How to Host a Clothing Swap
Eco-Friendly, Fun Back to School Activity for Children and Teens
Even when finances are tight, the desire for new clothes come fall remains high. Instead of taking yet another trip to the mall this year (okay, maybe for a few items), try hosting a teen or kid’s clothing swap.
This is a fantastic way to bring neighbors together or to allow kids to reestablish bonds or make new friends before school starts. Put out some good new school-year karma by contacting the school and asking to speak with any new students – inviting them is a way to help make new kids feel at home in a fresh town or school. Besides, they make have some excellent clothes to share.
The Set-Up
Choose a large area to host the party – in other words, make room for the clothes. Set up a few tables with altering supplies, such as sewing kits and art supplies (beads, jewels, even that old Bedazzler.) This will encourage kids or teens to look at a piece of clothiing in a creative way. A tunic, for example, can be a shirt on someone taller or a dress on someone short.
Make it a casual, party atmosphere. Provide kid-friendly snacks, including popcorn, pretzels, Jelly Bellies, M&Ms and licorice. Beware of any snacks that are too messy – chocolate-covered hands equals ruined clothing.
The Swap Process
Older teens can (probably) handle a “free for all” approach, in which they can trade and barter clothing and accessories at their own pace. Even if some light arguments emerge, soon they’ll turn into compromises such as “If you let me have these jeans, I’ll give you both of these necklaces.”
Kids, however, need a little more structure. It’s the parents’ job to help make sure everything is as fair as It can be. For the beginning of the swap, to get things going, trade clothes one by one. In order to choose who goes first, try one of the following methods:
- Draw numbers from a hat (good for younger children).
- Play “Guess How Many M&Ms Are in the Jar” – the child with the closest guess gets to pick a piece of clothing first, and so on.
- Play a “Mental Relay Race”, such as solving a puzzle or a crossword, and allow the winner to go first.
Altering Clothes
As mentioned earlier, set up a table with sewing and art supplies to alter clothing. Ask guests to bring any supplies with them to use and share. Don’t be afraid to embellish clothes and accessories. A plain jacket or bag can be easily jazzed up with a few sequins or beads. Some of the swapped accessories can also be used, such as adding brooches to a top or purse.
Other alterations can be shortening dresses or pants (or lengthening with pieces of fabric), shortening or removes sleeves from shirts and blouses and removing collars, ruffles or other details.
Provide copies of old and recent magazines for inspiration, especially Teen Vogue, which always has at least one DIY article with a project suggested by a designer.
Note to Kids and Teens
Kids and teens should make sure that any items they bring to the swap are approved by their parents. Yes, it’s their clothing, but Mom and Dad may not be too pleased to find out that their $150 coat investment is being worn by the girl down the street.
Teens can consider making a deal with their parents – if another season or year goes and the clothing item hasn’t been worn, then they can trade it.
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