Although there are numerous ways to save on kid’s clothing, one avenue that I think is greatly overlooked is thrift stores. Growing up, my mom would go thrift store shopping all the time. As a child, I loved going shopping at thrift stores with her. However, once I became an adult, I avoided going this route due to my lack of patience. Therefore, I did not buy my sons’ clothes from thrift stores mainly because it felt too time-consuming. I would go crazy hunting through aisle after aisle of clothing just to find one suitable outfit. So, unfortunately, I ended up spending more money than I needed on their clothes. Today’s helpful tips are sponsored by Deseret Industries in partnership with Boncom, all opinions are my own.
When Joy was born, I was blessed to have friends bring over bags and bags of clothing their kids had outgrown. To my surprise, most of the clothes were from brand names such as; Gymboree, Baby Gap, Carter, OshKosh B’gosh, and other similar labels. I kid you not, for the first two years of her life; I didn’t have to shop at all! Once I started buying her clothes, I quickly discovered you could spend a pretty penny on one outfit due to all the added accessories available for girls. I had to learn fast how to find quality kid’s clothing for less, in order, to keep my daughter wearing the best!
I avoided going shopping at thrift stores for so many years, and it cost me big time. But in the end, mommy is always right, so I developed a quick and easy way to find great deals at thrift stores.
Here are 10 Tips on Getting Thrift Store Scores on Name Brand Toddler Clothing
(Please feel free to share these tips with your friends by clicking on the bottom on the left and above this post).
Preparation
1) Before you head out on your shopping adventure dress your child in comfortable clothing, such as a tee shirt, leggings, and shorts. This will make it easier for you to try clothes on your kids.
Have a Method
2) Look to see if the item is a higher-end name brand first. Then check the price to make sure you are getting a good deal.
3) If you are unfamiliar with the prices of an individual brand, do a Google search via your phone to compare the prices. Plenty of online shopping solutions will show you the average price and what the best deal really looks like.
4) To find matching outfits, search through all the tops first putting the ones you like in your basket. Once you are finished looking at tops, pull your favorite three from the pile and match them with shorts, shirts, or pants.
5) Next, search through the dresses and pick all of the ones that fit your taste.
6) Once you’ve found all the clothes you like go back through your entire selection checking for stains, imperfections, and loose threads.
Shop Ahead
7) When you see a super cute piece that is way too big for your child, buy it anyway and save it for later. I usually buy 1 or 2 outfits that are two sizes larger than Joy’s current size and put them away for next season.
8) Buy non-name brand items such as shorts, tops, or pants that are in good condition and cost less than $2.00. These make awesome play clothes, and you don’t have to worry about your child ruining their outfit.
9) If you spot an upcoming holiday outfit or super cute handmade item, that is a few sizes bigger purchase it for later. This will help you save money on holiday and specialty photos.
Don’t Forget
10) When you get home from your shopping trip, wash the clothes first before putting them away.
I recently went shopping for Joy’s summer clothes at Deseret Industries’ new store in Fontana, CA. I was able to find over 15 outfits for her; most of which I can mix and match extending her summer wardrobe to over 30 outfits! I bought over 24 items for less than $61.00 including tax. I spent about $4.50 per outfit and 17 of the 24 items were from Gymboree, Baby Gap, OshKosh B’gosh, Crazy 8, and The Childs Place.
The next time you go thrift store shopping, don’t forget to use the method above as it will save you time and money. Click here to find the Deseret Industries store near you.
In 2014, Deseret Industries
Served nearly 12,000 associates.
- Provided more than 75,000 community grants (vouchers to needy families for free merchandise from DI, granted through partnerships with other charitable organizations in the communities served by DI).
- Helped place more than 3,500 individuals in permanent, full-time employment following their training at DI.
- Produced more than 55,000 humanitarian kits to provide relief to victims of disasters around the world.
- Manufactured and shipped more than 72,000 mattresses and 20,000 wood furniture items for sale in DI stores and for humanitarian relief.
- Deseret Industries has 42 retail stores and donation centers in seven western states, one humanitarian center, and one furniture manufacturing facility.
Do you have any great tips on getting thrift store scores on toddler clothing? Please share in the comment below.
Juliana RW says
Thanks for your tips. I don’t have any tips to add, I just buy comfortable cloths for my boys.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I think it’s totally hit or miss, but I have definitley gotten some amazing scores at thrift shops for my boys.
Katherine King says
Honestly it is much harder to do with boys because they tend to be harder on their cloths. However, you can find deals.
Susan Smith says
She is a cutie. My tip is to visit the shop often so you can get a better chance of finding clothes.
Katherine King says
You are so right!!! I use to go with my mom weekly.
BellaVidaLetty says
You found so many adorable outfits. So cute.
Katherine King says
Thank you!! 🙂
Rosanne Morrison says
Great tips about thrift store shopping. I particularly liked the one about finding the tops first and the other one about washing them first before putting them away. Our local store has 50 cent days that are very popular.
Emily Endrizzi says
I love thrift store shopping for children’s clothing. I don’t have any tips to add to yours. I think you covered it all. You can also find great deals and great name-brand clothing at yard sales and consignment stores. Sometimes the consignment stores have better quality items, but the prices are often higher than thrift stores.
Keikilani says
I love a good thrift store find! You can find some really amazing deals. The key for me and thrifting is to be patient and open minded. Today may be nothing, tomorrow the mother-load!
Katherine King says
That is totally right and to get there early on saturdays
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I was grateful for the many people who brought us clothes as well. Now it is my turn to pay it forward to the next mom.
Katherine King says
You can do that buy going thrift store shopping for them. I plan on doing that in the future.
Elizabeth O. says
She is adorable and those are cute outfits. Thanks for your tips.
Katherine King says
Thanks You 🙂
Keonté says
I always suggest that people shop for clothing for children at the thrift store. They grow so quickly that they barely wear the clothing a lot, leaving them close to brand new, which in turn make wonderful thrift store donations. It’s a great cycle. And I love your tip about using Google. I ALWAYS Google brand names to check for quality and to see if I am getting a good deal. These are great tips that you have.
Liz Mays says
What a great idea to start with the tops first and then match up your faves. I’ll have to try that myself!
Dhemz says
awww…shes’s a cutie! when my daughter was little, I always shop at Thrift Stores. Yep, they have plenty of name brands to choose from. I love your haul.
Katherine King says
Thank You, I was so thannkful for all the stuff I found this round 🙂
Mhar Sefcik says
These tips are motivating. I rarely buy full-priced toddler clothing. It is always the very best price I get.
Katherine King says
I don’t pay full price unless I just have to buy it for her.
MyKidsGuide says
Those are awesome tips. Your picks are just cute and stylish. I need to dig more in my thrift store
Katherine King says
If you take a little time you will find a ton of stuff. 🙂
Marya says
I love getting awesome deals at Thrift stores. Mostly name brand items, and great footwear. I only buy for boys, so the clothes aren’t a big deal, but I love finding hardly-used Nike running shoes for $2!
Katherine King says
that’s a great find!!!
Yona Williams says
I’ve never had to shop for toddler clothes, but I must say that your lil’ one is the most adorable model for this post. As a side note, I’ve found some of my most favorite dresses for myself at the thrift store.
Katherine King says
I haven’t gone shopping for myself at a thrift store but the last time I did. I found a SAK back for $10. I was sooo happy 🙂
Maggie says
I’m not as much on brand name as I am comfort! That’s what I typically look for for my 3 boys!