With the price of just about everything going up nowadays, you may be wondering how to get your little ones ready for back to school without feeling the pinch. My mother introduced me to thrifting some years ago, and I am so glad she did. At the time, I was a single mother, so it was important to save money. I also wanted to keep up with the latest trends for myself and the kids.
This back-to-school shopping season, consider thrifting as a way to save money while keeping your kids in the latest fashions. When it comes to thrifting, some key things that make thrift shopping trips enjoyable for me include the cleanliness of the stores, organization of items, and of course, price. Anyone who has ever gone thrifting can tell you all thrift stores are not the same. I’m here to give you the inside scoop on all my favorite local thrift stores in Dallas.
My Favorite Thrift Stores in Dallas
Once Upon A Child
With nine locations in and around the metroplex, Once Upon A Child is usually my first stop when looking for great gently used clothes and shoes for the kids. You’re sure to find great prices, and I love the organized layout of the store. The stores are very easy to shop, and they’re pretty particular about what they sell, so you’ll likely never find holes, stains, or broken zippers. Once Upon A Child also has a neat buy-back program where you can sell your child’s gently used items. They pay cash on the spot, making it a great way to help offset some of the cost of new items.
Plato’s Closet
Shopping for teenage children? Be sure to check out Plato’s Closet. There are 15 locations in the DFW metroplex area, and Plato’s Closet was ranked the #1 teen resale franchise by Entrepreneur magazine. You can find the latest styles from the brands your teen loves at amazing prices well below typical retail cost. You can also sell your teen’s gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories to Plato’s Closet. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll walk away with cash in hand.
Kid to Kid
Kid to Kid is a great way to grow your children’s wardrobe without breaking the bank. Stop by one of their 10 metroplex locations to sell your child’s outgrown, gently used items and earn an extra 20% if you use the payout to purchase items you find in store. You are guaranteed to find stylish and affordable items you and your kids will love.
Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate has nine DFW locations ready to help you get your teen ready to head back to school. Shop brands like Levi’s, Lululemon, and Champion, all available at up to 90% off regular retail price. Like most resale shops, all items are gently used and free of any rips or stains. You can even make instant cash by bringing in your used items to sell. Take advantage of an additional 25% more in trade-in value if you choose to trade your items in for the latest fashions.
Buckaroos
Buckaroos is a family owned and operated resale store located in Sunnyvale (just east of Dallas). The owners are awesome people who truly enjoy what they do and do it well. You’ll find brands like Nike, Under Armour, Children’s Place, and more all at discounted prices. They literally have new items daily, so every trip is a new experience. Buckaroos is incredibly organized and even has a small play area for young children to enjoy while you browse the racks. It also has new and gently used toys and accessories your kids will love.
Grace Bridge Resale
Looking to save money while also giving back? Grace Bridge Resale uses 100% of their proceeds to support local and global initiatives. With locations in Celina, Frisco, and Plano, and new inventory daily, you’re sure to find items you’ll love. Each store location also has convenient onsite donation bins for any items you no longer need. What could be better than saving money and making a difference?
Small Pockets
Looking for low prices on high-end children’s and maternity wear? Look no further than Small Pockets, conveniently located in the Summertree shopping plaza on Inwood. Shop brands like Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Kissy Kissy, and more. Many items are brand new with tags but at much lower prices than you’ll find in traditional retail stores. You can even shop conveniently from home through their Instagram page for in-store pick up or have the items shipped directly to you.
When it comes to getting the little ones ready for back to school, do your pockets a favor. Keep the kids in the latest fashions and brands without breaking the bank by visiting local resale and thrift shops. For even more savings, consider shopping during the Texas tax-free weekend which will take place August 5–7, 2022.