With the exception of a few items like underwear, or if I have special occasion and absolutely can’t find something at a thrift store, we buy almost all of our clothing secondhand. Especially kid’s stuff. In our opinion, the kids just don’t wear it long enough size-wise, or keep it clean enough to warrant brand new, expensive items.
When we thrift or garage sale, we look for items that are in excellent condition and find we can actually afford more pieces, better quality and sometimes name brand items this way too. In general, we try to avoid purchasing any dry-clean only items, new or used as it just adds to the expense of owning the piece. Some thrift stores even do half-off events. Half-off thrift store prices! I can do that!
As another money saving tip, consider shopping outside of your normal department. I have purchased little boy’s tennis shoes for myself when I couldn’t find any on sale in my size. I’m not picky! FYI a size 7 Women’s is a 5 in Boy’s!
My neighborhood has a “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook. I have gotten brand new toys right after Christmas, last year’s New York Times best seller, cookware, even a new (to me) light fixture. Best part is you can ask for things, too! Need just a few sprigs of thyme? Short an egg for some cookies? Post and ask your neighbors! It’s a nice and easy way to pass things along, too.
This is an awesome tip! Thanks for sharing!