I have no interest in following fashion, and really don’t care what others think I look like – I’m just looking for something that fits that I can exercise in. (I still have 100 pounds to lose. Maybe I’ll feel differently about it once I’m much slimmer.)

Fortunately, it’s illegal to sell used undies in Canada – so that’s not an issue. Childrens’ shoes are cheap, plentiful, and barely used. I guess a lot of kids grow out of them before they can really get a lot of use. This has been a lifesaver, as I have a fast growing 2 year old (he’s wearing size 3T & 4, and currently in a toddler’s size 10 shoe.) Good shoes can cost $60 or more, unless I go to the infamous W-store – and we’ve done this a few times – just to have the shoes fall apart after a few uses. The local thrift store boasts some great brand names.

Toys, books, DVDs & VHS tapes are also terrific buys at these places. If I buy a toy that might end up in his mouth, I run it through the dishwasher before he gets it.

We got a big coffee maker – the kind you find at meetings, for summer family get togethers, for a few bucks. Uncut sewing patterns, sewing notions and misc. craft supplies are always around for pennies on the dollar. And used sheets (run them through a wash with bleach) are great for practice sewing or making sun dresses.

Have a great day!

Your consumer angle is dead on. Why add to the already bloated refuge of clothes, books, and just plain stuff when you don’t have to. It’s amazing the quality of merchandise one can find a a thrift store and at extremely good prices.

Plus, as one changes sizes, donating unwearables to your local thrift store is a great way to keep your own closet or house, as the case may be, uncluttered.

Great post, Metro.
LisaNewton´s last blog ..Ratatouille

Thrift stores to me are a fun place to shop. There are all types of clothing to choose from, and some of it is high-quality at a reasonable price. I like to find pieces that are not run of the mill but help me stand out and show my uniqueness. As others mentioned, you can find so many different types of items all in one place-crafts,books,linens, furniture,kitchen goods, decor,outdoor items, sporting goods, and more.

Buying at these also helps non-profits, creates jobs for others- including handicapped workers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to work, and gives us an alternative choice to Walmart and other “low-price
stores” where the quality is often lacking. I also donate to these stores and feel good about doing so as well as getting the tax deduction.

I got my Ellen Tracy down coat for $25.

I got red wine glasses that I just love – 8 of them for $12.

The only problem is – you gotta have time. It requires a lot of digging through the crap to find the gems.

Happy Hunting!
Carole´s last blog ..Welcome to the Members Area!

The one area I am very aware of spending and buying patterns is our food. No more packaged food stuff. Our pantry is stocked with real whole foods. I can get carried away with buying bulk foods so I have to check the pantry before shopping so I don’t buy another pound of walnuts or flax seeds!

Less is better. When we moved last summer I was amazed at the “stuff” we collected. I donated boxes of things. Keeping the clutter down gives me such peace and I save a ton of money on stuff I didn’t need to start with.

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article!
Robin´s last blog ..Organic Granola Bars Recalled – Salmonella Risk, Feb. 2010

@Andrew – this doesn’t surprise me one bit that we think similarly on this subject. Although for certain NZ has it’s fair share of consumer-driven habits, in our experience visiting it somehow seemed less of a focus for many folks we met. I don’t know if that holds up in a larger sampling of typical Kiwi culture, but it was the feeling I got without question.

@LaVonne – Hi LaVonne! One thing I can tell you: the Portland thrift stores are much less picked through than the L.A. stores we used to shop. And I think there are fewer “savvy” shoppers just by sheer population density here, so the bargains are abundant

@Julie – thanks for your thoughts, and congratulations on reaching your goal. I checked out your site and I have to say this section really struck me: “…Most of all, I mourn so many years spent obsessing and hating myself and my body, so that now I am a middle-aged woman whose biggest accomplishment is losing the weight. Now I have to keep it off, and lose a bit more. I’m not going to try to rush it now.”

That is a whole lot to think about for most of us in a similar situation. Well said.
Metroknow´s last blog ..Secrets of a thrift store shopper

I have always bought stuff that didn’t fit yet, and it almost all fits now. Some is already too big, some isn’t a good style though it fits. I don’t mind spending $2 on a pair of pants that don’t fit, but $60+? Actually, I’m not going to buy stuff that doesn’t fit anymore, even for cheap.
julie´s last blog ..Thoughts on reaching goal