I have been on a quest for used books for my daughter. I have found them at local thrift shops (few and far between), my favorite childrens consignment shop (a little pricy for me unless on 'sale') and even at used book stores, or 'boutiques' at the outrageous prices they ask!
I know the library is available to us, we do go there every week, but I just prefer not to borrow books as my daughter is still young and usually chews/colors/looses/fills with raisins/rips them. You know.
Somehow, just today, I remembered that the
Goodwill sells books. The nearest
Goodwill is about 30 minutes from my house, and I haven't been there in years. When I went with my daughter today I was so pleasantly surprised, I mean thrilled! What a huge selection of things; childrens clothes and books were my top interests today. If my daughter only had slept in the Ergo a little longer I could have discovered so many other areas Im sure.....
The prices were pretty great. All childrens books were .79, unless otherwise marked, and I think I only saw 2 or 3 of those out of the hundreds lining the shelves. The kids clothing was organized very well; by age(ish), by sex, by item (long sleeved, or pjs), and by color. The toys were kind of everywhere, but still somewhat grouped together.
The toys I was able to find for her Easter Basket were great as well. I scored a bunch of Melissa and Doug wooden tool toys, a toy box and peg set for 2.99 all together! I was just amazed at the wonderful playthings they had on the racks.
I was able to scroll through a few clothing racks while hanging on to my now awake and active toddler, sorting out a few quality items at decent prices. I didn't pay more than $3 for any single item and came home with some really awesome things. Quality brands do mean a lot to me as I know the better an item is made the longer it will last. I have seen this with cheap 100% Target shirts that pill after 3 washes vs a consignment Gymboree that holds up to anything. This in mind I only purchased the Gap, Greendog, Janie and Jack, and Nordstrom today for her. (the rest are in the wash right now!)
Keep in mind that I had to sort through a fair amount of things I would not consider quality or worth my money. I imagine
Goodwills in wealthier areas have higher quality things. (I just read they have one in Bellevue!! mom? ya ready?)
While we have been donating to the Goodwill for years, this is the first time I have really appreciated how wonderful they really are. The Goodwill Industries is huge support for the community giving good jobs and active life training and work experience to so many people with disadvantages in life.
Prefer to shop online? Check out
ShopGoodwill.com. Too funny! But, hey, the prices are better than ebay.
...and are these deals still not good enough for you? (I want more!) Every thursday starts a new half off sale. Next thursday is 50% off All Pink tags!! (they actually have calenders at the checkout with sales listed, you know I grabbed one, yippee!)
and as always, Happy Shopping!
