Charity Shop Shopping

Charity shops are criminally underrated for kids’ clothes — mostly because people walk in expecting miracles.

If you’re looking for perfect outfits, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for play clothes, you’ll hit gold.

The key is mindset. Charity shops are for:

  • everyday clothes

  • nursery clothes

  • school spares

  • “they’re going to ruin this anyway” outfits

Kids grow fast. Most donated clothes haven’t had a hard life — they’ve just been outgrown. Coats, jumpers, jeans, and shoes are especially good value if you’re not fussy about brands.

Go midweek if you can. Shops are quieter, stock is freshly rotated, and you’re not battling other parents doing weekend clear-outs. Take your time, but don’t overthink. If it fits, looks decent, and costs less than a coffee, it’s probably worth it.

Don’t ignore rails that look messy. Some of the best bargains are hiding in the chaos. And always check the boys’ and girls’ sections — kids wear what fits, not what the label says.

Charity shops are also brilliant for experimenting. Styles you wouldn’t normally buy? Try them. If it doesn’t work, you’ve lost a couple of pounds — not £40.

The freedom that comes with knowing an outfit cost £2 is unmatched. Mud? Paint? Hole in the knee? Annoying, but survivable.

That’s the real value.

How to charity shop like a pro (and actually save money)

Go in with the right mindset

  • You’re looking for play clothes, not perfection

  • If it survives the wash and a playground, it’s a win

What to look for

  • Coats, jumpers, hoodies, jeans, and school clothes (best value)

  • Clothes with plenty of fabric life left — check seams, cuffs, and knees

  • Items that still have labels or look barely worn (kids grow fast)

  • Neutral basics you can mix and match easily

What to avoid

  • Anything with stains that won’t wash out (trust your gut)

  • Items with broken zips or missing buttons unless you’ll actually fix them

  • Shoes that are badly worn on the soles (not worth it)

  • Clothes that feel itchy, stiff, or uncomfortable — kids won’t wear them

Check before you buy

  • Always look inside the garment (not just the front)

  • Check under arms, knees, and collars for wear

  • Stretch the fabric slightly — if it looks tired, leave it

Buy ahead when you see a bargain

  • If it’s a true bargain but not the right size, still buy it

  • Kids grow faster than you think — future you will be grateful

  • Label it and put it away so it doesn’t get forgotten

  • A £2 coat in the next size is still a bargain

Ignore labels, focus on value

  • Kids don’t care what brand it is

  • A £3 jumper that lasts a season beats a £30 one that gets ruined in a week

Messy rails are your friend

  • The best bargains are usually hidden

  • Take a proper look — chaos often equals under priced gems

Know when to walk away

  • Cheap doesn’t always mean good value

  • If you wouldn’t be happy seeing it ruined on day one, leave it

Remember the golden rule

  • If it cost less than a coffee, it’s allowed to get muddy, painted on, and loved properly

Share your latest charity shop finds

Have you found an absolute gem in a charity shop?
A ridiculous bargain you’re still quietly proud of?
Or a tip that’s saved you money (and your sanity)?

I’d love to hear it.

Share your best charity shop finds, money-saving tips, or little wins in the comments — whether it’s kids’ clothes, shoes, coats, school uniforms, or something you still can’t believe cost so little.

We’re all just parents trying to stretch the budget without losing our minds. If something’s worked for you, it might help someone else more than you realise.

The best money-saving tips always come from parents who’ve learned the hard way.

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