Second Time Around

As Halloween approaches, my 3 year old son has been begging and begging for a Ninja Turtle costume.   Finally, I told him if he could make it through the day at preschool without Mommy (the last 3 times he refused to separate), then I would get him the costume he so covets.   So yesterday-victory!  Jack was able to get through his first day of preschool without Mom, and even better, his teachers said he was actually happy and interacted with his peers-hooray!So, at 11:10 AM, the second we walked out of school, Jack said, so now I can get my Ninja Turtle costume?  Yes, absolutely, I said.  Having 2 ½ hours to myself was surely worth the 20 to 30 dollars it would cost me, I thought.   But before driving the 15 minutes to my nearest Target, I called my local consignment store, a number I now know by heart.  Yes!  They had one.  Can you please put it aside, I asked, I’ll be right down.  And off we went, and in 5 minutes, we bought Jack his Ninja get-up, for $6.97.

Consignment stores are a win- win on so many levels, as far as I am concerned.  First, there is a great one in my local community as there are in many towns in New England.  There are several decent stores in my general area, which sell, in addition to children’s items, clothes for men and women at affordable prices and in very good condition.

I have found dozens of Gymboree, Gap and Old Navy pieces for both of my kids, as well as a Banana Republic shirt for my husband with the tags still on (and believe me, XXL is not easy to find, anywhere).   I also bring in the clothing that my children have outgrown and then use the credit to purchase other great items.  My son and daughter love going, as you never know what treasures you can find, such as rare movies, toys and games.  Plus, the concept of exchanging goods in this way is eco-friendly and helps everyone out in these tough times.

While some people are not comfortable with the idea of “used” items, I encourage moms and dads to check it out before making up their minds!   You might just be happily surprised.

Some great options in Southern Maine:
Tots to Teens, Kings and Queens, Gorham, Maine  (207)-839-7839
Lots for Tots, Scarborough (207) 883-1100 and Falmouth, Maine (207) 347-8601
Kids Unlimited, Portland, Maine  (207) 878-5028

photo credit: flyinghippogirl

Sarah Reidy is a mom to 2 children, Meghan, 6 and Jack, 3 and lives in Gorham, Maine.  She’s an at-home mom, part-time real estate agent and freelance writer.  Before Sarah had kids, she worked as a Master’s Level Social Worker with kids!