Since they were newly married, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have done much of their shopping at thrift stores. Everyone has a different idea about what spending is necessary, and everyone has their own ways of being resourceful and environmentally-friendly. The Duggars' views may not be the norm, but they have decided to make their motto "Buy Used and Save the Difference." Most of their clothes, shoes, toys and furniture is second-hand, but they don't mind. Michelle teaches her children resourcefulness, which means exercising wisdom to find good uses of items that others would often throw away. She also teaches them to be thrifty and not to spend money which they think is unnecessary.
What are your views? We are very curious to know what you think about thrift stores and second-hand shopping? Do you agree or disagree with it? Are there specific items that you would never purchase used?
I do most of my shopping at thrift stores, yard sales and bag sales. I have 6 kids and my teens know how to save some money on their stuff! I can also get some good deals on major clearance sales, but thrift stores rock!!
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the item, certainly. Kitchen items are fine, as is anything washable or sterilizable like clothing, except(and this maybe just me) shoes, which just gross me out. Stuffed things like pillows and mattresses and sofas are probably out unless you know where it's from.
ReplyDeleteI love second hand things...
ReplyDeleteI love not to spend as much money as we are expected to...or I make it myself!
For me it has always been a game!
I think shopping at thrift stores is a great way to save money. I have shopped there myself, especially when we visit my parents. They live in a metropolitan area that has huge thrifts stores full of many items that are brand new with the tags. However, sometimes, if you are willing to buy out-of-season, you can do almost as well at nice department stores. I just bought a beautiful $5.00 sweater that was originally $78.00! My 18 year old daughter bought a nice athletic suit for $7.00. So if you are a bargain hunter, you can be diligent and find deals in department stores...but there is nothing wrong with shopping thrift stores either! I always love to find ways to cut back on expenses.
ReplyDeleteThey shouldn't buy car seats used. The thrift stores shouldn't even be selling them. There is no way to verify the history of a seat, and no amount of money saved can make it worth using your baby as a crash test dummy.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE yard sales, antique shops, and amish auctions in my area. The last time I may have been to a thrift store would be about 5-7 years ago, so I'm a little naive on the thrift store subject.
ReplyDeleteAs you've probably seen over a number of seasons the "fashion" of the Duggars have changed to Gap, Aeropostle, American Eagle, etc. This has been a burning question... do you think they still strictly buy at thrift stores? If so, do you think the area in which they live has had more "fashionable" donations to their local thrift stores?
I think it's a little of both. I'm sure the Duggars try to do all their shopping at thrift shops, but it is possible that they buy some new clothing when it is on clearance or when they need a particular article of clothing or are having trouble finding a certain size.
ReplyDeleteour family of 11 often shop at thrift stores swap meets etc its a good way to often get new things for 1/3 the price off..people pay too much for packageing we also make items like knitted and quilted items etc..people can live frugally if they want too without seeming poor..
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've won something when I buy stuff at the thrift store. We've been thrift store fans since before we had kids (we have 8 now). I wear all brand-name clothes. But I only spend a couple dollars for them.
ReplyDeleteI love thrift stores!!!! I shop there for clothes, furniture, shoes, toys and many other things...
ReplyDeleteI shop at thrift stores often and I love it! Name brand clothing can be easily found and they are typically made of better quality. My sister and I had lots of fun dressing my nephew in mostly name brand clothing from area thrifts and yard sales. It was fun to share with others, often much to their surprise, the price we paid for the clothing he wore. Most of the clothing was passed on to another child when my nephew outgrew them. Name brand clothing can easily be found at area thrift stores........
ReplyDeleteI do not shop at thrift stores. I buy everything in a regular store for the lowest price. like two dollars for a tee shirt at old navy.
ReplyDeleteMy kids "lived " in thrift store items.. and they dressed very well!! I was always able to find beautiful clothing, well made, well taken care of.. and stylish. We even "remade" some of the clothing. I was taught to sew when I was big enough to sit at a sewing machine. I think too many of todays kids live in a "throw away world".. they buy something.. use it and throw it away. More need to be taught thrifty living.
ReplyDeleteI think that shopping at thrift stores is good for the environment and for your wallet.
ReplyDeleteI shop at thrift store because I believe it's a great way to save especially with my kids clothes. They outgrow their clothes so fast that I need to visit the thrift store every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to find out the name of the thrift store that the Duggars go to? I'm driving through AK and would love to visit!
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of thrift stores in the Springdale/Fayetteville area that the Duggars shop at. We recommend searching "thrift stores" or "secondhand stores" in Google maps. :)
Enjoy your trip!
Lily and Ellie