Tiny Thrifters: Secondhand Style for Toddlers

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As a millennial mom, I have a slight shopping addiction. You could call me a beige mom because any clothing with loud and obnoxious characters on it will most likely not make it into my house. But as much as I want my little ones to be the best dressed at daycare, I know they are going to destroy their clothes by making mud pies, finger painting, and snacking on pizza rolls. Not to mention, kids grow so fast! So what is the solution?

Short answer: thrift it. 

Check out some of my favorite places to look for secondhand style for my little fashionistas.

Consignment Sales and Thrift Shops

Okay by far, this is my top pick. Consignment sales are truly amazing! Most of these sales have high standards for resale items. So you can find gently used, high-quality items to fit your kids of all ages. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to shop, reducing your environmental footprint. I’ve even been lucky enough to find designer brands for a fraction of the retail cost! 

Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent platforms for finding pre-loved toddler clothing. Many parents sell their child’s outgrown clothes in excellent condition. You can browse listings, ask questions, and negotiate prices with sellers.

Online Thrift Stores

Several online thrift stores focus on sustainable fashion. Search through Instagram to find kids’ thrift shops! These small businesses typically search for good quality, name brands at local thrift shops and then resell them for their own business.

Subscription Boxes

Consider subscription boxes that deliver curated toddler outfits to your doorstep. Services like Kidbox and Rockets of Awesome provide stylish clothing at reasonable prices, and you only pay for what you keep. While this may be on the higher end of thrifting, it’s still a great and affordable way to find new styles for your kids! 

Vintage and Retro Stores

Explore vintage and retro stores for unique and timeless toddler fashion pieces. Vintage clothing often features durable materials and classic designs. Plus with the world of fast fashion, so many of these styles are coming back right now, anyway! 

DIY and Upcycling

Get creative and transform old adult clothing or thrifted items into adorable toddler outfits. Sewing or adding embellishments can give new life to old garments. If you have a Cricut, consider what you can do to add a new flare to your kid’s outfits! 

Mom Groups & Clothing Swaps

Many communities organize clothing swaps or sales where parents exchange or sell their children’s clothing at budget-friendly prices. You can also check out online Facebook groups for swaps near you. Here’s a tip: search Facebook groups or the marketplace with your child’s name or initials to find personalized secondhand clothes! 

Now that you know where to look, let’s cover a few tips before you start shopping:

  • Know Your Toddler’s Size – Probably the most important tip! Trace their foot on a piece of paper so that you can carry around their correct shoe size while shopping. Be sure to note any preferences they might have (especially if your toddler is picky like mine). Be prepared to shop for current and future season styles.
  • Inspect Items – Let’s be honest. They are secondhand clothes. Look for signs of wear, stains, or damage.
  • Wash and Sanitize – This goes for any new clothing item. Always wash your clothes before wearing them to ensure they are fresh and clean!
  • Support Sustainable Brands – Consider purchasing from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Embracing sustainable toddler fashion through secondhand shopping benefits both your child and the environment. The clothing industry is a significant contributor to environmental pollution; buying secondhand helps reduce the demand for new clothing production and minimizes textile waste. Also, we all know that toddlers grow quickly and it seems like they are never in one size for more than a few months. 

Break away from the normal big box stores, and see what you can find at your local secondhand shops for your tiny thrifters! You might be surprised…