I actually love shopping at thrift stores.  I love thrift stores more than I love yard sales!  With back to school shopping starting up I always make it a point to visit my local thrift stores.  In my area we have Deseret Industries, Savers and a few random thrift & consignment shops.

I know lots of people don’t even want to step foot into a thrift store.  It’s funny cause I figured my sister was one who would never shop there, but then I found out that’s where she buys all of her purses.  Too funny!

Well I refuse to pay full price for things (seriously!) I shop the sales, buy grocery’s from the ad prices, and use coupons.  Contrary to popular belief thrift store are not all grubby & gross.  You can buy lots of name brand items, frequently with tags still attached!  I suggest if you haven’t gone in to dig through the treasures at the local thrift shop, you give it a try.  You might be surprised.

Yes there are things that they sell at thrift stores that there is no way I could buy.  I personally wouldn’t buy underwear, socks or shoes at thrift shops (call me crazy).

Jeans and coats are things that for sure we buy at thrift shops!  For myself for the summer I went and bought a bunch of casual skirts that I can wear every day.

Here are a few tips to help you find some great cheap school clothes at thrift stores.

1. Investigate Your Local Thrift Stores

The first step to finding cheap school clothes in thrift stores is to know your local thrift stores. Do a little scouting before you do your heavy shopping to help you figure out which stores have the best finds. It’s also helpful to know what days thrift stores have sales and what their return policies are.  Take a chance and ask your friends, chances are they are shopping there too!  At our local Savers if you take in a donation they will give you a couple for 20% off your next purchase (I always find something to donate before I go shop).

2. EEK… Take your kids with you.

I know I know.  I hate shopping with my kids too, but… it’s good to have them there with you so they can try on a few things.  Most thrift shops have a no return policy. Another reason is that things might sell before you get back. On days where our stores have big sales they sell the good stuff quick! There’s no sense in buying school clothes – even super cheap school clothes – if they don’t fit. If you can’t or won’t take your child with you, for whatever reason, at least make sure you know their size, what looks best on them, and their likes and dislikes.

3. Inspected by #MOM

No one wants to look like they are wearing thrift store clothes.  Watch for rips and stains.  Again, since typically there is a no return policy you don’t want to buy something you just have to throw away – if you do, what is the sense of trying to pinch your pennies.

4. Go to college! (or at least away from home)

If you have older kids, I highly suggest shopping at thrift shops near universities.  The students that are going home for the summer or graduating, don’t always want to pack everything up – they donate good stuff!  Another thing is that if you have older kids they might be embarrassed to be in a thrift shop in your home town.

5. Don’t go crazy, set a budget!

Just like any other shopping trip you make, set a budget.  Thrift shops have great prices, but you don’t want to go crazy – and you can also take this opportunity to teach your kids about value, saving and charity!