Second-Hand Learning

I love thrifting. I know a lot of people can claim that, but I think I might have a borderline obsession. I really dislike buying new things, mainly because they cost so much and I have little ones hell bent on destroying everything in the house. So, in order to homeschool, maintain my sanity, and not go broke, thrift stores are the answer. 

I get most of my homeschooling resources there because I never know what I might find and the thrill of the hunt makes me very happy. It also beats spending a boat load on a curriculum that may or may not be used. Trust me, I’ve been there.

I try and get to the thrift store at least once a week and pick up things I think my family will enjoy. These usually include games, books, puzzles (which I usually don’t pick up unless they are sealed), and toys. I also get things to resell. I tend to stick to things that are easy to ship, like clothes, shoes, plushies, toys, and board games. I don’t do electronics because I have no time to test the items and I don’t do breakable or big items. I like to use the KISS method as often as possible.

This week I got some pretty great things. Well, great to me. Maybe not to my kids because even though I have an idea of what they might be drawn to, I can never know for sure. Unless they have a specific interest which is obvious or they come out and tell me they are into a certain thing. Like my son, who is really into Merlin right now. So I got him a couple of books on Amazon to fuel that interest.

This one and one more. 

So without further ado, here are my thrift haul items I managed to score. We will read them/play with them and I will give a review to see which ones were a hit and which ones we will be reselling/giving away.

Where in the USA is Carmen SanDiego? Wow! This game is expensive! I’m so lucky I found this for $2 at Goodwill. But don’t worry. Amazon has used ones for cheaper. I used to have this game as a kid and loved putting the capitals on all the states. That’s all I remember doing though. I don’t think I actually played the game. Either way, it’s great for learning state capitals and I was hoping my kids will like it. Unfortunately, they weren’t that into it. So I might sell it or hang onto it for a while and see what happens.

Whoowasit? From Ravensburger. I have never heard of this game but I picked it up because, well, because I judged a board game by it’s cover. But look at it! Doesn’t it look awesome? And it is! My kids wanted to play this as soon as we got it home, and I must say, it is so much fun! I think everyone knows picking up board games at thrift stores might not get you the whole game. This one had all but one piece, which we can easily substitute with a piece from another game. This game even has an awesome box that talks to you! It’s kind of like if Clue and Ghost Fighting Treasure Hunters had a baby. Anyway, I highly recommend this game, my kids loved it, I loved it, it’s a 10/10 for me. It is very expensive on amazon, but I’m sure you can find it cheaper on ebay if you are so motivated. 

Projex. This. Thing. Is. Awesome! It was untested at the thrift store and I almost didn’t pick it up because of that. They wanted $5 for it, so I decided to take a chance. Mine is missing a red cartridge, but it doesn’t matter. My kids love this thing! Face it towards a wall, turn it on, insert a cartridge, and pick up your gun. It’s like duck hunt without a console. And it keeps score for you. I could not believe it worked and was so happy when it turned on!