When I found out I was having a second boy, at first I was shocked. Not that I didn’t want a second boy — I was still totally afraid of little girls (having been mean to my own mom until … ummm, now) — but I grew up in a boy/girl house and I just thought that’s how it went. But since birthing a second son, I now recognize it for what it is: “the ultimate in recycling.”
Babies grow fast. A few inches in as many months – wow! So, my tip is to beg, borrow, and steal (ok, don’t steal) clothes and gear. Legal ideas:
- Second hand shops. I got a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans for $2. They didn’t fit, but for that price, who cares?! Add some decorative patches to torn places if you’re feeling really creative.
- Hand-me-downs from friends. I organize a clothing swap every year, so you know I don’t have any problem with my friends’ seconds.
- Internet. Use Google Products (formerly known as Froogle) to find deals when you know what you like or kidsurplus.com if you know you just need something like a “raincoat”
- Bulk. Look for multi-packs of onesies and sweatpants for everyday use (Target, Old Navy).
- Outlet malls. Is there a Carter’s near you? Make it a roadtrip or a side trip if you’re visiting the grandparents
Kiddley.com offers clever, thrifty ideas about sharing kids’ clothes among a group of friends.
You can get clothing for free at http://freecycle.org. In our area (Atlanta) we have a website that lists upcoming kids consignment sales (thebargainwatcher.com).
You can really get some great stuff at church consignment sales, but you have to stock up for the whole year since they’re mostly in the spring. We also have Kid to Kid, a great consignment store where you can get an outfit for $5.
And don’t forget garage & yard sales. On my blog, I list the sales that feature kid and baby stuff weekly so parents can find them quickly.
[...] We’ve mentioned this idea here and there, but maybe it’s time to full-on tell you how to throw a clothing swap on your own. [...]
Dont forget Ebay! If you shop for “lots” you will get the most bang for your shipping buck — and if you spend $8 on 14 pieces, who cares if some dont fit?
Yard sales!!! We live in an area with lots of kids, and I’ve gotten a great deal on gently used kids clothing during this summer’s yard sale season. Most items were priced between $0.25 and $1!!!
Mom to mom sales! They are huge in Michigan. This site, http://www.mom2momlist.com, lists where they are each Saturday. You can’t beat the deals you get here, it’s like going to 50 yard sales in one location. Toys, clothes, baby equipment they have everything. Best part is when you are done, you can rent a table and sell all of your baby stuff.
Mom to mom sales! They are huge in Michigan. Go to this site, http://www.mom2momlist.com, to see where they are happening. They are hosted by churches, elementary schools, local mom groups…you pay $1 to get in and it is like 50 all kids related yard sales in one location. I get the best deals, there are clothes, cribs, toys, strollers…it’s great and when your ready to unload some of your stuff, you rent a table and sell it to someone else.