Yesterday my daughter and I stopped into Goodwill to scope out the deals. Our local store has a new colored tag every Sunday, so we like to go early in the day. We ended up finding a handful of items for back to school and paid as little as $0.99 an item!
Girls skirt – $1.99 – 50% = $0.99
Girls sheer top with kitties – $1.99 – 50% off = $0.99
Tank tops for under tops (like new) – $1.99 – 50% off = $0.99 each
NFL-branded Seahawks sweatshirt – $3.99
Boys GAP khaki pants (like new) – $1.99 each
Boys Nike elite dry fit pants (like new) – $3.99
Total = $15.92, plus tax
We always start shopping for back-to-school clothing early in the summer so we have a good collection before school starts. I find that even if the particular tag color isn’t on sale – it’s usually still a better deal than going to the mall.
Here are some of my tips for thrift shopping:
- Have a list of what you’re looking for. Thrift shops can be overwhelming – but have a plan, for example looking for girls jeans or pants, and you’ll find yourself much less overwhelmed and your success rate goes up.
- Make sure to look on multiple racks, even if it’s not the size you’re looking for. I often find the treasures accidentally placed in the wrong size grouping.
- Look a size up. Different brands fit differently. Look a size or two larger and you can either buy ahead of find an item that will fit, even though the size is larger.
- Look closely for stains, snags, frays. Take the time to look over the clothing. Hold it up to the light. Do you see grease or food stains? Fraying? Missing Buttons, Tears? Check the ends of sleeves and the bottoms of dresses/pants.
- Pay attention to the tag color on sale. Often thrift stores will discount a particular tag color.
- Try it on to be certain. If you can, try on clothing at the store – they usually have dressing rooms! Check a store’s return policy.
- Go often. There are many times I stop into a thrift shop and walk out empty handed. It’s a treasure hunt that is sometimes fruitful and sometimes not. Be patient and you’ll find the deals!
Do you shop thrift shops for school clothes? What are your tips for saving on back-to-school clothes??
I stopped by Goodwill two weeks ago with my daughter. My horse riding helmet had just cracked a brim, and I happened to find a brand new, name brand one with tags still on – and in the box – for $10!
Not only was it a current model, it fit perfectly and meets all necessary safety standards. Normally this would have cost me closer to $100!!
You never know what you will find!