How have I not written a review of Indigo Hippo yet?!?! I've visited and donated many many times. It's a simply wonderful place! If you crafty, a student or teacher, or you want to find inspiration for an art projects, this place is for you! They help keep things out of landfills, especially unusual items that recycling programs typically won't take. Go rummage through old note cards, ribbon, fabric, etc., and give all those little odds and ends a new chance at life. What's not to love?!??! read more

Love the concept of this place! Saves a bit of waste and money by making one artist's trash another artist's treasure.

I have two problems with this place: 1) it's in Cincinnati, not in Cols where I live, & 2) the parking is somewhat problematic (it's in Over-the-Rhine -- if you are familiar with the area you'll know what that means.) BUT: It's so worth any hassle. The concept goes something like this - let's say you take up knitting. But then you realize you don't have the patience for knitting, your work ends up looking like a kindergartner did it, and besides the yarn makes you itchy. So now you have knitting needles, a bunch of yarn because OMG the yarns are so pretty, some magazines/books with patterns... and you live in a one-bedroom apartment. What are you supposed to do with this stuff you don't want anymore? Well, you could give it to someone you know is a knitter (but they probably already have needles and books of their own), you could drop it off at a thrift store - or, if you're lucky enough to live in the Cincinnati area, you could take it to Indigo Hippo, where your abandoned art/craft materials join those from a lot of other people's, and lucky people like me can go and wander through the aisles and find TREASURE. I found out about IH last year, but, despite multiple trips to visit family in Cincinnati since then, the timing just never matched up to go see the place for myself - until a couple of weekends ago. I do a lot of paper crafts, and I scored two large rubber stamps that usually go for $15-20 each, a stack of tissue paper the color of old parchment, some old maps, a couple of magazines to cut up for collage... and I paid I think $15 for the lot. Because here's the other cool thing about Indigo Hippo: it's "pay what you can afford." Most items are priced with a color dot, and the color of the dot may mean "$3-6" - if you can only afford $3 for it, that's what you pay. Another dot is "$.05-1.00". My stuff could have cost me as little as $6.20. The staff are amazingly knowledgeable about their stock and how things can be used (I learned things just eavesdropping on conversations while I was waiting in line) and super-friendly & helpful. I can't recommend Indigo Hippo enough, and I wish it was closer or that the Columbus arts/nonprofit community would revive the similar operation we used to have here - I would both donate and shop there. They also have a website where you can buy online, but they don't ship, you'd have to pick up in-store. I'm looking at how the timing on that would work for my next visit - I doubt it would be cool to buy now and expect them to hold it for me until late June. read more

Excellent service and good value and most importantly, find different items each time you shop! This is a definite hands on shopping experience but it's good to venture out into the world every once in a while and if you are daring enough to do that, the Hippo is a safe stop for you on your journey that will push your creative spirit into overdrive! read more

I love this store so much. The concept itself is awesome. This is the way people should be buying art supplies- sustainable and affordable

Do you have thrifty art related knick knacks or used ribbon you're willing to donate? Perhaps, it's time for a creative project and you're in need of supplies. Within city walls, along Main Street, lies a hub of quirky and local. A personal best-loved is Indigo Hippo, a 501-(c)(3) nonprofit. Located in the heart of Over the Rhine, it acts as a Creative Reuse Center (think art supply thrift store); with pay-what-you-can pricing. Through exceptional volunteers your he(art)s needs shall be met! read more

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Omg how I love this concept and shop! I'd been here once years ago when they were down the street, and loved it then and even in thos smaller spot, I love it now. It's a non-profit that has all kinds of art supplies and oddities with a unique pricing structure. They put a tiny colored sticker on items to indicate a "range" of suggested pricing and then when you check out, you put together a total using the range guide. That part feels a little weird but probably just because it's so unusual. It's especially great for artists and kids- like the substitute for a jar of buttons and beads that I'd get every summer as entertainment. Every city should have one of these. Artists are notoriously strapped for cash, yet art supplies are notoriously expensive, so this is a great place to help those who want to create but don't have the hugest budget. Wish we had one in Indy. Especially great for mixed media artists and you never know what you might find here! read more

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This is a great little gem downtown that I do not know how I've never been to before! The store is full of good condition craft supplies on a pay what you can basis. Craft supplies are EXPENSIVE this make them so much more affordable and makes doing art accessible for all. Highly recommend if you have an artsy side or just want to add some creativity to your life! read more

Indigo Hippo - Thrift Stores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love this store. They have tons of things to create with. There's a small rack of reusable containers I just noticed. It's a non-profit supply store. Beads, paint, sewing, stamps, times magazines, glass and tiles pieces. Literally so much. If you have any kind of project, you should definitely check in here. They have small price ranges like one color is one dollar to three dollars and you name your price within that range. read more

This place was an awesome shop to start up my knitting hobby in, highly reccommend! Planning on going back for more

My cousin, who's an art teacher, and I stopped by yesterday. I'm a card maker. Wowza! The store is small, but well organized. It is full of everything crafty. We both found many supplies we needed. This store is quite the find. I'll be back soon. And btw, you can order online and pick up at the store too. read more

I've been wanting to visit this store. There's such an amazing selection. Most everything is donated and they offer tax donation documentation. Everything was in excellent shape. read more

Indigo Hippo - "A thrift store for art supplies" - Thrift Stores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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What's better than a thrift store for craft supplies? Nothing. This place was absolutely amazing the first time and just as great on my most recent visit. Like your average thrift store, their offerings area based on what it donated. They have scrapbooking, painting, jewelry making, knitting, and sooooo much more. Since they're new, they are taking thoughts into consideration as they move forward. If you're a crafter in Cincinnati, you definitely need to check out this store! read more

Indigo Hippo - Everything a Crafter/DIYer needs!!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

What terrific little shop! I LOVE a business that promotes reuse and recycling, so a coworker and I trekked 14 blocks in each direction to check out Indigo Hippo recently. Worth the walk! Even though I "only" bought some embroidery thread for my cross stitch, I loved browsing through all the treasures neatly organized in the shop. The woman who was working that day was so friendly and helpful. Since they rely on donations you might not find exactly what you are looking for, but this will be a bonus for truly creative people. The pricing is "pay what you want" which can feel a little awkward at first. The saleswoman said people usually offer about half of retail price. I'm looking forward to cleaning out potentially crafty items from my house and taking them to the shop! Indigo Hippo also maintains inspiring social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. You should absolutely follow them. read more

I'm in love with this store and it's mission. If I lived in Cincinnati, I'd be there weekly. I was thrilled to visit, purchased some things, and enjoyed sifting through the treasures! Thank you for doing what you do!! Love it!! read more

Checked out this place for the first time today and I'm really impressed! I recommend going in with an open mind and an idea of a project you'd like to make, rather than a list of specific things you need like for a more traditional art store. I went in on the hunt for some specific pens and came out with watercolor paints, an incredible unopened pack of blank cards perfect for birthdays and making pretty thank yous, and all sorts of fun things for my bullet journal spreads. This is the kind of place that inspires you by visiting--now I know the next time I'm interested in a project (like making something with cork, or smaller pieces of fabric, or a collage, or want to experiment with stamps or collages or fabric dyes) I should definitely come here for some inspo and be led by the materials. The environmentally-friendly aspect is a huge perk as well, and because of it you can make all sorts of interesting projects with materials that are really expensive or impossible to find elsewhere! The way it works during COVID-19 is that you make an appointment online to shop for 30-minute increments, but they didn't kick me out when I accidentally went over so there was a little flexibility. And it's amazing that it's pay-what-you-can, so when you have a few more dollars floating around you can support them but when you don't, you can still do creative things! I really appreciate the homey vibe of the store and know I will definitely be back the next time I'm in a creative slump. Only downside is that I think I'm going to be needing some more craft storage at home! read more

Love, love, love Indigo Hippo! An artist thrift store - what more could you ask for in Cincy! Name your price, helpful, and full of surprises and unique items! I could spend hours in here! read more

This might become my new favorite store! I love the concept of thrifted art supplies and honestly surprised that no one thought of it sooner. The other times I've tried to come here it's been closed but I finally made it in today. Like any thrift store it can be overwhelming to try to dig through the massive piles of stuff but this store makes it a little easier with supplies organized by type. Like sewing projects, painting projects, sand art and more! You can basically find anything you could ever want or didn't know you wanted to complete an art project here. On this trip there was lots of what you would expect like fabric, markers, crayons, glitter, paints, canvas, beads, paper etc. but also some cool recycled items like those plastic beer can lids, containers and stationary. There were also lots of new still in the package items. Which makes me even more excited for this store because you pay what you think is fair for every item meaning you get things for dirt cheap compared to in a regular store. The girl behind the register, I assumed the owner, let me know that they will take donations of almost any art related supply except for heavy electronics and really big stuff probably because they would have no room! The store is on the small side. I can't wait to come back to find more stuff for my projects and bring in all the supplies I've been hoarding over the years that I probably won't ever use. read more

My husband and I stopped in to see what we could find for paint and supplies, and wow, there's a lot here. Fabric swatches, color paper, buttons, bottle caps, color pencils, oil paints, acrylic paints, brushes, and I could keep going. The fact that everything has been donated so things can be repurposed is neat. They have a color sticker "suggested" pay scale posted to give you an idea of what to pay when you're ready to check out. Because you know if you were to buy this stuff new at any other craft store you would be paying much more. I love this store. And what a great concept too! read more

This place is just what I needed! Like most crafters, I'm a hoarder of suppliers because one day I might need it. Most days I don't. Hearing there is a thrift store for art and craft supplies is exactly what I need to know exists so that I can part with my treasures and know another will find joy and use in them. At home, I have a box that I'm gathering more stuff to donate. But first I wanted to visit to make sure they take my type of stuff (more craft, less art). My first visit, I took a box of magazines, which they accepted saying many use them for collages. Perfect! I looked around and found sewing patterns, yarn, paper of all sorts, rubber stamps, paint, frames, and more. I ended up buying a stick and bottles of paint I need for a project. When I'm done painting I'll return the un-used bottles. Payment is pay what you value the item so bundle up your selections and make a decent donation knowing that if you had to pay retail for any of this stuff, it would be way more. read more

Wow, this place is what dreams are made of. Come here with a project in mind, or come here and let the store inspire your next project. There are plenty of supplies to suit either plan! read more

This is the best place in the world for a creative! So much to work with, so many projects in the making! Great selections, great prices, friendly helpful staff! read more

What a cool idea! Why have I never found a place like this before?! This place is a thrift store for craft supplies! Yes!! Craft supplies!! From now on, I'm totally shopping here. Yes, you'll have to find parking (either a meter or a garage). But coming here instead of one of the big crafting stores will probably get you a better price AND you'll be supporting an awesome local business!! read more

A small shop on a fun street that I'll have to visit many times in the future! I love the concept of an art thrift store and there was so much to offer! I bought a wooden figure an eraser and purchased one of their hippo pins all for $3! I'll definitely be returning here very soon! read more

Amazing place!!! Got a bunch of things for really cheap and will go back many times. It has a variety of different art supplies that is all low price. Love the idea of pay what you can, it will save people loads of money. read more

I donated items to this store long before I ever visited (someone else delivered the items) and I love it! I love it's mission and the entire principle on which it operates. I'm starting a new business offering Inner Child creativity workshops and the selection of paper and colored pencils, markers and crayons was awesome. The selection is very broad and you'll find items that don't necessarily fit into the "art supply" category. If you are the least bit creative, I recommend you stop in this store. The staff was extremely helpful and knew the stock well. It is a donation based system and while they do have things coded to a recommended range I was still a bit apprehensive about what I should give. The cashier suggested an amount about half of what I was expecting so I gave the amount I thought it was going to be, it was still an incredible deal. When I do my workshops, I will encourage participants to bring along any surplus supplies they have laying around and will donate to Indigo Hippo on their behalf. read more

Such a cool place! You can find almost anything you need to complete a project. Definitely going back soon. LOVE LOVE LOVE

This place has so much stuff its overwhelming - in a good way! If you're looking to start a creative project and aren't sure what yet, head to this store anyway because there is so much inspiration inside. It is pick you price which I thought was very cool! I got a lot of cool inking stamps, fabric paints and paintbrushes. All of which are in very good condition. Will definitely be going back soon read more

Love the concept and the supplies available for purchase - I'm a crafter who gets bored often and wants to try new things, so this shop creates a low $ barrier to entry for me to do that! Also, they do programming in the community so I'm an even bigger fan! Things are fairly well organized and the shop help is always friendly, plus parking is really not an issue right by the store. I've been a few times and found lots of unusual things that I'd not been planning to buy, but am eager to use - like any thrift shop, its good to go in not having one specific thing you're looking for because you never know what you'll stumble upon! read more