Consignment Shopping

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Consignment sales are at the top of my list for saving money as you raise a family, second only to clearance and garage sales! There are many consignment stores for a variety of different types of purchases. Specifically, I frequent children’s and maternity consignment stores for gently used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and furniture. My VERY favorite consignment store is Kid to Kid. There are many different locations across the DFW metroplex and they are very committed to only accepting gently used items that are in excellent condition. Once Upon A Child is another favorite, but their stores are slightly larger and can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to consignment shopping. Divine Consign is a twice-yearly consignment store that stocks up on consignment items and then displays them all at once in a grandiose sale in Plano and Grapevine, Texas. Today was the Divine Consign sale in Plano located inside Plano Centre. If you are just reading this and FREAKING OUT, no worries! They are continuing to sell tomorrow and Tuesday. Check out their website at www.divineconsign.net. Also visit Kid to Kid and Once Upon A Child for locations and store hours. As we all know or will soon come to realize, our children grow faster than we can believe sometimes! One day their shoes fit perfectly, and the next they are too small! What about that sweet potato stain that will just NOT COME OUT?! Well, I haven’t found a way to stunt my daughter’s growth or a miracle cure for formula and baby food stains, but I have found a way to keep it from breaking me! Shop consignment stores!! People consign gently used and often brand new clothing, toys, and shoes that I am too thrifty to buy new! As I have said in previous blogs, I find that I can truly justify that pair of to-die-for sandals for my toddler because I purchase all of her other belongings at pennies on the dollar. Today was not a total booty-haul because I wasn’t in the market for very many things. My husband and I purchased a See-and-Say, a toy piano, a small wooden toy, 6 or 7 pieces of summer clothing, a puzzle, and a portable high chair for a total of $51! The most expensive item was the portable high chair at $10!! What a steal! The neatest thing about Divine Consign is that they carry EVERYTHING under the sun for babies, but you have to arrive early and hunt – and as the sale winds to a close on Tuesday afternoon, everything marked with an “X” on the tag is 75% off!
As always, you must be an educated consumer and know what you would typically pay, or what you are willing to pay for certain items so that you will know what is a good deal and what is not. If you have missed the Divine Consign sale this time, join their mailing list and catch them next time. Fortunately, Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child are open 5-7 days per week.
Conversely, if you are overwhelmed with clothing , toys, furniture, shoes, and accessories that your child(ren) have outgrown, why not make some cash?! Check the website for details, as there are guidelines about how to present your items for consignment.

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