Cheap back-to-school shopping: The Goodwill Treasure Hunt

JACKSONVILLE. Florida. – For many kids, the first day of school is all about two things: friends and fashion! The right outfit is crucial and the newest item can make all the difference. But how can you keep your kids looking fresh without breaking the bank when the average family spends over $400 on clothes and shoes? Play the Mission Impossible theme music…

Meet the agents:

Agent Minor: A pre-pubescent middle school student who hates shopping.

Agent Little Minor: The little girl who loves the color blue, prefers shorts to dresses and values ​​comfort.

The challenge:

With a little persuasion, the two agreed on a mission: discount shopping at Goodwill. The rules were simple: If you like it and it fits, it's yours! Prices started at just $2.99 ​​for shorts, $3.49 for shirts, and $4.99 for dresses. And with color tags offering 40% off, there was potential for significant savings.

The experience:

Goodwill spokesperson Liz Morgan joined us on this adventure. At first the children were hesitant, but when they saw the treasures, their baskets started to fill up!

Liz Morgan described the experience as a treasure hunt for children and adults alike. She remembers the moment Agent Minor found a Fortnite shirt – his eyes lit up with what she called the “thrift sparkle.”

Surprises in the dressing room:

To everyone's surprise, even Agent Minor, who usually avoids shopping and trying on clothes, was in the mood. Meanwhile, Agent Little Minor was excited about her finds: there were plenty of shorts to last for several weeks and even a dress she wanted to wear!

Sustainability lessons:

Involving children in the shopping process teaches them valuable lessons about sustainability. As Liz Morgan pointed out, they could even go home and clean out their closets and donate clothes that no longer fit them to Goodwill.

The end result:

With baskets full of clothes and some unexpected finds, it was time to checkout. The total? Only $101.53! Even the kids were impressed when they realized they could return some of their other items.

Happy kids, a happy mom, and all within budget! Want to get the most out of your Goodwill shopping experience? Try shopping during spring cleaning season, after holiday weekends, when the store opens, or in upscale neighborhoods.