Thrift shopping!

Shopping at thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do. I love bargains!

With the daycare, I can save so much money on toys, puzzles, and games. I still check to see if all the pieces are there, and if they aren’t, I don’t buy it. Kids can be very destructive, so if the items don’t last long, I am only out a couple bucks, instead of four times as much if I purchased it new. It also helps me turnover toys frequently, so they don’t get bored with what is out.

Thrift shops are a great place to purchase extra clothes for your kiddo to keep at daycare or for items your kiddo might need for a costume. When my daughter had to dress as her favorite historical figure, we went to a thrift store for her outfit. Why spend tons of money for something they are going to wear for twenty minutes?

I have found lots of craft items thrifting as well. We go through a lot of craft supplies for the daycare, and the kiddos love new materials to work with in the art area. I have also found wrapping paper and bulletin board paper and borders thrifting. Those things are expensive when purchased at full price.

Thrift stores are a great place to shop for clothing for your family. I have found coats, new shoes ( I am really picky about footwear,) jeans, T-shirts, leggings, etc. at thrift stores. Many are name brands that would cost lots more if purchased new. Kiddos grow out of things so quickly that you can spend a fortune on clothes just keeping up! I am very selective when I buy clothes though. I want them looking as if they are brand new or I won’t buy them.

Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to reuse products and keep them out of the landfills. This is especially true of single-use items such as markers and other art supplies. I have seen health and beauty items there as well.

Young kiddos are not usually picky about what they wear or the toys they get to play with, so thrift stores are a great way to shop for them and save money.

We have four thrift stores that I can think of off the top of my head that are ten minutes away or less. Some are difficult to shop, as they are unorganized and take a lot of time to rifle through, but others I know the layout well and can browse quickly. The turnaround of products is quick, so there are always new products to check out. When it is garage sale time, every weekend there are lines of people dropping off items that did not sell, so those are prime times to check out the thrift stores. Many stores also have special sales throughout the month or additional discounts for seniors or veterans. Get on the email lists for those stores so you don’t miss out on even bigger bargains!

The next time you need a “new” item of clothing or want to get your kiddo something “new,” try out a thrift shop, and see if you can’t find a bargain!