Think Near New" for Kids' Stuff...and Take a Bite Out of That Monster Budget Item
Originally published: Colorado Parent April 2005
By Joy Lawrance
You know the old adage: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." As we become more and more of a goods-consuming society, we'd all do well to adhere to that directive. Sadly, so many things seem programmed for obsolescence. Today we bring home a new item, and tomorrow's paper proclaims a "new and improved" model. All too often we don't have much choice in our purchases.
There is, however, one area where parents do have a choice, and they can save themselves bundles of money in the process. When buying clothes, furniture or toys for your children, think "near new," or "gently used." Of course we all want nothing but the best for our kids, but perhaps one of the best things we can do is to make sure there is enough money for a college education. With that in mind, you may come to realize that a brand new, expensive outfit for a three-year-old isn't quite so vital.
If baby superstores are right, little people today require much more gear than did kids of previous generations - and all of it is costly. More and more parents are turning to consignment or used clothing and equipment stores to fill in the gaps. It certainly makes sense when you think that this month's T-shirt is next month's dust rag.
Outgrowing clothes is a kid's job. Babies are especially notorious for their good work in this area. Their darling little outfits are almost as disposable as their diapers. Consignment or used clothing stores help in two ways: you can purchase items for a fraction of the cost of new, and you can consign or sell those things that junior has outgrown. It's win-win for everyone.
Consignment stores take used clothes, bedding, toys and equipment and pay a percentage of the sale price. Generally, if it doesn't sell within 60 days, you reclaim your wares, or let the store deal with them. Often, goods are donated to charity. Other stores simply buy your merchandise outright. These stores usually have high standards, taking only those things that are in excellent condition. Some are quite specific about the types and brand names of clothing they will accept.
Petite Patoot owner Bridget Dornbirer, for example, buys brand-name garments by Baby Walk, Laura Ashley, Ralph Lauren and Zyno, to name just a few; her goal is to offer premier clothing. According to Dornbirer, "People that benefit the most are those who appreciate and know upscale brands and appreciate the good value. If you compare price tags, we don't have the lowest. But if you know what the clothing retails for, then you know the value."
There are other benefits, too, she adds. "Our shoppers don't always shop at boutiques. Here, you can get really great stuff that's within your budget." Another plus is having all the sale racks of all the great boutiques in one place. And, she continues, "You get to shop at the top of the season when you know your child's size, which is better than shopping at the end of the season when you don't know what their size will be."
Another good reason to avail yourself of the near-new market is the fact that children's needs change with the seasons. Literally. As an adult, you may spend a tidy sum on a new wool coat you expect to last for a few years, so the cost is justified. Likewise, a shiny new mountain bike should see you through miles of trails, so the cost is justified. Kids, on the other hand, go through coats and bikes like tissues popping out of a box.
With consignment or near-new stores, parents maximize their budgets for children's goods, and often are able to afford that something extra. Savvy parents turn outgrown clothes, equipment, or toys and games into cash.
Of course, near-new doesn't just start with infant and toddler items. Several stores include maternity clothes in their offerings; Mother-2-Mother, a maternity boutique in Boulder, has special sales events periodically during the year.
Children's furniture is yet another high-ticket category. Several shops offer bassinettes, cribs, youth beds and the like. Just for Kids & Lace deals only with furniture, making sure that it is up-to-date and in good condition.
Parents of budding sport stars know well about the initial cost of new sporting gear. Adults have good reason to pay high prices for equipment that they will use for years. Children will outgrow those ski boots or hockey skates faster than snow melts in April. Sports Plus understands this, and for the past 23 years the owners have been accepting consignment items as well as selling new and used equipment and clothing.
Sometimes, of course, safety design takes precedence over "used." Governmental regulations change regularly, so things like cribs and car seats must be examined with great scrutiny. Some stores will not sell items such as these except as new.
Whatever your child's needs, you owe it to yourself to visit one or more of these stores. As Dornbirer emphasizes, "Everybody appreciates a value. It seems that everyone is on a budget of one form or another, but that doesn't change your desires."
RECYCLE AND SAVE
Following are a few ideas to get you thinking about ways to save:
* Organize exchange parties with your friends. These can be themed for maternity, kid's toys, clothes or sports equipment.
* Keep a box handy to collect items, and pass it along to a new mom.
* If you're having a baby shower, consider doing a "Second-Hand Shower," and ask guests to shop the consignment stores.
* Recirculate your maternity clothes - pass them along to the next new mom-to-be.
* Don't forget to check garage sales...and E-Bay!
* There are always children who have so little - be sure to donate clothes and toys to your favorite charity.
* Watch for annual sales and events sponsored by organizations, such as:
Darling Doubles Kid's Stuff Garage Sale. April 2, 8:30am - Noon. Westminster Church of the Nazarene, 3501 W. 104th Ave. $1 fee for nonmembers of Darling Doubles.
Sweet Repeats. They offer four sales a year, renting out locations at various hotels. The next sale is April 30 at the Four Points Sheraton, I-25 and Hampden, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Call to be added to the mailing list: 720-348-6971. Name-brand clothes only, sizes 0 - 8.
Mother-2-Mother. Maternity boutique sales events several times a year. Call to be placed on a mailing list, or for a personal appointment: 303-404-3033. www.mother2mother.com.
Over the Moon. Opens for special sales, about four per year. The next sale will be on April 9, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 10855 Dover St., Westminster. All upscale, high-end brands including shoes and hats, ages newborn to size 6. www.overthemoonkids.com.
SHOPS AROUND TOWN
PETITE PATOOT:
Purchases clothing outright. Petite Patoot specializes in premier clothing, clothes that are fun and in style. They buy clothing (in excellent condition) from newborn to size 8. Call for an appointment to sell clothes. Open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warehouse: 1665 S. Acoma St., Denver. 303-665-8161. www.petitepatoot.com
ONCE UPON A CHILD:
Purchases merchandise outright. A national chain with two locations selling everything kid-related. Clothes from newborn to size 12. Only new car seats, mattresses and high chairs. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8055 Bowles Ave., Littleton. 303-973-3337. Arvada location hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8025 Sheridan Blvd., Ste. M, Arvada. 303-42705437. www.ouac.com.
BEARLY WORN:
Consignment shop. Does not have to be name brand but must be in excellent condition. Sells toys, books, videos, furniture - anything that has to do with kids. Ages newborn to size 16 as well as maternity. Also, hair bows and poodle skirts for that Ô50s look. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 15480 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, 303-991-0001. www.bearlywornkid.com.
COTTON KIDS:
Consignment shop. Sells everything to do with kids except potty seats, bathing equipment and diaper pails. Ages infant to teens. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Drop off items Wed. to Sat. at any time. 10970 S. Parker Rd., Parker. 303-840-9901.
KIDS AGAIN:
Consignment shop, high quality. Clothes, maternity, small toys, furniture, equipment. Size 0 to preteen. Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 2670 E. County Line Rd., Unit F, Highlands Ranch. 303-740-7333.
CHILDISH THINGS:
Consignment shop. Children's clothes from newborn to size 10, maternity, toys and equipment. Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 2071 30th St., Boulder. 303-442-2703.
KIN STYLES:
Consign or buy. Children's clothes, maternity, bedding. Anything for kids and more. Newborn to size 8. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 15343 E. 6th Ave, Ste. H., Denver. {AU: OK?} 720-324-1099.
TUMBLEWEEDS FOR KIDS:
Purchases merchandise outright. Name-brand clothes, infant to size 12. Also a hair salon. Mon. - Fri., 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 10530 S. Progress Way, #101, Parker. 720-851-6650.
JUST FOR KIDS & LACE:
Purchases merchandise outright. Furniture, strollers, walkers, bicycles, toys. In business for 20 years. Children's furniture must be up-to-date and in good condition. Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 15910 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. 303-364-1022.
KID TO KID:
Purchases merchandise outright. This national chain sells a variety of used and new products from clothing to toys, furniture, strollers and beds. Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun., noon - 4 p.m. 15035 E. Mississippi, Aurora. 303-752-2757. www.kidtokid.com.
SPORTS PLUS:
Consign, sell or trade sports equipment. Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wed. - Thurs, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1055 S. Gaylord St., Denver. 303-777-6613. www.sportsplusdenver.com.
Freelance writer Joy Lawrance has written travel features for many major national newspapers. She also writes for Mangia, Architecture & Design, and Colorado Parent magazines, has a nationally syndicated column on Travel with Grandkids, and a website, www.travelwithgrandkids.com