There are things you typically think about getting in preparation for your kids going back-to-school-- clothes, shoes, and school supplies, for sure. But there are often things that they’ll need above and beyond those everyday basics that Goodwill can help with too. All those things that are parallel to school, like dances, extracurriculars, and sports are all good things to keep in mind.
With such a wide variety of things to learn in class these days, it can be tough to cover all the bases ahead of time. All those things that run parallel to school life, like formal dances, artsy extracurriculars, and sports are all good things to remember they’ll need stuff for, too. And the sooner you see what they need at Goodwill-- the more prepared you’ll be and the more you’ll save.
Have a budding young musician? Instruments can be a big investment that those kiddos may or may not decide is right for them in the long run, and nothing’s worse than continuing to pay off an instrument that’s been long forgotten as it’s collecting dust in a closet. If you’re lucky, it might even be iconic!
Some of the impacts of the past year have yet to be measured. Were kids able to absorb what they were learning despite the shift in the learning platform? Has there been an impact on attention spans? What will in-person etiquette be like and will everyone be required to wear masks? There are a lot of questions racing through everyone’s minds that there may not yet be complete answers to. If we’ve learned anything in the last couple of years, it’s that sometimes we just have to do our best with the things we can control, and let loose the reins of those things that we can’t. As your kids head back to school this fall, take stock of your pile of masks, and the clothes you’ll set for yourself each week to keep yourself organized in the mornings as you adjust to life as we once knew it (including that dreaded commute and shuffle to school). You might not be able to control everything, but one thing you do have autonomy over is making sure you and your children feel and look your best each day.
As you prepare to go back into social spaces and your kids enter the next school year, don’t forget to stop by any Goodwill in South MS, and give your family's wardrobe a trendy, but still comfy, refresh. With just a few staples and statement pieces, you’ll be out and about again with confidence in no time, and your kids will follow suit. Don't forget to tag us @goodwillsms on Instagram with your own thrifted outfit combinations for a chance to be featured in a future blog.
TAKEAWAYS FOR THIS YEAR
Nothing says high school like a school dance. Though it may not be front of mind right now, come Homecoming or Prom time, it will be. Take advantage of all the summer bridesmaids donating their dresses and check out the formals at your Goodwill. You might be surprised what you find.
Artist in the house? Lots of Goodwill stores have art supplies! No need to go to the big-box chain art stores when you can find the stuff someone else bought there and never used. I mean, if you’re an artist, wouldn’t vintage art supplies be a major bonus? I thought so. Including this little gem to help you learn how to process film (GASP!) in your high school darkroom.
And last but definitely not least-- there are sports. Not all sports are created equal. Some only require you to run and not get winded while others require actual equipment! That equipment isn’t always cheap or easy to find. Just like your musicians, they may not stick with it, so why buy new? There are lots of sporty options abound at your local Goodwill if you know where to look.
