I don't know about you but I am always looking for ways to save money. Children's clothes can get VERY expensive and with each extra child comes more and more expense. SO what is a girl to do???? 
Shop Resale!
Now don't gasp in horror, I am very selective in my purchases. But seriously when you have a baby people send you tons and tons of clothes, half of which never get worn or they only get worn once. So you have all of these beautiful, barely used baby clothes. One option is to take them to a nice children's resale shop in your area and trade them for store credit. What does this get you?? Free or very inexpensive clothes for the rest of your child's life! Just keep taking back the lightly used items or gifts that you know won't be worn and trade them in! I just picked up 2 pairs of snow boots, a winter coat, and snow-pants for 45$. Actually I had store credit so I didn't spend a dime. Did I mention that they were all name brands and look perfectly new? Columbia and LL Bean! If I had bought them new it would have cost 260$
The other thing about shopping resale is that you are lowering your carbon footprint. Just an added bonus as far as I am concerned! If you live in Ann Arbor check out Grow With Me! Such a great store and they also donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ann Arbor Autism Foundation and The Autism Society of Washtenaw County.
With one quick trip I accomplished a lot!
1) got rid of some baby clothes that were taking up room in our closets.
2) saved some cash
3) supported a local business
3) helped the autism societies in our area
4) lowered our carbon footprint
5) Oh and of course ensured that the boys can play happily in the snow this winter:)
I do a lot of my girls clothes shopping online. We have 'kijiji' which is like craigs list, so I can find clothes lots with dozens of outfits for what would normally probably get me a shirt and pants and that's it. It's such a huge savings which means the money can go towards other things. Going shopping in stores now gives me sticker shock! Another great help is hand-me-downs from friends who are done having kids.
ReplyDeleteSo I was so inspired by this idea, I tracked down local stores in DC/Northern VA where I could bring our old baby clothes. I packed up three boxes - I strapped the kids in the car - I drove 45+ minutes EACH WAY. I came back from each trip with...three boxes. The three stores I went to took a grand total of 10 items between them - and I was told at every place that they're not interested in anything that isn't SPOTLESS and DESIGNER. So, just out of curiosity - how many of you all have baby clothes that look like they have never been worn and are only from designer brands?!?! I'm not sure if this just a DC thing (can you say Type-A, fashion-conscious Mommies?) or if everyone else just has better clothes than we do. :o)
ReplyDeletePretty sure we don't have better clothes than you!! But they are a bit strict with what they will except here too. I have a 3 step system. Take the brand new items to the "fancy" store. What they don't take I take to the other resale shop. Whatever is left I donate. Before you go take a look and make sure the items don't have any pilling, stains, and are freshly washed. Make them look their BEST. Sorry that REALLY stinks!!
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