If I was buying my boy’s clothes, I may not be doing so at the Goodwill. I have 2 boys and they’re pretty rough on clothes, so I’d probably opt for new.
But, I’m not.
My boys are in charge of buying their own clothes.
One day Conner asked me why we always shopped at Goodwill, how tacky it was and how other stores were SO much better. I agreed. I said I loved the selection of new stuff at stores and let’s make sure to go to the store of his choice when he needed something next. I think he got one shirt at Kohls, and hasn’t said a word since then. Because, he’d rather buy games for his Kindle, then clothes. I’m guessing at some point this will change, and maybe at some point he’ll actually buckle down and do all the things on his chore list, at which point he could easily get clothes at a retailer of his choice (well, mostly, at least Kohls or an outlet store at the mall). Because life is full of hard choices I am glad he’s learning to make them now, when I’m the backup, rather then later when there isn’t a backup or he really gets in trouble.
This isn’t to say that I don’t supplement. He isn’t apt to get decent Sunday clothes on his own, so I’ll often come home with a pair of pants or a new shirt or even some ties. This is often a birthday/Christmas present and now that he’s getting his own clothes, he appreciates it even more.
Spencer is a lover of the funny t-shirt. He can’t get enough of them. Thank goodness for Goodwill.
Things I love to get for my boys at Goodwill:
1. Sunday clothes. Not often very worn and mostly have a lot of great use left in them.
2. Shoes — heavens knows boys go through shoes fast, and often there are brand new ones on the shelf just waiting for a new home. Luckily, with 2 boys at home, it is likely that one of them will fit the item. 🙂
Pants can be difficult, I probably find 4 or 5 pair a year that I think are decent enough to take home.
The main thing you have to realize is that people donate to Goodwill for many reasons and often the merchandise is REALLY new. And, if you can get a new pair of jeans for 3 bucks or a new pair of jeans for 30 bucks — which do you choose?
The problem is, if you get a really ugly ratty pair of jeans for 3 bucks, I’d rather buy the new pair for 15. You’re correct there. So, shop often and make sure you give each item a thorough going over with your eyeballs. You’ll find it worth it!
Some other thrift store posts you might find interesting, be sure to check out my family finances page too!
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