Dutch from Sweet Juniper is psyched about passing on his love for thrift stores to toddler Juniper. His recommended outing sounds best for a toddler who will truly enjoy the piles of broken baby dolls, rusty toy cars and weird furniture that a thrift store has to offer.
(photo: Sweet Juniper in a thrifted outfit)
If you are all about the 80s, vintage dresses, and velour, venture out to a thrift store, and bring baby with you.
We tried it when we had two toddlers and Holden really enjoyed hiding among the dusty clothing racks while Julian pushed the laundry baskets of books from here to there over and over. The store we tackled didn’t have much for kids but as we left we saw a trendy mom pushing a happy baby in a stroller with a Goodwill bag over her arm. Did she read my mind and know about this outing already? Did she find board books for $0.25? We didn’t. But we will try again in a sketchier neighborhood next time.
Mmmm that thrift store smell!
Tips from another Cheapskate:
Instead of changing stores, figure out when your store does most of its restocking. Try going during the week rather than on the weekend, when the stuff is more picked over. And go during school hours–fewer kids left alone to play / wreak havoc in in the toy aisle.
Great idea! I bring all of the clothes that we are finished with to consignment stores and we always do a bit of shopping while we are there. A great way to recycle and reduce some of the overstated consumerism and throw away culture that has emerged.
Thrift stores are perfect for hunting for Halloween costumes too!
we just did this on Tuesday! Our church owns a thrift store, so they gave me a key so I could go at any time, i.e. no customers, so my daughter has her run of the place! My husband is the pastor so they treat us well. I am sure if I told them certain things I was in search of they would keep an eye out. If you start a regular relationship with a local store, they may help you out!