In partnership with MERS Goodwill, I am sharing tips for back to school shopping with your tween while thrifting. I was given a gift certificate in order to shop for the items shown in this post.
If your Back to School shopping doesn’t include thrifting, you are missing out! Get some tips on getting your tween ready for school with finds from your local thrift shop.
Because of my mother-in-law, my daughter has been shopping in thrift stores since she was wearing Pull-ups. My MIL is a huge thrifter and always manages to find fabulous items while shopping. She taught my daughter a thing or two about finding some good items at the Goodwill, and now she is a pro as well. When MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries contacted me to partner in a back to school shopping post, I knew my tween would be perfect for the job.
While there are tons of eye catching trends at the mall, it can really be hard on your wallet. Picking up essentials at the thrift store is a wonderful alternative. You can often find many of the same types of styles at your local Goodwill, and pay way less than those fancy department stores.
Wanna know how?
My daughter and I are sharing 5 tips for back to school shopping while thrifting that can help you change the game. Read ’em below:
Plan then execute
It’s important to have a plan of attack while thrifting. What items are you looking for? What’s your budget? When back to school shopping with your tween, have them write out a wish list of sorts that you can use while in the thrift store. This will save time and keep the both of you organized. It’s all about shopping smarter, not harder.
Take your time
When thrifting with your tween, don’t rush them. Allow them time to walk about the store so they can get a good feel of what’s available. In order to find the perfect outfit, backpack, or accessory, you both will have to comb through the wonderfulness that is available. Take your time and make it a fun adventure that the both of you can enjoy.
Shop for all seasons
Because the thrift store usually encompasses items that people are giving away, don’t just look for things that are in season. For instance, while we were shopping, my daughter found the perfect blue jean jacket. Of course it’s too hot now for it, but some the cooler months, she will be rocking it daily. Keep your eyes open for deals that are appropriate for any season.
Think accessories
MERS Goodwill isn’t just for clothing and home items. Did you know they have accessories too? Backpacks, purses, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more! Your tween will be able to find the right accessories for the right price.
Showcase Style
Your tween is developing their own fashion savvy and sense of style. Let them pick out their own items to show a little independence, and encourage them to showcase their personality.
There you have it, folks! When it comes to thrifting with your tween, these tips will most certainly come in handy.
Everything shown in the bottom two photos were items that we got while thrifting. Not shown are (necklace, book, organizer bin, designer blue jean jacket, stuffed animal, and two purses–all for less than $50). You can see those in the video below.
As a working parent, saving money is key. Thrifting while back to school shopping is a smart way to get more bang out of your buck, and also gives back to your community. It’s a win/win.
Click HERE to learn more about MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries, or to find a location near you.
Special thanks to the Chesterfield MERS Missouri Goodwill for their awesome service.
I always loved back to school shopping when I was still in school! My favorite part was buying notebooks and stationary though… I was way more into that than I was into clothes and shoes haha
Stationery and office supplies were my thing back then too, and my thing now. LOL.
Big, big props for teaching your daughter about the value of a dollar. Thrifting is such a fun way to save money and be unique.
I have to give the credit to my mom in law. She started thrifting with her at such a young age that she now looks forward to it. 🙂
May daughters and I love to go thrifting. I have found some MAJORLY cool stuff at the thrift store. The Thrift Shop song is SO true! LOL
It looks like Macklemore made thrifting cool for this generation. LOL.
love teaching the younger generation to be thrifty!
I agree! It’s never too early to teach them how to spend wisely.
SO amazing that your teaching how to be thrifty. And the finds!!!!
Thanks for commenting. I am so glad that my daughter likes to go thrifting. 🙂
I have gotten my kids clothes from Goodwill. I need to check ours out soon. I need some new clothes and can’t afford to spend a ton of money.
I love thrift store shopping, you find so many good deals on things that you just don’t find anywhere else. I have been wanting to go back there and find some deals so maybe this weekend would be a good time to head back. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love thrift store shopping! You can always find some great items. I think it’s a great place to go for back to school shopping as well. You can find some great items there.
Great tips. I’m a big fan of Goodwill. But our locations don’t have cute things like yours. 🙁
Being on a budget is really hard. I love thrift shopping. It saves me so much money. Thank you for the added tips.
We live very close to Goodwill and my daughter and I go there once in a while. You can really fond great deals, you just have to look.
I love to thrift shop. Goodwill is one of my favorite places. Have you ever been to the Goodwill Outlet World?
What a great idea for saving some cash and finding awesome clothes! Love Goodwill and the always changing selection!
These are very practical back to school tips! Thrifting is so fun.