Pirate's Booty: I Win at Thrifting Forever

I dropped off a few items at Goodwill this afternoon.  While I was there, I figured I'd peruse the aisles for educational toys now that I was home.  Divine Providence rained down on me something fierce, and I walked out of the place with a treasure trove of goodies for less than $6.  

Prepare to be astounded.

First up is a set of multi-colored monsters.  Instead of attempting to explain them, I made a quick video showing how they work.  Lucy, one of my tabbies, makes a cameo:

Adorable, right?  On the back of each monster is a number.  They go in order of increasing difficulty, and as you make your way to the "highest level" you get into digraphs like "ch" or "st."  SOOOO creative, and the fact that he'll be able to check himself means he can practice on his own if he likes (a mother can dream, right?).  

Next up on my Booty List is a Bingo game focused entirely on sight words.  I firmly believe in a strong foundation of Phonics, but sight words have their place as well, and I think as he gets better with his phonics, this will be a welcome change of pace for him.

This was only 99 cents and has EVERYTHING.  It seems the game was rarely used as all the parts and "boards" seem in almost new condition.  Nary a tear or smudge anywhere!

After I found the sight words game, I noticed a volcano of sorts on the top shelf.  It glows in the dark and shoots little beads to look like lava bubbles.  I thought it would be a nice addition to his bedroom at night given how much he loves glowing things.  It's made by Discovery Kids and is called an Animated Volcano Lamp.   Check it out!  I took the footage tonight after Vince had fallen asleep. 

The last item on my list was actually the first one I found.  That being said, it is the motherload of thrift store finds.  Seriously.  This alone would have made the trip worth it.  I found a brand new Hooked on Phonics Kindergarten Edition pack.  BRAND NEW.  

Originally this was something like $40.  But check out the two tags that were stuck to the box.  One is from Goodwill and the other is from JCPenney.  

I was only charged $1.97 for this.  Can you believe that?!  I still can't believe it!  Look at all the stuff it comes with!

Zoey, my miracle kitty, did not come with the Hooked on Phonics set.  That being said, everything else you see DID.  And it's all unused!!!  Stickers, workbook, progress charts, flash cards, CD-ROMs, coloring books and reading companions - ALL INCLUDED!  And none of them have been cracked open!  

I was so excited by this because I've been working on the Hooked on Phonics program with Vincent for the last week or so on his iPad.  My friend gave me a heads up that the program was free through the App store for 24 hours, and I was lucky enough to snatch it up for nothing.  Recently, Vince read his very first book to me - by himself - but it was on the iPad. A friend of mine said "Make sure you keep that book!" not realizing I didn't have a physical copy.  Now I do!  These lessons are slightly different than the iPad app which means I'll be able to use them both to supplement one another.  How exciting!!!  I cracked this open and used it with Vince already today and he got a kick out of it.  I am SO pleased!

Apparently Piper was, too, because she came over to investigate what had Zoey so intrigued.  When she didn't spot any treats, she promptly turned her nose up and left us to ourselves.  Lucy, as you can see in the next photo, just casually kept watch over everyone on the sofa.  This is her still hanging out after I'd packed everything away into the convenient storage box that came with the set.  

All in all, I'd say this is the best haul I've ever scored at a thrift shop.  God was certainly very kind to us this afternoon.  It's like it was all gift wrapped for us.  Truth be told, I'm pretty sure it was.  


Thank you, God!  You're so wonderful! :)