’ve felt uneasy while handling certain items. Some described suffering sudden chills, headaches, or an unexplained heaviness. Whether you believe in curses or not, the idea of buying something linked to something sinister is unsettling enough to make you pause.
“Very scary because I love thrifting,” a spooked commenter adds.
“I got a rocking chair from my next-door neighbor, and it used to move around in my house,” shares one follower.
“Went to the thrift store. Saw a red vase. Got the worst feeling from it. Something told me leave it here. I did. Freaked me out.”
“So basically, don’t buy anything from a thrift store, one more commenter writes.
Thrifting for some will always be a beloved pastime. It’s affordable, fun, and often a sustainable way to shop. But before you scoop up that perfect-looking deal, remember Tati’s eerie words of warning. Some things may be sitting on those shelves for reasons you can’t see.
Not every bargain is just a bargain. Sometimes, what you bring home may be carrying more than a price tag.