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Kids get expensive fast. They grow out of clothes overnight, lose interest in toys just as quickly, and seem to need something new every season. I learned early on that if I bought everything brand-new, we’d be constantly overspending and constantly decluttering.

That’s why I thrift for my kids whenever I can. It started as a way to save money, but over time it became second nature. Some of the best finds we used daily came from thrift stores, consignment shops, garage sales, and local Marketplace listings. Many were barely used. Some were honestly better quality than what I would’ve bought new.

Not everything is worth buying secondhand, but a lot more is than most people realize. After years of thrifting for babies, toddlers, and growing kids, I’ve learned what’s almost always a good buy and what I skip without hesitation.

These are the items I always look for when I’m thrifting for my kids.

clothing kids thrift store — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Children’s Books

Kids’ books are one of my favorite things to thrift. From Board books to picture books, they usually cost a fraction of retail.

It also makes it easy to build a home library without spending a lot, especially during phases when kids want the same book read over and over again.

Furniture for Kids’ Rooms

Dressers, bookshelves, toy storage, and small tables are some of my favorite thrift finds. Solid wood pieces are especially worth grabbing because they last longer than most new flat-pack furniture.

A little cleaning or even a simple coat of paint can turn a thrifted piece into something that works perfectly in a kid’s room.

Children’s Clothing

I love thrifting Kids’ clothes, and I try to focus on everyday basics like shirts, pants, pajamas, coats, and seasonal layers. Most pieces were worn for a short time, sometimes only a few months, before being outgrown. I always check for stains, holes, and stretched-out waistbands, but I’m constantly surprised by how many items look nearly new.

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Toys

Toys come and go so quickly in childhood that buying everything new just never made sense to me. Thrift stores are full of puzzles, board games, dolls, trucks, building sets, and outdoor toys that still have years of play left in them.

I check that puzzles and games have all the pieces and skip anything broken or unsafe.

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Shoes

Kids outgrow shoes fast, and many donated pairs were barely worn. I always check the soles, seams, and overall structure, but I’ve found excellent sneakers, boots, and dress shoes secondhand for a small fraction of the cost.

School Gear

Backpacks, lunchboxes, and school bags show up at thrift stores all the time, often after just one school year. I look for sturdy zippers, clean linings, and neutral styles that will last more than one year.

Bikes and Outdoor Toys

Kids outgrow bikes and outdoor toys just as quickly as clothes. Tricycles, balance bikes, scooters, wagons, and ride-on toys are often donated once they’ve been outgrown, not worn out.

We’ve had great luck cleaning them up, tightening a few bolts, and getting years of use for a fraction of the cost.

Clothing Storage and Organizers

Hamper baskets, bins, drawers, and organizers are another thing I always check for. Kids need storage just as much as they need clothes, and these items are often donated when families reorganize or move.