3 Fun Thrift Store Challenges to Try

Looking for a new activity to shake up your weekend? How about a thrift store challenge?

Savvy shoppers know that thrift stores like Goodwill are the place to find clothing, accessories, and home goods at affordable prices. They also know part of the fun of thrifting is finding interesting and unusual items you can’t get anywhere else. Making thrifting a ” challenge” by making up rules and setting a budget or time limit only adds to the fun!

Whether you’re a pro or new to thrifting, try one of these fun challenges on your next thrift shopping trip:

Clothing rack at Ohio Valley Goodwill Store

Dresses at Goodwill

Dress a Friend

Thrifting is even better when it’s with a friend! Grab your bestie and plan an afternoon at a Cincinnati thrift store like Goodwill. The challenge is to split up in the store and pick out a creative outfit for the other person “”  it could be serious or silly! Don’t forget the accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Goodwill has plenty of options!

Once you have your Goodwill finds, take it to the next level with an at-home fashion show and photoshoot. You’re sure to make some fun memories together!

Thrifty Date Night

For a totally unique date night, challenge your significant other to choose your outfit from a local thrift store, like Goodwill. Set a budget ($20 per person usually more than enough) and a time limit (20 minutes) to choose what you’ll wear on your date. Maybe it’s a matching couple outfit, a vintage-inspired look, or something stylish but outside of your comfort zones. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try something different. You may find a new style you would never have tried otherwise!

T-shirt and Jeans

Snakeskin pencil skirt from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Thrift Store Scavenger Hunt

This last challenge is great for families. Start by making a list of some specific items you can usually find at thrift stores. Here are a few examples:

• Tie-dyed clothing
• ” Throwback” CDs or movies
• An item that makes you laugh
• Artwork you’d hang in your home
• A book you’d like to read
• Animal figurines
• Board games or puzzles for family game night

Frames from Goodwill

Toys from Goodwill!

Once you’re at the store, look for the items on your list. (Goodwill store associates work hard to keep our retail stores clean and tidy, so if you aren’t planning on purchasing something, please just take photos of what you find.) The person who has the most photos after 20 minutes wins!

Goodwill has a huge selection of amazing goods at incredible prices, so you never know what you might find. As you search around the store, we bet you’ll come across something you want to purchase!

When you shop at Ohio Valley Goodwill, you’ll save money and help your community at the same time! That’s because our retail stores help fund our mission to change lives through the power of work. Your shopping support allows us to continue providing job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities in the local community.

Donate to Goodwill and change a life!

So, have fun and plan your next Goodwill shopping challenge today! We have 18 retail stores in and around Cincinnati to make thrifting convenient for you.

If you try any of these ideas, be sure to take photos or videos and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We’d love to share your #GoodwillFinds!