My Year of Thrifting for the Family

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This year, I attempted to thrift my family’s entire wardrobe (whoa boy what great timing with a global pandemic). I definitely cheated a few times. Sometimes, our kiddos need a very specific outfit for dance class or an emergency set of gloves. But beyond a few exceptions, I bought second-hand for the whole family – even myself and my husband. 

I scored this Elsa jacket at the Animal Lifeline of Iowa Thrift Shop.

Last year, I shared tips on where you go thrifting for holiday gifts in the Des Moines area. I have since discovered more thrift shops in the Des Moines area, including the Stuff Etc. chain with locations in Clive and Ankeny. Admittedly, I didn’t get to thrift as much this year, but I definitely got creative in my shopping. I’m here to share my secrets with you!

Tips for Thrifting

Kid Consignment Sales

I sold in the Just Between Friends sale this year and made some great money! I also

This entire outfit on my son was found at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale.

thrifted lots of great finds for both of my kiddos. I was so worried about jumping into consigning with them, but now I am hooked! If you are hesitant, reach out to other moms who have done it for advice.

Online Thrift Shopping

ThredUp is the largest online thrift shop, and sell kids’ clothing! They currently aren’t accepting clean out kits, but they add hundreds of new items every day!

There are many other online consignment or thrifting shops like Poshmark, SilkRoll, Mercari, and DePop. Even the local high-end consignment store Worn lists items on their website.

Secret Facebook Groups

I am in a few Facebook groups where we have clothing swaps. Some are free swaps, but most are for payment. I sold some of my items here, but I also bought quite a few. The groups range from Drake University gear to shoe lovers. Consider starting a swap group with your girlfriends!

Garage Sales

Yep! They still exist, and I would slam on my brakes every now and then to check out great deals. I got an Elsa pool for $0.25, and a trout print shirt for my husband. All for spare change collecting dust in my wallet.

What thrifting secrets do you have?

thrifting

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Niki Smith
Niki is an Iowa native who now lives with her husband Ryan, daughter Riley, and son Merritt in Johnston. She is passionate about paid leave for working parents, thrifting, and Beyonce. Niki is the Marketing Campaign Manager at Homesteaders Life Company in West Des Moines. She is also owner of Bee Thrifty, which consigns designer clothing for clients on Poshmark. Niki is a two-time graduate of Drake University with a bachelor’s in journalism (2008) and a Master’s in Communication Leadership (2015).

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