Back-to-school shopping on a budget: The Goodwill treasure hunt

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

Meet the Agents:

Agent Minor: A pre-teen middle schooler who despises shopping.

Agent Little Minor: The baby girl who loves the color blue, prefers shorts over dresses, and is all about comfort.

The Challenge:

With a little arm-twisting, these two agreed to take 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 some serious savings.

The Experience:

Goodwill spokesperson Liz Morgan joined us for the adventure. At first, the kids were hesitant, but once they saw the treasures available, their baskets began to fill up and kept filling!

Liz Morgan described the experience as a treasure hunt for both kids and adults. She recalls the moment when Agent Minor found a Fortnite shirt—his eyes lit up with what she called the “thrifting twinkle.”

Dressing Room Surprises:

To everyone’s surprise, even Agent Minor, who typically avoids shopping and trying on clothes, got into the spirit. Meanwhile, Agent Little Minor was thrilled with her finds, plenty of shorts to last for weeks and even a dress she was willing to wear!

Lessons in Sustainability:

Involving the kids in the shopping process teaches them valuable lessons in sustainability. As Liz Morgan pointed out, they might even go home and clear out their closets, donating clothes that no longer fit back to Goodwill.

The Final Tally:

With baskets full of clothes and some unexpected finds, it was time to face the checkout. The grand total? Just $101.53! Even the kids were impressed, realizing they could take back some of their other stuff.

Happy kids, a happy mom, and all under 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 high-end neighborhoods.