New clothes can be a costly part of preparing for back to school, but sending your kids off to class in style doesn't mean you have to break the bank.

"Back to school is the time of year where parents wish that their buck could extend a lot further, and it can in a thrift store," shared Krista Henry, national communications specialist with the Salvation Army Thrift Store

With your kids growing at the rate of a weed, getting the most for your money is essential. Thrift shopping provides a fashionable, affordable option for parents looking to outfit their youngsters for the fall.

And for when your kids grow an inexplicable amount between the months of September and October? "Just change it out, re-donate it back."

Camilo Avila-Wiebe, store manager at the Selkirk Ave. MCC Thrift Store, says one of the most important tips he can offer for thrifting, especially when on the hunt for that particular back-to-school necessity, is to try checking multiple thrift stores.

"It might take a little bit more to find it, but it is there and it is affordable," says Avila-Wiebe, who also advises a quick stop by the toy section if you're shopping with little ones to help keep them entertained while you scour the racks for your next find. 

A number of items your kids are sure to be excited about are available on thrift store racks, from name-brand items at a very discounted price, to older styles that are perfect for the DIY teenager.

Avila-Wiebe says that one of the biggest benefits to shopping thrift for the new school year is the opportunity for your kid to really find clothes that suit their style, rather than settling for a more unified look that can be found in some retail settings.

"It's so funny how things come back around," Henry smiled, mentioning the mom jean options she's been seeing recently on thrift store racks. "They're the big thing with teenagers now. I never thought I would see mom jeans back in style, but teenagers are rocking their mom jeans!"

For the ladies, vintage Levi's, bomber jackets, and anything velvet or lace are thrift store options that are both available and on-trend. Perfect for fall, lots of denim, plaid, oversized sweaters, and yellows are on the racks, and popular men's sportswear brands, too, have been a more recent trend Henry has noticed in Salvation Army thrift stores.

With winter surely around the corner already here in Winnipeg, getting ready to stock up on scarves, hats, mittens, and other cold-weather essentials is never a bad idea, either.

"It's all about the savings," Henry explained, sharing her disbelief at the prices of back to school shopping when completed at retail stores alone. "It can definitely add up."

Clothing is only just the beginning, though, when it comes to the back to school possibilities to be found through thrifting. From school supplies like binders and pens, to a new backpack or even a great set of dishes or a functional storage unit to send off to college with your oldest, Henry says you can find just about anything your child needs at the thrift store.

You can also expect a personalized experience while shopping thrift. Unlike retail, where stores at this time of year tend to be quickly overwhelmed, making it hard for you to find anyone to assist you, volunteer staff at stores like MCC are more than willing to assist you in all your thrift-shopping needs and inquiries.

"They're always really friendly and happy to help out, they enjoy coming to volunteer," says Avila-Wiebe. "They'll always do their best to hunt for things and maybe even check the back if you're looking for a really specific item."

Best of all, with thrift stores like the Salvation Army and MCC, there's the added benefit of knowing that the money you do spend during your back to school shopping will be going to support worthwhile causes and those in need, as well.