Thrifty Thursday - Sports Equipment

My triathletes!

Kids and sports.  It seems like they are always getting involved in something that requires uniforms, special shoes and equipment.  No worries!  Because kids grow quickly, there is a good possibility that you will be able to find what you need used but in good condition.  Parents often organize equipment exchanges where you can buy or trade needed equipment from kids who have outgrown theirs.  You can consider borrowing or buying equipment from friends whose kids are slightly older than yours . Thrift stores are another good place to find slightly used equipment.  I've bought dance shoes, ice skates, tennis racquets, racquetball racquets, ski equipment and outerwear, bowling balls, and bicycles, all in great shape and all at thrift stores.

Buying kids equipment used makes sense because you don't have to overly invest in a sport until your child decides he likes it or not.  It can be pretty frustrating to spend a lot of money outfitting your child with everything he needs to play a sport, only to find he changed his mind and wants to participate in something different.  If he loves it, then you can invest in quality equipment.