Of course Goodwill had no batteries for me to test out a toy (not that they ought to I suppose) and I didn't bring any of my own but I was wondering if you bring batteries to test things before you buy or are you like me in that you just take your chances (everything I have bought worked)?

Also what do you do when the battery cover is missing? I saw at Eckerd's there is a product called "Clear Duct Tape" I could use.

*I bought a huge crib mirror and a toy telephone for my fourth. Normally I shy away from plastic but the wood phone we have is too heavy and my son's always wanting the cordless phone!

I think that's a great idea!

On a side note, I work at a children's resale shop (privately owned) and a customer was absolutely appalled (sp?) that we didn't provide batteries with everything that takes them. Some of the toys are like $1.50 and this woman wants us to give her new batteries??? LOL

Anyway, I will be bringing batteries with me the next time I go out thrifting:D

I never do, but sometimes wish I did for the exact reason you mention.

Hm, I am getting kind of antsy...maybe a trek to the Thriftko in Sanford is in order...LOL! Just talk of thrifting gets me going. ;)

Debra, we should compare thrift store notes. I have heard there is a great Goodwill somewhere in southwest O, but rarely get that far. I have been to a place called Community Thrift (I think??) on Orange Ave near Edgewood (I think, I am so bad at names). Anyway it was an awesome place and is always FULL of people!

That tape sounds like a good solution to me...let us know how it works!

I go to the Goodwill near 17&92 and SR434.

Don't bother with the new Salvation Army where Kanes used to be on SR436 near Wal-Mart (umm the closest intersection is Lake Howell Rd and 436 or maybe Red Bug Lake Rd and 436). I wanted a rocking chair and they had 2 that were $90 and up with scratches and heavy wear!!! (They weren't an expensive brand either.)

I went to a children's consignment store in Oviedo (Sweet Repeats) and bought one for $39.99 (not terribly thrifty but the cheapest new rocker I could find was $119.00 from JCPenney on-line since apparently no one sells them in brick and mortar stores only super expensive gliders)

Well... I am a gabby one eh? LOL!

Where in Florida are you? New Port Richey here:)

My parents just moved here from NPR!

I'm in NE Orlando

I never usually go that far south, either, but Jacob had his CMS appointment down there, it's right near the thrift store, and I saw so many cars in the parking lot I was intrigued.

Let me tell you, it is worth the trip (about 40 min from my house). I got a full wardrobe of work clothes for dh -- five pair pants (Dockers and that style but not brand) and about 8 nice button-down shirts -- in great shape, plus some pants for me, for $40. Everything *nice* is priced at under $3. Most things are $1-2.

I went to that Salvation Army last weekend! Ugh, I was so ticked off...everything just completely overpriced.

I have not been to the new Thriftko in Sanford yet, but I go to the one in Casselberry every so often. I go to the Goodwill you mentioned, too. Got a lovely Schwinn ten-speed there, old school, for $10.

I love Sweet Repeats and bring tons of stuff there. I like that their prices are decent, but you do have to look carefully at the clothes as they will occasionally have out a stained piece that someone missed.

Glad you found your glider!

and a multi-tool to open battery compartments.

Missing ones can often be replaced by calling the manufacturer -- I trash-picked my sons toy cassette player from the spendy neighbors on Long Island four years ago and did this. Still works perfectly.

That's a great idea. I'll have to remember that.

We buy the clear duct tape and use it for tons of things - I love it! :)