We have found that Church/Rummage sales are frequently the best place to find bizarre toys (see picture- we still haven’t identified this find!), kitchen items, and funky clothing.
Garage sales are good for furniture, kids clothes, and recreational items (like skis). They can also be a good place to find standard toys and books, though not always at the best prices. Once you’ve been to a few book sale bag days, even 50 cents will seem like too much for most books (see Book’em Danno!).
Flea markets are a gold mine for vintage toys, antique furniture, and wacky items (like jars of buttons or a collection of rusty weather vanes). The downside to a flea market is that depending on the vendor, they might not bargain. Prices can be steeper at flea markets. You may also run into someone selling brand name items at store prices (or even higher than store prices).
One of our stranger rummage sale finds.
Tip: You can use http://www.rummagewisconsin.com/ if you happen to live in our State.