Second Hand Shopping Tips for New Parents
Having a new little one can be expensive, but with a little planning, there are great savings to be had when it comes to shopping for baby. Shopping at second hand stores is a great way to share money when buying clothes, toys, and equipment for your littlest family members. At this point in the post, I must confess that I am in love with shopping second hand! I am excited to share my three favorite things about shopping second hand:
1. You can save money! At our local Goodwill, You can find onesies for $.99, pants for $1.99, and sleepers for $4.99. Not only are second hand prices low, but stores will often run sales and specials that can make these awesome prices even more spectacular. On the first Saturday of the month at our Goodwill, everything is half price. This has allowed us to buy a new in package TV stand for $75 (retail price $300), a 2nd generation Kindle for $35, and the Fisher Price Go Baby Go! Crawl and Cruise Musical Jungle for $5 (retail price $49.98). We have saved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars by shopping second hand.
2. You can find quality goods! Time and time again, we are amazed by the quality goods that be can find at second hand stores. Brand names like Carters, Disney, Gap, Gymboree, Old Navy, Graco, and Fisher Price tend to be readily found. The quality of clothes tends to be high. When shopping a donation-based store, like Goodwill, high quality can’t be guaranteed but with patience and perseverance, the diamonds in the rough can be easily found. At a second hand store where they buy and sell gentry used clothes, toys, and equipment, you can generally expect the quality to be high.
3. No pressure! To save on overhead, second hand storesdon’t tend to have a lot of staff on the floors pestering you while you shop If you are independent shoppers, like we are, this a dream come true. Shopping can be a luxury, you can browse the racks and shelves with no pressure to buy. The stores do have associates available to answer questions, but in general, they are more than happy to let you shop in peace.
I can’t say enough good things about shopping second hand. If you are concerned abut the quality and condition of items you will find a second hand store, I challenge you to take the money you would normally spend at a department store on one or two outfits, and see the quality and quantity of clothes you are able to find. While you are at it, check out the toys and equipment as well.
What deals have you been able to find at a second hand store lately?
About Anna and Beth
Anna and Beth have been together for over 11 years and welcomed their first baby, Ellie, into the family on 1/14/12. Beth carried Ellie to 38wks when Ellie arrived early quite by surprise. Anna works at a university and Beth is a nanny which allows her to keep Elie with her. They like to spend their time mystery shopping, watching HuluPlus and Netflix, visiting with family, Goodwill and consignment sale shopping, making their own laundry detergent, hand soap, lotion, and deodorant, and just being a family. Beth loves writing about pregnancy and breastfeeding and Anna is quite the parenting expert. They both enjoy staying up to date with news and groups discussing these topics. View all posts by Anna and Beth
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You’re making me want to live near a second hand store now! Too bad I live in the middle of nowhere- 1.5 hours to the nearest Goodwill or anything of the sort!