Shopping for kids’ clothes can make a serious dent in the wallet. Good news: You can keep them clothed without dropping a ton of money by taking advantage of the deals at local consignment shops and resales. Cute fashions and gear abound. Check out the listings below to find out where to go.
Kidding Around
Westridge Shopping Center • 10201 University Avenue • Clive • (515) 225-6330
Kidding Around has been serving the Des Moines area since 1997 and have greatly expanded since opening. Clothing brands run the gamut from Gap, Gymboree, The Children’s Place, Baby Lulu, Mini Boden, Abercrombie, and more. Also expect a nicely edited and well-priced selection of toys, furniture and equipment such as swings and bouncy seats.
Kidding around purchase clothing, toys and equipment from consigners outright, paying 30 to 40 percent of what they will price the item at. 50 percent for furniture. Consignors can take cash or store credit, which is good for up to one year. Bonus there is a play area in the store, so your kids can play while you enjoy shopping!
Kids Closet Connection
This bi-annual sale Kids Closet Connection features a wide array of consignment merchandise. You will find quality toys, furniture, strollers, car seats, high-chairs, swings, exer-saucers, books, sporting equipment and of course, brand-name clothing. Preemie to teen as well as all maternity sizes are available. Brands range from known brands like Gymboree to boutique and designer brands like Matilda Jane and Mini Boden.
Prices are marked 60 to 90 percent below retail. Large green totes are provided and you can also bring your own. Admission and parking are FREE; cash and credit cards are accepted for purchases. Volunteers can shop early but must register in advance. The sale gets so packed that it’s recommended that shoppers don’t bring their kids or strollers.
Mommy N’ Me To Be
3330 Westown Parkway • West Des Moines • (515) 225-9800
1690 SE Delaware Avenue • Ankeny • (515) 964-3205
Everything is extremely organized and clearly labeled at Mommy N’ Me To Be’s two locations. Merchandise includes maternity wear, trendy teen clothing, nursery furniture and bedding, baby equipment, and toys. They also have a large selection of baby and toddler rental equipment. Great for when you have little guests visiting.
The first time you sell with them you will select to either get cash on the spot for your items or become a consignor. If you choose to become a consignor you will receive a username and password to view all your items online as they are entered and sold. If you want to get baby clothes and equipment out of your house and need an extra hand or you don’t know where to start, they also offer house calls and pick up service for a fee.
Once Upon a Child
10465 Hickman Road • Urbandale • (515) 222-0774
Once Upon a Child is a national franchise of resale shops. The hallmark of these stores is gently used children’s clothing, shoes, baby gear, furniture and toys — all in excellent shape. There is a particularly good selection of costumes, swimwear and dancewear. Clothing brands include The Children’s Place, Polo, Hanna Andersson, Gap and Old Navy.
There is no appointment necessary to bring items in for consignment, and the locations pay cash on the spot for usable items. You also receive store bucks which are good towards your next purchase. The inventory is constantly changing, so you’ll need to shop often and you can sign up for email alerts.
Take 2 Des Moines
This multi-city sale, Take 2 Des Moines, is held twice a year, once in the spring and then again in the fall. Shop new and gently used children’s, teen and maternity clothing, shoes, toys, baby equipment, books, videos and children’s furniture. There is no admission fee and they provide a few carts, which are in constant use, so you may want to bring a large bag to carry all your items in.
This sale is popular with consignors because they earn 70 percent of the sale price. (Consignors set their own sale price, so discounts vary.) And, 75 percent if the consignor volunteers four or more hours. If you volunteer 12 hours you will shop FIRST. Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted for purchases.
Did we miss your favorite consignment store or sale? Let us know!
