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🧒 Thrifting With Kids: Keep It Fun, Short and Snack-Powered

Tips June 4, 2029 · 3 min read

Kids can love thrift shops, because every aisle is a surprise. The trick is to keep the trip short, give them a job and plan the snacks.

Give them a mission

• Hand each child a small budget and let them choose one thing.
• Make a treasure hunt list: something red, something shiny, something older than Grandma.
• Let older kids hold the Trail on your phone and check off the shops.

Pick the right shops

Shops with wide aisles and a good toy, book and game section keep little ones busy. Save the cramped antique shops for a day without a stroller. Plan for two or three shops, not six.

Set a few ground rules

Ask kids to hold, not run, and to ask before they pick up anything fragile. A shop is not a playground, and staff will appreciate your help keeping things in order.

Check what you buy

Look over toys for loose parts, sharp edges and missing pieces. Be careful with older baby gear, cribs and car seats, which have safety rules that change. Wash plush toys and play clothes as soon as you get home.

Build in breaks

Add a coffee or snack stop between shops, and head home before everyone is tired. A short, happy trip beats a long, grumpy one.

Thrift tip: Ask kids to pick something for a friend. It is a good lesson in giving.

Pick two or three shops on the Trail and make it an adventure.