By: Cheryl Maguire
Kids and babies require everything from clothes to car seats and much more. Most of these items are expensive and are only used for a short period of time.
Here are some ways to find free or frugal kid or baby items.
Ask Friends and Family
If you need baby equipment or you are willing to accept any free kid/baby things, inform everyone you know. Most kid/baby objects are large and take up a lot of space. Some people are only too happy to pass along their things to someone else especially if they can get much needed storage space back. I received lots of free toys from my sister’s friend, a person I have never even met.
Consignment Shops
There are consignment shops which only sell kid or baby used clothes and gear. Even though it is considered used, you can often find items in like-new condition or clothes with the original sales tags still attached. Another benefit to shopping in a consignment shop is often you can also sell your used belongings or use them as credit to purchase new things.
A local store is Keeping Pace with Multiple Miracles (KPMM)which is a non-profit organization and they have a store where they sell used or like new baby and kid items.
Yard Sales
Check your local paper to find out when and where the yard sales are being held. Sometimes home day cares also have yard sales. Many yard sales are filled with kid or baby items. One time I got a Cozy Coupe Car for $1 in like new condition. The regular retail price is $50!
Craigslist
Craigslist is a classifieds page found in 50 countries. You can find items for free or for a fee. In addition to searching for items you need, you can also sell your used kid/baby items through Craigslist. My friend was able to purchase a like-new outdoor play set for a fraction of the price if purchased new.
eBay
Through eBay, you can purchase or sell your used baby/kid items. eBay also has small businesses on their site. As I mentioned previously, KPMM has a store and they also have on-line store through eBay selling used kid and baby items.
Facebook Marketplace or Facebook Yard Sale Groups
Through Facebook, there is a section called Marketplace where you can buy or sell items. Facebook also has lots of local yard sale groups where you can also buy or sell items. If you search your local town and yard sale you can join a group for the area where you live.
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