Kids are expensive. I think that’s one thing that parents across the nation would agree on. In the beginning, I didn’t really get it, because everyone was buying me things. Thanks to the baby shower! But, it didn’t take very long for the gift cards to start running out, the supply of diapers to dwindle and our son to start busting out of his 3-6 mo. onesies. And then before I knew it, he had another growth spurt and had outgrown all of his 6-12 mo. outfits! That is when I started to realize the true impact my little bundle of joy was going to have on my wallet. So I started looking for ways to save myself a few bucks. And this is when I became hooked on kids clothing swaps.
Clothing swaps save you money. That’s the simple truth. New clothing, even when on sale, can really be expensive. With a clothing swap, you can swap the clothing your kids no longer wear for great clothing that they will, all without spending a cent.
Clothing swaps can help you take a small step towards “going green”. A lot of people simply throw out the clothing their kids have outgrown. Where does this clothing end up? Landfills. And textiles can take hundreds of years to break down. Instead of adding to these landfills, swap!
Clothing swaps are fun. Believe me, they can really be a good time. Get your friends together and throw a swap party! Or join a swapping community like thredUP. thredUP allows you to swap kids clothing with other parents across the US!
Bored with your kids clothing? Clothing swaps are an affordable way to change up your kids’ wardrobe on a regular basis.
Swaps are great for play clothes. Little kids make messes. So why would you want to spend a lot of money on clothes they are most likely going to spill something on? If for nothing else, use a clothing swap for clothes your kids can play in.
Infant size clothing is often new or very lightly worn. Babies outgrow their clothes so fast that half the time they don’t even get around to wearing all the outfits in their closet. And those outfits they do wear, have very little wear and tear since they most likely have only worn them a few times.
Set a good example for your kids. Talk to them about why you are swapping their clothes and let them help pick out their “new” clothes. Getting them involved in the swap will show them the importance of sustainable living and give them a better understanding of the value of a dollar
Carly Fauth is Chief Mom at thredUP and mom to a 21 month old very active little boy named Ryker.
My 2 nieces and my daughter were stairstepped 4 yrs apart, so we always saved our favorites pieces to pass on to the next in line. My daughter has two of her own now. She does much the same: giving favorite pieces to friends' children. The others (still in good shape) we donate to Goodwill. I guess we're not organized enough to shop! 🙂