Back to School Thrifting Tips

6 Simple Back to School Thrifting Tips

Don’t miss our first-ever Facebook Live Fashion Show schedule for Monday, August 19 at 2 pm, live from our Pine City Thrift Store!

It doesn’t matter if you’re outfitting your kid for kindergarten or teen for high school, back to school shopping can really add up! Being the savvy thrifter you are, you know that Family Pathways Thrift Stores can help you make the most of your back-to-school budget. Here are a few tips to help you out.

1. Stay up to date with sales and promotions

Family Pathways Thrift Stores strives to provide you the best value on donated goods while also raising funds for our community programs and services. We use a pricing guide that gives industry-wide price ranges for types of merchandise. We also rely on the knowledge and expertise of our staff to place what they believe is a fair price on all items. Our sales and promotions provide extra savings. Plus, we reward our loyal customers with our Frequent Buyer Bucks (FBB) stamp card program. 

We frequently post our sales and promotions on our Facebook page, and you can always find the current promotions on our website. 

We have discounts varying from 25-90% off color tags throughout the month. Every Tuesday is Senior and Military Discount Day, with 25% off for our customers who are 55 and older or members of the military. And starting September 9, every Monday is Kids Day, with 25% off all kids size clothing, kids games and toys. (Check back at our website — more details to come on that soon!)

2. Come after the sales are done

This might seem counter-intuitive, but this is a sure-fire way to get your hands on the trendiest and hottest brands! After racks are cleared from a big sale, we restock with new inventory. That’s your chance to get first dibs on new merchandise! And even without a sale, you know you’re getting a great bargain and helping your community to boot!

3. Look for multi-season outfits and staples

Light sweatshirts and 3/4 sleeve shirts can take a kid from late summer through fall. Layer it with a sweater, and you’re ready for winter. 

Of course, jeans and denim are perfect for any season. Don’t forget about skirts, camis and tights for girls. Polo shirts and button-up shirts for boys are timeless staples. And they’re dressy enough that there’ll be no reason to panic when your little guy informs you that his class pictures are THAT DAY.

4. Don’t be afraid to bring the kids 

Sure, some of the younger ones might make a beeline for the toys, but they can have a lot of fun picking out their own school clothes. Plus, sizing between brands can vary widely. It’s a good idea to have your kids try on their clothes, as sales are final on all clothing at Family Pathways and most other thrift stores. 

5. Don’t forget the school supplies

Family Pathways Thrift Stores have a variety of the supplies kids need to face the school year. From crayons to notebooks to backpacks, you can find great deals that make the grade.

6. Finally, don’t forget about yourself

You’ll find candles with relaxing scents, fun coffee mugs, exciting novels and pretty much everything you’ll need to provide a few moments of escape and relaxation during what can be a stressful time of year for parents too!

Back to school thrifting in action

Kristen, the manager of our Ham Lake Thrift Store is a master thrifter. She recently saved over $100 on her back to school shopping! Here’s the recent haul she scored for her kiddos:

Wyoming Family Pathways Thrift Store 

Ruffhewn men’s jeans $16.99/ FP Price $ 6
Champion sweatshirt $20/ FP Price $6
Pact organic cotton tee $20/ FP Price $3.50
Sketchers men’s shoes $20/ FP Price $13.50

The final cost was only $29! So she Rounded-Up her purchase for the Family Pathways’ Commit to Kids campaign for the extra stamp and to fill her FBB card. Retail would have been $76.99! 

 Forest Lake Family Pathways Thrift Store 

Rue 21 men’s shoes $30/ FP Price $7.50
New Old Navy sweater $29.99/ FP Price $8.50
Five new Gildan Brand T-shirts  FP Price $1.50 each
Girl’s Justice Brand hoodie $25/ FP Price $3.50
One pair of SO leggings $5/ FP Price $2.50

With a full FBB and rounding up to Commit to Kids, she spent $22 for what would have cost $97.50 at the mall!

 What would have cost $175 was only $52 instead, thanks to Family Pathways Thrift Stores! That’s a savings of $123!