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The ‘Stuff’ of Kids

For being little in size, kids sure come with a big pile of ‘stuff’ that they need (and want). There’s a long list of gear that can make becoming a new parent a little easier: bouncy seats, automated-rockers and swings, carriers, pacifiers, sound machines, swaddles, and that’s just in the earliest months!  As babies develop, they quickly grow into new stages and activities, which come with new gear; this continues as they grow into toddlers, young children and beyond. And this doesn’t even mention the clothing and shoes that they sometimes wear only a few times before out-growing! All this adds up in cost, and takes up space!


So, what can you do as a parent, especially if you’re trying to stretch your dollar and minimize your environmental impact? Fortunately, there are lots of options for getting your hands on previously-loved children’s gear and clothing. Here are some of our favourites:

  • Hand-me-downs from friends and family! Whether gifted or borrowed, a set of clothing or gear directly from someone you know can be a huge blessing. Just remember to pay it forward!

  • Second-hand and consignment stores. Thrift stores like Goodwill or the Salvation Army are a great source of used items, with the added benefit of being not-for-profit societies that benefit the communities they operate in. Consignment stores like Once Upon a Child also can be relied on to have good deals on things you’ll need; sometimes items are new with tags still on them!

  • Social media and online direct sales.  The world of selling items through Facebook Marketplace and other groups may be relatively new, but is sometimes the easiest and most direct way of finding what you’re looking for.

 

What are some of your favourite ways and places to track down the ‘stuff’ your little one needs?

 

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