Do you want to go thrifting? If so, you’ve probably heard the term hand-me-down, which refers to the process of handing down gently used items to new parents. Hand-me-downs are just the same thing as thrifting – and you can get great deals on baby items by taking advantage of this concept. In this article, a mom who has been thrifting for 10 years shares some tips.

Avoid buying cheap clothing

One of the best ways to make sure you’re not buying cheap clothing when you thrift is to avoid going to low-income neighbourhoods. When you’re thrifting, try to find stores in similar income levels as yourself. This way, you’ll avoid the possibility of increasing prices for local people or stealing their supply of needed items. It can be difficult to choose what to buy when you don’t know what you’re looking for. Before heading out to your favorite thrift store, make a list of items you’re looking for. In case you’re unsure of what you’re looking for, take pictures of your favourite items so you’ll remember them.

Also, don’t pay more than $10 for your thrifted clothing. This includes fast-fashion brands, such as Forever 21, H&M, Zara, and Fashion Nova. Even if a piece is only $4, you can’t justify spending more than that. Instead, focus on items that are at least four dollars and aren’t too dated to wear. If you can’t find any items that are in excellent condition, consider buying basics or pieces that are in good condition.

Avoid buying cheap shoes

Before you head out to a thrift store, remember to wear knee highs or socks. This prevents direct contact with a dirty pair of shoes and gives you a better sense of fit. Boots without socks may be too tight, especially if you’re heading out in the winter. Fortunately, there are many tips that can help you avoid buying cheap shoes when thrifting. Follow these tips to make sure you’re buying quality footwear and avoid getting sick!

Make sure you look for linings. Worn soles are a sign of worn shoes. Buying secondhand is especially risky, since they could contain fungus, skin issues, and bacteria. Take your time, and don’t rush. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect pair of shoes! Buying secondhand is the ultimate way to get a bargain, but it’s also the most dangerous way to avoid picking up a pair of sneakers that don’t fit.

Avoid buying cheap jewelry

If you’re going thrifting for an expensive piece of jewelry, make sure to read the labels carefully. Some cheap jewelry can contain neurotoxins or carcinogens, which can negatively impact a child’s brain development. Because small children are prone to putting jewelry in their mouths, you should avoid pieces with lead or other similar metals. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has linked lead exposure to behavioral problems, organ failure, and learning disabilities in children. Regardless of the quality of a piece of jewelry, it’s best to avoid anything with lead content.

Another tip is to check the origin of the piece of jewelry before buying it. Jewelry made from base metals, such as brass, may cause allergic reactions or skin discoloration. Additionally, thinly plated pieces may not be as durable as the real thing and may even wear through. Make sure you’re looking for gemstones that are lab grown, not imitations or costume jewelry. In general, cheap jewelry can have a high percentage of fake stones and other imitations, which can ruin the value of your jewelry.

Avoid buying cheap electronics

While the price of new electronics is rising every year, there’s no reason to settle for a used model. While used electronics may be cheaper than new models, buying them can lead to nightmares. These items may contain faulty hardware, have viruses and malware, or be missing parts. Worse, they may not come with a warranty, so you’ll end up paying for a new one sooner than you would have if you’d bought the used version.

If you’re shopping for new electronics, you should test them thoroughly. Some thrift stores price similar items equally, even if they aren’t in the best shape. Also, lightly damaged items can get a deeper discount. You can also keep track of what you’re looking for on Pinterest, or use your smartphone to refresh your shopping knowledge. In addition, remember that if you’re buying electronics for someone else, you might not be able to return them if they don’t work.