consignment and kiddos

i can't rave enough about consignment clothing for kiddos.  with how fast they grow, how dirty they get and how expensive brand new clothes can be, shopping consignment is a great way to go.  i have asked a good friend of mine to help me out in this blog.  she works for a consignment store in westminster that is awesome and goes above and beyond just selling clothes.

If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a good Gymboree outfit.  Or maybe it’s Baby Gap, Janie n Jack, or some other more expensive line of beautifully made, unique children’s clothing.  Do you pay more than you should because you get suckered into the latest cloth diapers, Robeez, BabyLegs, or some other must-have accessory?  I used to, and then I discovered children’s resale/consignment stores.

I have even had good luck finding great Gymboree clothes at thrift stores, but that’s pretty hit-or-miss.  With a good resale store, the hard work has already been done for you.  The clothing has been examined for stains and tears, has been selected for its good quality and beautiful look, and kept nicely hung to keep away the wrinkles.  

And what should really make you stop in your tracks is the price.   A brand-new Gymboree outfit, if not on sale, will start at about $20 for a shirt, $40 for a nice dress or coat.  At a good resale store, you would pay probably no higher than $8 for the nicest dress or coat, and much less for a shirt or pants. 

Just think, too, about the items you have that you never used.  Did some relative of yours pick out something for your child that you just never wanted them to wear?  Did you buy something for family pictures or the first day of school that just didn’t pan out?  Why not resell the nicer items in your kid’s closet, make a few bucks, and then spend it on something new-to-you?

Even if you’re a germophobe, a nice, hot run through your washing machine for these items should put your mind at ease.  The whole process is like getting really good hand-me-downs from a person with good taste, and you just have to chip in a little.  It’s totally worth it, and when you consider how much clothing is simply wasted or thrown away each year, it makes sense to go green and donate or resell your clothing.  The world would be a lot less wasteful if people considered shopping second hand instead of buying new every time they got a hole in their jeans.

Besides all that, if you’re a parent, children’s resale stores are a great place to meet other parents, and a fun place for your kid to discover new friends.   I heartily recommend it to all my friends!

loving her new-to-her pretty pink dress :)

what are some money saving tips you have for kids clothing?  check out teenie greenie for deals and fun.  have a great week folks!

disclaimer:
just mentioning teenie greenie's because they are awesome!  :)