Worn again

Filed Under Going Green, Tips & Tricks | July 9, 2007

Buying consignment clothes for your kids isn’t just good for your pocketbook, it’s good for the environment as well. You’re not only reducing your spending but you’re reusing and recycling. It’s also a great way to guarantee your child won’t be wearing the same outfit as all their playmates – instead you’ll set them up as a vintage trendsetter.

We talked to Sandra Poelzer of perennial favourite kid’s consignment store Wee Ones Re Runs (try saying that three times fast) for a few tips on buying and selling kids clothes.

For buyers Poelzer recommends checking a store’s return policy before buying. For the best selection she suggests shopping early in the season and check in with your favourite second-hand haunts often. And for the best bargains shop at the end of the season. Most stores also offer a wish list option so you can let them know if you’re looking for something in particular, a second-hand Double Mountain Buggy anyone?

For sellers it’s important to remember that the condition of the garment is more important than the brand and stores buy by the seasons. Sure the Gap and Gymboree are always popular, but stains don’t sell. Most stores work on an appointment basis and the split is usually around 60/40 for them. Something we’ve found works well is throwing your tot’s outgrown outfits into a box in the bottom of their closet which you can later sort into keep, sell and pass along piles. This tip works well for toys too.

Want to spread the word about your favourite second-hand stores? Leave a comment, it’s good sharing.

July’s big share: We’re modeling such good sharing that we can’t understand why our kids have so much trouble with it. When you sign up for yoyomama in July you’ll be entered to win a $200 gift certificate from Natural Pod, a great local online source for natural items that meet all your kid’s needs from teething to playtime.

Me too! Already a subscriber? Don’t worry, we’re not leaving you out. Every time you use the forward feature at the bottom of your daily email to share yoyomama with a friend, you’ll be entered in our contest too.

We’re currently coveting Natural Pod’s Beeswax Block Crayons, especially in light of our chew-everything toddler.