Shopping for kids clothes can be expensive, and many families are looking for ways to live more sustainably with their clothing choices. Hand-me-downs were the gold standard when I was a kid, and my kids have been fortunate enough to grow up with bags of hand-me-downs from friends and family. But not everyone has the opportunity to have bags of clothing dropped off at the door, and coordinating to pick up items through social media groups can be time-consuming. That’s where kids’ consignment shops come in! Many places offer good quality kids’ clothing, toys, shoes, and seasonal items (like holiday formal wear and costumes), and kids can pick out what they like to wear without it costing an arm and a leg.
To find the best deals and selection, here are some tips:
- Know what you need: Swapping over sizes and closet cleanouts are exhausting, but they are helpful to know what you are actually running short on. When everything is on sale for a dollar or two, it can be easy to want to buy multiples of one item. But, if your child hates wearing long sleeves or jackets, purchasing multiple will only mean you have more that sit in the closet.
- Plan ahead: As each season comes to an end, you will find even better discounts as consignment shops try to clear out their stock to make room for the next inventory. If you know you have a beach vacation coming up in January, plan ahead by picking up a heavily discounted bathing suit and some shorts in mid-August.
- Go often: As with any thrifting, the inventory changes frequently. You might not find what you’re looking for on a Monday, but find plenty the following week.
- Sign up for rewards programs, online newsletters or text updates: Similar to other retailers, many kids consignment shops will send out emails or texts alerting customers to the next deal or when they will be putting out seasonal items. These are a key part of getting even deeper discounts on clothing that is already well-priced!
Best Kids’ Consignment Shops
Abbotsford:
Once Upon a Child
Address: 2043 Abbotsford Way, Abbotsford
Hours: 9:30am-8pm (Monday-Saturday) | 11am-6pm (Sunday)
Website: www.onceuponachild.com
Chilliwack:
Once Upon a Child
Address: 8249 Eagle Landing Parkway, Unit 206, Chilliwack
Hours: 9:30am- 8pm (Monday – Saturday) | 11am-6pm (Sunday)
Website: www.onceuponachild.com
Coquitlam:
Once Upon a Child
Address: 1300 Woolridge Street, Unit 10/11. Coquitlam
Hours: 9:30am-8pm (Monday-Saturday) | 10am-6pm (Sunday)
Website: www.onceuponachild.com
Langley:
Once Upon a Child
Address: 20121 Willowbrook Drive, Unit 104, Langley
Hours: 9:30am-8pm (Monday- Saturday) | 10am-6pm (Sunday)
Website: www.onceuponachild.com
Pitt Meadows:
Jak and Jill’s Clothing
Address: 104-12540 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows
Hours: 11am-5pm (Tuesday- Friday) | 10am-4pm (Saturday)
Website: jakandjills.com
Surrey:
Once Upon a Child (Surrey)
Address: 3238 King George Boulevard, Suite 4, Surrey
Hours: 9:30am – 9pm (Monday-Friday) | 10am-8pm (Saturday) | 10am-6pm (Sunday)
Website: www.onceuponachild.com
North Vancouver:
Young n’ Thrifty
Address: Lonsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver)
Hours: 11am-6pm (Daily)
Website: youngnthrifty.com
Vancouver:
Beansprouts
Address: 4897 Main Street, Vancouver
Hours: 11am-5pm (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday) | 11am-6pm (Thursday- Saturday)
Website: www.beansprouts.ca
Little Earth Children’s Store
Address: 1009 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Hours: 10:30am-5:30pm (daily)
Website: littleearthvancouver.com
MacGILLICUDY’S
Address: 4881 Mackenzie Street, Vancouver
Hours: 11am-4pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday)
Website: www.facebook.com/macgillycuddys
Online:
Jill and Joey
Address: Online-only, with a North Vancouver local pick-up spot.
Website: www.jillandjoey.ca
Minimore Kids Consignment
Address: Vancouver-based, but currently online only. Opening a storefront soon.
Website: minimore.ca
Shop Small and Kind
Address: Online only. BC-based.
Website: www.smallandkind.com
Did we miss your favourite consignment shop for kids? Comment below or send us an email at vancouver@familyfuncanada.com!
