Budget-Friendly Match Activity: Thrifting with Your Little

Match Activities
Written By Angela Reis

Thrifting is a great way to find unique items, save money, and shop more sustainably. It is also a low-cost activity you can do with your Little! Whether you're a complete beginner to thrifting or looking for ideas on how to thrift with your Little. Here’s some tips and creative approaches to this fun activity:  

Before You Go Thrifting 

  • Make a List and a Budget: It's easy to get overwhelmed and buy things you don't need just because they're cheap. Before you go, make a list of items you're looking for you and your Little to look out for, but also be open to surprises. Set a budget to avoid overspending.  

  • Do Your Research: 

  • Find Stores: Use Google Maps to find local thrift stores and read reviews to get an idea of their selection and prices.  

  • Know the Schedule: Some stores have specific days for putting out new merchandise or running special sales. Following them on social media can give you an edge. 

Thrifting games for you and your Little 

Make your thrifting outing into a game or a craft project: 

Thrifting Treasure Hunt 

Try to think of things you may find with your Little before you thrift and make a “treasure hunt” list that may include: board games, t-shirts, clothing items, a blue glass cup or a coffee mug for hot chocolate? Get creative on items you may look for together. 

The Price is Right! 

Come up with a small budget of $.50 up to $5/$10 or so and see what you both can find in that price range. A toy? A book? A record or a CD? Anything else? 

Consider an upcycling project!  

Maybe you and your Little are up to upcycle something together? Such as: 

  • Get an old t-shirt and decorate it! 

  • Find an old chair and paint it together! 

  • Use old magazines you find thrifting to make a collage! 

Thrifting in Cville! 

For popular thrifting stores in our area, check out: 

Thrifting Tips! 

  • Dress the Part: Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothes (like leggings and a tank top) and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. This allows you to try on clothes without a fitting room and makes the process much quicker. Remember – Littles and Bigs must keep separate changing areas when trying on clothes.  

  • Bring Supplies: 

  • Hand Sanitizer: You'll be touching a lot of items, so this is a must-have. 

  • Reusable Bags: Keep the sustainable cycle going by bringing your own bags. 

  • Measuring Tape: Sizes vary widely, especially with vintage clothing. A measuring tape is invaluable for checking dimensions of both clothing and furniture. 

  • Cash: Some smaller thrift stores or sales might only accept cash. 

While You're There 

  • Take Your Time: Thrifting is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time to carefully browse the racks and shelves. Don't be afraid to do a "double loop" of the aisles—you might spot something you missed the first time. 

  • Inspect Everything: This is one of the most important steps. Look for stains, holes, rips, pilling, or missing pieces. For electronics and appliances, check if they turn on. For furniture, check for wobbly legs, water damage, or mold. Remember that some minor repairs are easy, but don't buy something you know you won't fix. 

  • Shop All Sections: Don't limit yourself to just one area. You never know where a hidden gem might be. People often put things back in the wrong place, and you might find a cool men's jacket in the women's section or a unique piece of home decor in the furniture area. 

  • Learn to Spot Quality: 

  • Fabrics: Feel the fabrics. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are generally of higher quality than synthetic ones. Check the care tags for content. 

  • Construction: Look at the stitching. Is it neat and secure? 

  • Weight: Heavier items can sometimes indicate better quality materials, such as crystal over glass or a solid wood piece of furniture. 

  • Use Your Phone: 

  • Google Lens: If you find something you think might be valuable (like a unique piece of dishware or a vintage item), use Google Lens to do a quick image search. This can help you determine the brand, value, and if you're getting a good deal. 

  • Wish List: Keep your thrifting list on your phone's notes app for easy reference.  

What to Look For 

While you can find almost anything, some items are consistently great thrift finds: 

  • Clothing: Denim, jackets, sweaters, and classic T-shirts are often great finds. Look for unique fabrics and timeless cuts. Don't be afraid to shop off-season (e.g., for winter coats in the summer). 

  • Home Goods: Mugs, dinnerware sets, glassware, vases, and baskets are plentiful and inexpensive. 

  • Decor: Picture frames, vintage lamps, unique mirrors, and interesting chairs can add character to your space. 

  • Books: Thrift stores are a goldmine for books, whether you're looking for a specific classic or just a cool coffee table book. 

  • Games and Toys: You can often find classic board games or well-loved toys for a fraction of the new price. Just be sure to check for missing pieces. 

Are you going thrifting with your Little? Show us your photos! Please send any photos to your Match Support Specialist. We may feature your match in our social media and promotional materials! 

Angela Reis https://www.angelareis.com
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Q & A with Little Sister Justyce and Big Sister Cathy