Uncover "Buried" Treasures at These 5 Thrift Stores in Des Moines

There's a special thrill that comes from finding a hidden gem at a thrift store. You can find great bargains on vintage clothing, home decor items and furniture that just needs a little TLC. See what treasures you uncover at these top thrift stores around Des Moines.

1. Animal Lifeline Thrift Shop
3304 SW 9th Street
Des Moines 50315

When it comes to shopping, the only thing better than getting a bargain is having your purchases benefit a good cause. Proceeds from this thrift shop support Animal Lifeline of Iowa, a no-kill shelter that accepts cats and dogs that are injured, handicapped or in need of any type of medical attention. Items you may find here include clothing, kitchenware, games and toys, and Christmas and seasonal accessories.

2. Almost Free Thrift Store
415 E. Euclid Avenue
Des Moines 50313

You can't miss this shop's vibrant, candy-colored storefront. Visiting Almost Free is like shopping at the biggest, best garage sale in town. Customers come from miles away to get bargains on clothing, tools, funky home decor and retro items like record albums and videos. Families love the large selection of still-in-the-package toys and games.

3. Hill Vintage and Knits
432 E. Locust
Des Moines 50316

This unique shop is right at home among the diverse shops in historic East Village. Its specialty is vintage clothing, shoes and accessories in all sizes for men, women and children. With a price range from $5 to $50, the pieces are extremely affordable. If you're an experienced or beginning crafter, Hill Vintage offers a variety of knitting and crocheting classes and groups.

4. Porch Light
526 E. Grand
Des Moines 50309

Porch Light began its life in Valley Junction before moving to East Village in October 2010. In keeping with the slogan, "Old Time Is Divine," owner Kate Shaw scours the Midwest to find authentic vintage and "vintage-inspired" pieces for the store. She loves hearing customers say that a visit to Porch Light is like a walk back in time.

5. Me'n Mommy To Be
3330 Westown Parkway
West Des Moines 50266

Are you expecting? Why pay top dollar for clothing and other items with limited usage? Me'n Mommy To Be is a maternity and children's boutique selling gently-used clothing and footwear, toys, furniture, books and accessories for mommies, kids and teens. The shop will also accept your items as an outright sale or on a consignment basis.

We'd love to hear from some of you experienced thrift store shoppers at Springs Des Moines. Tell us about your most exciting find in the comments!