Kids Consignment Heaven

Kids grow so fast these days.

It seems like one day they are these teeny, tiny little creatures, nestled in the crook of your arm. And the next thing you know, they are running around, making messes, carrying on conversations, and ruling the world.

Which, as you can imagine, means they go through clothes faster than a car can go through a tank of gas. And those clothes aren't cheap.

Which is why I absolutely love that our area has a twice-annual consignment sale, specifically for kids items. Clothes, toys, bedding, furniture. You name it, they have it and sell it.

I started shopping this sale years ago when S. was just a tiny toddler, barely able to walk. [Sigh, those were the days!] And have shopped there at every sale since. Every October, I show up and outfit my kids as much as possible for the winter. And every March, I do the same thing for summer.

Now, sometimes I'm not as successful as others. You never know what people are going to sell. They might not have a lot in the size you are looking for. Or the things they do have might not be your taste in children's clothing. But I have never walked out with nothing in my hands! Never!

This past weekend was the Summer Sale -- so I took the kids up Thursday morning to get as much as we could for their closets. I'm able to shop a day early because I also consign for the sale -- which is the best thing ever. I drop my items off. And they sell them for me.

I don't even have to be there.

Anyways ... we went to shop and loaded the kids up with a bunch of fun stuff. The kids were both a little antsy and wanted to get out of there after awhile, so we didn't look around at toys [not that they need any!] or books or those kinds of things. But we got almost everything they will need this summer.

I got S. 5 dresses, 5 tops, 2 complete outfits, a pair of khaki shorts and a bathing suit [that's top is like a rash guard!]. L. got sandals, 9 pair pajamas, 3 pair swimming trunks, 5 pair shorts and 3 tops [2 Ralph Lauren Polos and a Gap button down].

Grand Total?

$96.00, you guys!! How awesome is that! I am very picky about what I buy and how much I will spend on something, even if it is very gently used. Nothing looks like it has been worn more than a couple times. No stains or discoloration. Other than a couple specks of dirt on the bottom of the sandals, even those look like they were never worn. And I buy almost ALL name brand [Gap, Ralph Lauren] or large chain store [Target brands, Carters, Osh Kosh] items. So I know they are good quality, and will hold up all summer, if not longer.

Looks like I only need to buy a few more things for each of the kids, and they are completely set for the long warmer months here in North Carolina!