The back-to-school season can be stressful for many parents, especially when shopping for new clothes and supplies for their children. With school budgets becoming tighter and the cost of new clothes continually rising, many parents opt for second-hand shopping to get their kids school-ready without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been following me on the blog or social media, you know I love thrifting. We have such an amazing Goodwill near us, and the Goodwill clearance center is so cheap and a ton of fun. It makes it easy to shop at these stores FIRST for school shopping.
Not only is thrifting a great way to save money, but it is also a sustainable option that helps reduce waste. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of thrifting for back-to-school essentials and provide some tips for mastering the art of second-hand shopping.
Ditching pricey shopping sprees for thrifting? Genius move! Not only will you save some serious cash, but you’ll also be a superhero for the planet.
In this blog post, we will break down the awesomeness of thrifting and give you the inside scoop on how to become a master of second-hand shopping. So grab your shopping bags, and let’s get thrifty!
Advantages of Thrifting for Back-to-School Essentials
Thrifting for back-to-school essentials can save parents a significant amount of money. Second-hand stores often offer gently used clothes and supplies at a fraction of the cost of new items.
For example, at our local Goodwill, all children’s clothing pieces except for jackets and dresses are $2.11. C You can find sizes up to XL or 14. I’ve found unique sweatshirts, fancy jackets, and so much for $2.11 each.
My oldest will be shopping in the junior’s or women’s section this year. Those T-shirts at our Goodwill are $5 each. When looking at other retailers, you will spend at least $12 a shirt for juniors. You will spend at least $6 and up, even for kids’ shirts.
And the Goodwill clearance centers ( bins), well, those you pay by the pound, so any clothing items you find are the best deal.
When you are thrifting, not only can you find one-of-a-kind pieces to make their style truly stand out, but you won’t have to break the bank.
Save money and let your kids express themselves with seriously unique fashion finds. Trust us; they’ll thank you for it!
If you have a dirty local thrift store and you never see items that are brand name or in good condition, travel around until you find one. It’s worth it even if you must drive a half hour to an hour to find a good one.
Tips for Mastering the Art of Second-Hand Shopping
Be patient: Finding the perfect item takes time. Be prepared to spend a little while browsing the racks to find what you need. If it’s a busy store, consider going earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.
Be open-minded: Don’t get too caught up in brand names or specific styles. Remember that thrifting offers unique options you won’t find in the mall.
Check for quality: Inspect your items closely before buying them. Look for holes, stains, or wear and tear.
Shop off-season: Thrift stores often receive donations months in advance, so don’t be afraid to buy clothes for the next season, especially if you get them at a discounted price.
Shop Early in the Week: Mondays and Tuesdays are great days to look for new items. Stores are typically busier on the weekend and restock earlier in the week.
Support local thrift shops: Not only do locally owned thrift stores help support the community, but they also are more likely to have hidden gems in their inventory.
What to Look for When Thrifting for Back-to-School Essentials
When thrifting for back-to-school essentials, it’s crucial to have a game plan. Look beyond clothes and typical school supplies.
Consider purchasing items such as backpacks, lunch bags, and even electronics. When shopping for clothes, prioritize jeans, hoodies, and classic-style shoes.
Forget about those graphic tees and trendy accessories if you’ve got teens! They’ll be out of style faster than you can say, “What’s TikTok?” But hey, for us parents, who cares? Let’s rock those fanny packs and neon scrunchies like there’s no tomorrow!
Cleaning and Sanitizing Second-Hand Finds
Once you have found the perfect second-hand items, cleaning and sanitizing them before use is essential. Wash all clothes and fabrics in hot water with a high-quality detergent.
For non-fabric items, such as backpacks and lunch bags, spot-clean with a natural disinfectant and allow to air dry. Always inspect electronics before use and sanitize them with a disinfectant wipe.
Thrifting for back-to-school essentials is a smart choice for parents looking to save money and promote sustainability. With a bit of patience and an open mind, second-hand shopping can provide you with unique and affordable items for the upcoming school year.
Be sure to shop off-season, inspect items closely, and support local thrift stores. Don’t forget to clean and sanitize your second-hand finds before use. With these tips and tricks, you can master the art of second-hand shopping for back-to-school essentials.