Back to School thrift challenge

I remember the days of back to school time and how I would just sort of expect my parents to buy a bunch of brand new stuff for me, including clothes and supplies. That was way back in the late 1900's (as the kids these days say) and we didn't have near the pressures to have such expensive items as there are today. I can't imagine the financial strain that this can cause, especially in today's economy.

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I know there will be items that your kids want that you just won't be able to find at the thrift store, but I do think there is a lot of potential there to get at least a few things. If you train yourself to be a regular thrifter, though, going often and with intention, I really do think you can find almost everything that you need. That's a message for another post maybe.

I shared a $25 Summer Thrift Challenge a couple of months ago and offered up a few tips there that are just as helpful for back to school time too! 

1. Look at what you currently have. What's missing? What needs to be replaced?
2. While you're checking out your stash of goodies, look for things you can donate--and actually take them!
3. When you're thrifting, think outside of the box. Check the men's department for school-themes clothes (the style is over-sized anyway), look through the wallets (they tend to put a variety of small bags in there-thinking possible lunch bags or pencil cases), shop for name brand items you can resell to make some extra cash to buy the things you really want!

Pro-tip: It's ok to thrift things for a one-time use and then turn right around and re-donate them. Better to do that than take the time to pack them away never to be seen again...

Full disclosure for this particular thrift challenge... I borrowed all of these items (except for the water bottle) from a friend who thrifted them for her daughter for back to school. Not having any kids of my own, I didn't have a need to go out and find anything. She had already collected this pile of goodies, so it saved me time and money. Thank you, Kellee! I love that she was able to find (really cute) matching backpack and lunch bag...and they're Vera Bradley even!! 

Like I mentioned above, your kids' needs will vary, depending on age and tastes. However, I 100% believe that you can find just about everything you need at the thrift store. Even more so if you give yourself plenty of time to be on the lookout. I always try to remind you when I talk about thrifting, that I have an ever-evolving thrift wish list on my phone, depending on what items I want for myself or for others. That way, I always know what I need to be on the lookout for.

I had actually messaged my friend to ask her what she looks for at the thrift store for her kids' back to school list. At this point, she's really only shopping for one child for back to school, but in the past, she's been shopping for three! She sent me a great list: backpack, lunch box/bag, pencil case, toiletries or misc. bag, three ring binders, school pride gear. I love how she not only found all of these items, but they all have a similar color story!! 

I was excited to look through my stash and found that I had a thrifted water bottle that matches Kellee's back-to-school finds just perfectly! Not only does it match, but it's really cute too. I think that's an important point to remember...you can actually find current and stylish items at the thrift. You just have to be willing to look regularly and maybe do a little digging-I know that takes some people out of their comfort zones.

School pride gear can cost so much money! I think it's genius to be looking for your school spirit clothing items at the thrift store! A lot of times, these pieces are hardly worn and you can get them, looking almost new, for way less money than buying them brand new. If you're worried about stains or smells, I swear by Molly's Suds for getting and keeping our clothes clean and fresh. I always use it...especially on thrifted items!

Now, I was young once (it's been a long time, but still...) and I know that kids want what they want. You may get some pushback from them when it comes to thrifted items. This is where I would encourage you to make thrifting a regular part of life, so it doesn't seem so odd to them. Also, maybe make a game out of it or a bit of a challenge. Give your kids a certain amount of money, have them see what they can find at the thrift from the list of needs, and let them keep the change.

Also, don't limit yourself to just the thrift store for making back-to-school purchases. Other resources would be a friends and family trade, consignment shops, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace. Anywhere you can find gently used items that work for your needs is a win in my book! Save a little money, save the planet, and create a one of a kind, unique look!

I'd love for you to take the challenge too, if it sounds like fun! Share a pic of your finds on Instagram and tag me so I can see: @hilaryprall.

*Want to help out a teacher (or two) finish out their classrooms this year? Check out my post of Amazon Teacher Wish Lists!