Kids have the near magical ability to grow out of clothing week(s) after it’s purchased. That cute dress you picked up for Easter? Already too small. How about the awesome swim trunks they had to have with Spiderman on them, you know, the ones that they wore once in the bathtub? Well right now they fit almost like the real Spiderman’s suit.
For all the growing that kids do, thankfully, we have Mom 2 Mom sales.
Buying at them, though, can be a little intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Even if you do, in some cases, looking at rows and rows of clothing and toys piled high may not inspire confidence in finding what you want.
Fear not! Here are a few tips that hopefully will make your trips easier, shorter, and end up with bags full of goodies for you and your kiddos.
Prior to the sale, check craigslist. Many times sellers from specific sales will post their location and what they’ll have at their table. This can save time, especially when they have exactly what you want. Like that three-piece suit in tan with a clip on tie.
Getting to a sale early will see the largest selection of items. If you’re looking for a specific piece of baby equipment, a hot toy, or a character shirt for a movie that just came out, this is a good idea to do. It’s not a guaranteed method for popular items go quickly and your chances of finding them do dwindle the longer you wait. On the flip side of this, some of the sellers will discount their prices near the end of the sale. What someone passed by earlier might be your big find of the day. Don’t expect that all sellers will offer a discount, but you may be surprised to find that some will.
On a budget? Take a list! Writing down exactly what you need to get can help you focus on those items and while it won’t completely take the temptation out of that super neat toy or cute fashion jacket, it can give you something concrete to remind you that today might not be the time to get it.
If you have your kids with you, especially if they’re young, remember that these places are treasure troves of Super Awesome Stuff. They’re going to want something, and that something might be a lot more expensive then you were planning on. Giving younger kids simple toys can distract them, and can be picked up inexpensively at many tables. Older kids might be able to hold their own money, and it can be a good lesson in both waiting and budgeting for them as well. This works even if they only have a few dollars, especially at these kinds of sales!
Talk to sellers! They may be able to direct you to just the sizes you need, or share insight on toys!
Lastly, bring small bills! You can leave to get more change, but the people selling can’t! Not to mention it makes transactions easier and smoother when you’re able to pull out the exact amount, or something that only needs a few bucks change.
In the end, whether you go for clothing, toys, books, larger items or anything else, remember that sometimes things might not work out. Plan ahead as much as you can, so you can spread trips out over a few weeks and a few sales, that way you’ll see a ton of variety and have the best chance of finding what you need!
Happy shopping!
www.Mom2MomSalesMichigan.com - Your help in locating Mom 2 Mom Sales in Michigan
