Most of MBP’s clothes and toys are either used or free. There are very active Buy Nothing Groups in Seattle where we got MBP’s crib, chairs, clothes, bottles and tons of toys. I supplement his stuff by buying other items on consignment, which typically happens twice a year.
When we moved this May, I joined the local Buy Nothing Group, but it doesn’t have much activity. There are also more people asking for things and I feel bad taking it from them, knowing very well that I can buy it. My favorite consignment store was also in Seattle that was put together by Seattle Parents of Multiples. I don’t have multiples, but I find that most of their items are barely used, and prices are low. Parents probably stop having kids after having two, or three and want to get rid of the items quickly. Unfortunately I’m now an hour away but was able to find one close enough and I was able to last Friday while MBP was in school.
Buying in Consignment is NOT the cheapest route, but the most convenient for me, while still buying used items that my kid will only use for the next 6 months.
I don’t expect to get super great deal at consignment. Sometimes the prices can be consistent with new items that are on sale. I pay for the convenience of having one room filled with most of the items that my kid will need for the next 6 months. It’s typically seasonal as well. Most consignment happens twice a year, one in fall for the fall and winter season and one in spring for the spring and summer season.
How I buy at consignment store
I make a list of items that I know my son will need, from clothings to feeding to bathing. During the fall season, I keep an eye out for winter wear which cost quite a bit when bought new. I’m still fairly new to this, so there are some items that I bought that I probably don’t need or could get cheaper if needed.
I saved about 82% of all items I bought or about $432.17.
And here’s everything I bought
| Type | Cost Used | Cost New | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2, 1900 | 5 | 39.99 | 87% |
| Folding Play Mat | 15 | 59.99 | 75% |
| Pregnancy Wedge | 3.5 | 15.99 | 78% |
| Skip Hop Backpack Owl | 3 | 19.99 | 85% |
| Number wooden puzzle | 3.5 | 15.99 | 78% |
| Starbucks Christmas Kids cup | 1.5 | 7.49 | 80% |
| Nike size 10 toddler | 5 | 26.99 | 81% |
| North Side Winter Boots size 11 | 5 | 40 | 88% |
| Kamik size 10 winter boots | 6.5 | 42.99 | 85% |
| Crocs size 8/9 | 2 | 18.99 | 89% |
| Crocs size 10/11 | 5 | 18.99 | 74% |
| Size 9 winter boots | 3 | 29.99 | 90% |
| Snozu 2t down jacket | 6 | 49.99 | 88% |
| Baby shark 2t Costumer | 10 | 24.95 | 60% |
| 8 pair of underwear | 3 | 10.8 | 72% |
| Training pants | 2 | 5.99 | 67% |
| 2 dozen socks | 5 | 22 | 77% |
| Cookie monster foam puzzle | 1 | 13.99 | 93% |
| Toddler Camping chair | 3.5 | 16.99 | 79% |
| Tax | 8.673 | 47.2458 | |
| Total | 97.173 | 529.3458 | 82% |