BuduBu Thrift Store & Art Collective

Welcome to BuduBu Thrift Store & Art Collective, Waukee's most unique shopping destination where thrifting meets artistic expression. Located at 43 NE Carefree Lane, this vibrant community hub offers an eclectic mix of pre-loved treasures and locally crafted artwork that reflects the creative spirit of central Iowa. BuduBu isn't just a thrift store—it's an experience that combines sustainable shopping with artistic discovery, creating a space where every visit reveals something new and unexpected. What sets BuduBu apart from other thrift shops in the Waukee area is its dual identity as both a curated secondhand store and an art collective. The bright, thoughtfully organized space showcases carefully selected vintage clothing, home goods, and accessories alongside original artwork and handcrafted items from Iowa artists. This community-centered approach has quickly made BuduBu a favorite among Waukee residents looking for both affordable treasures and unique ways to support local creativity.

Store Information

43 NE Carefree Ln, Waukee, IA 50263

Phone: +1 515-528-2285

Website: http://www.budu-bu.com/

Store Hours

  • Monday: 10AM-8PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM-8PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM-8PM
  • Thursday: 10AM-8PM
  • Friday: 10AM-8PM
  • Saturday: 10AM-8PM
  • Sunday: 10AM-5PM

What They Sell

BuduBu Thrift Store & Art Collective offers a thoughtfully curated selection of secondhand treasures alongside locally made art pieces. Their inventory regularly features vintage and contemporary clothing for all ages, gently used furniture, home décor, kitchenware, books, and vinyl records—all at accessible price points. The art collective portion showcases handmade jewelry, prints, paintings, ceramics, and fiber arts created by Iowa-based artists, with new pieces arriving weekly. What makes shopping at BuduBu special is their commitment to quality over quantity. Unlike some larger thrift operations, each item is carefully inspected and selected, ensuring that shoppers find well-maintained, unique pieces that still have plenty of life left in them.

The Neighborhood

Nestled in the heart of rapidly growing Waukee, Iowa, BuduBu enjoys a prime location on NE Carefree Lane, just minutes from the popular Kettlestone development and the Waukee Public Library. This burgeoning Des Moines suburb combines small-town charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal shopping destination. The store sits in a cozy commercial district that's easily accessible from both the new Grand Prairie Parkway interchange and from historic Waukee Triangle, offering convenience for both locals and visitors exploring this dynamic community.

Parking

BuduBu offers convenient free parking in the shared lot directly in front of the store on NE Carefree Lane, with approximately 15-20 spaces available for customers. During peak shopping times (typically weekend afternoons), additional overflow parking can be found along the street or in the adjacent public lot just east of the building. All parking options are within a short walking distance, making it easy to transport even larger thrift finds to your vehicle.

Shopping Tips

  • Sign up for BuduBu's text alerts at checkout to receive notifications when new art pieces arrive and for exclusive monthly 25% off promotions.
  • Visit on the first Thursday of each month when the store hosts 'Thrift & Sip' evening events featuring local musicians, refreshments, and special discount sections.
  • Check the color-coded tags when browsing—items with yellow tags are always 50% off their marked price.
  • Bring your own reusable shopping bag to receive $1 off your purchase, supporting BuduBu's sustainability mission.
  • Don't hesitate to ask staff about their layaway program for larger furniture pieces or artwork priced over $75.

Nearby Thrift Stores

Other thrift, vintage, and second-hand stores near BuduBu Thrift Store & Art Collective:

Find More Thrift Stores in Waukee, IA

Discover more second-hand shops and vintage stores near Waukee, IA.