Host a recession-friendly clothes swap

August 10, 2009

Fashion-forward friends may be trying to count their pennies and save on back to school or fall clothing and one way to help this along is to host a clothes swap at your home. Plus, the event can also pay homage to National Thrift Shop Day which happens to land on August 17.

Decide whether you want this to be a swap for the kids or adults, as it will take a little more attention and energy to swap clothes for wriggling kids. If you gather together a group of parents with an even number of similarly aged boys and girls, there should be plenty for each family to trade.

Select clothing that is clean and not old, torn or stained, as you wouldn't want shabby items from friends either! Pick an afternoon where most people are free and designate one space, be it a garden or living room for the swap. Remember to provide plenty of drinks and snacks for hungry swappers.

College-aged kids can also benefit from a clothes swap, so help your son or daughter empty their closet and gather together like-minded friends. Designate a small bathroom and curtained-off area as changing rooms and if possible, move a full-length mirror into the space.

With these tips, hopefully you can all start the fall with some new, free clothes!