As the new school year approaches, the hunt for unique and affordable back-to-school essentials is on. If you’re looking for a place where you can find all your back to school items while shopping with a purpose, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles (SVDPLA) are just the thrift stores for you! Thrift shopping is an excellent way to find unique items that can be personalized and upcycled for a fresh, custom look. Here are some creative ideas:
Personalize and Upcycle Thrift Store Finds
Find an old desk or filing cabinet and give it new life with a fresh coat of paint or new handles. This not only makes your study area unique but also gives a personal touch to your workspace.
Similarly, you can look for plain t-shirts, jackets, or jeans and add patches, embroidery, or fabric paint to create one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase your style. Additionally, consider repurposing vintage frames to create pin boards or turning old crates into stylish storage solutions for books and supplies.
Tips for Finding Stylish Outfits and Essentials
SVDPLA thrift stores offer a wide variety of clothing, backpacks and bags, accessories, and many other essentials. To find the best items, it’s important to check the quality of the fabrics and examine them for any wear and tear.
Our thrift stores often have high-quality items that have been gently used, making them perfect for back-to-school needs. Knowing the sizes you need for clothing and measurements for furniture helps ensure you find a perfect fit, but make sure to look through all sizes, as you never know what might fit. Don’t let the sizing fool you; sometimes items can be larger or smaller than the actual size. Additionally, keep an eye out for designer labels that can be found hiding among the racks. Visiting the store regularly is also a good idea, as inventory changes frequently.
Back-to-School Must-Haves
In addition to clothing and backpacks, SVDPLA thrift stores offer other essentials to prepare for the school year. Desks and chairs and other furniture items are available, allowing you to create an ideal study space. Look for pieces that can be upcycled or used as-is to suit your needs. Storage solutions such as filing cabinets, shelves, and storage bins are also plentiful and perfect for keeping schoolwork organized. You can even find tech accessories, from calculators to computer monitors, providing an economical way to equip yourself for the school year.
Shopping with a Purpose
When you shop at SVDPLA thrift stores, you’re supporting vital community services. The proceeds from your purchases help fund programs for the poor and homeless, making a significant impact in the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara communities. Your thrift shopping contributes to a cycle of giving that benefits many, reinforcing the importance of shopping with purpose.
Donate and Make a Difference
If you have gently used items that you no longer need, consider donating them to SVDPLA. Your donations help stock the thrift stores with quality items and support our mission to provide assistance to those in need. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or household items, your contributions make a difference in the lives of others and help sustain the community programs run by our nonprofit organization.
Visit the SVDPLA thrift stores in Los Angeles and Long Beach to find your back-to-school essentials and discover how thrifting can be both fun and impactful.
