I truly feel like rotating the clothes in my toddler daughter’s closet is a never-ending task. Is this the right season? Does it fit? Do we need this? BUT, I also truly love shopping for her, so the clean out is always worth it.

I enjoy browsing online retailers (even more when there’s a good sale), but something I didn’t realize I’d come to love as a first-time mom is the fun of kids’ consignment sales. I had no idea the variety of sales in the Kansas City area, as well as the sheer number of items being sold and the great quality!

I love being able to find name-brand, high-quality items at a fraction of the price to mix in with the new items we purchase. Throughout the last two years, I’ve been to lots of consignment sales across the metro area, and I thought I’d share how I get the best bang for my buck.

Top Consignment Sales Mom Tips

1. Check websites and social media accounts to find out the dates for upcoming sales and their special events.

   Most sales have special times to shop, before being open to the public. Some offer paid tickets to shop early, and if you’re an expecting mom or teacher or military, you often get a free, earlier time slot. Figure out if you can just show up, or if you need to have that ticket in hand. Most tickets also come with a free guest spot, so find a mom friend that wants to join, too! Depending on how much you’re looking for, I’d recommend carving out at least an hour or two (or more!) to browse, check out, and get everything into your vehicle.

2. Determine a wish list and budget.

   Figure out what gaps are in your child’s wardrobe for the upcoming season. Make a list of items, sizes, and ideal quantity. It truly is easy to go overboard, especially when prices are so low. (But, also easy to forget what you came for!) Also, think about if you have a goal budget in mind.

3. Plan to go kid-free if you can. 

   I know this isn’t always possible (and kids are absolutely allowed), but if you can, schedule a time to go when kids are in school or when someone else is available to watch them. It can take a while to go through all the racks, and not having someone else getting impatient takes some stress out of the experience.

4. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and light clothing.

   It can be a workout exploring the racks upon racks of clothing, bins of shoes, and tables of miscellaneous items. No need to add extra stress being uncomfortable or sweaty! (I also much prefer a crossbody bag.)

5. When you arrive, make sure to grab a cart or shopping bag.

   Even if you aren’t looking for a ton, it’s nice to have something to hold all of your purchases before you check out.

6. Go to the section for your most needed items first.

   If your hot item is sleep sacks, shoes, swimsuits, etc. head over that area first. Then revisit the areas of lesser priorities later.

7. Look for the items that have the biggest markdown from retail.

   I personally mostly go for brands we love that are typically more expensive, but are still in good shape. Things like Nike sets for daycare, Hanna Andersson jammies, Boden clothing, and North Face jackets. A lot of items make great daycare outfits where I know she might come home with a bit of paint or food on her clothing. Some consignors will also bundle like items together, so it’s a great way to snag four pairs of tumble shorts for just a few bucks. I’m less keen on buying shoes, unless they are in new condition, as our daughter is pretty rough on shoes, so buying them new ensures a longer life on our end. I avoid anything that has stains, tears, or a lot of fabric pilling.

8. Don’t forget the items other than clothes.

   I’ve also scored some great wooden puzzles, brand new toddler-sized chairs, and books from consignment sales. I love to peruse the whole sale to see what might be a nice-to-have extra.

9. Double check your cart before heading to check out.

   Once I have made my way through everything, I like to pull my cart over to the side and assess all of the thing I grabbed. I almost always pull more than I buy, and there is typically a go-back rack to place items you decide you don’t need. Volunteers or staff then put them back where they belong if it isn’t handy to put back yourself.

10. Buy and enjoy!

    After checking out and getting my haul home, I’ll remove all of the hangers, safety pins, tags, and give everything a wash! (I’ll also often brag to my husband how much I SAVED by going.) New wardrobe, here we come!

Most sales also have opportunities for paid employees and volunteers. You can also get some money back by being a consignor for items you are ready to part with. Check out some tips here.

Some of the upcoming sales in the KC area:

Just Between Friends

Overland Park: March 31 – April 3, 2022 (Pre-sale on March 30)
Overland Park Convention Center – 6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66211

Kid’s Closet Connection

Gardner: April 6-10, 2022
Johnson County Fairgrounds – 178 E Washington St, Gardner, KS 66030

Blue Springs: April 28 – May 1, 2022
Pavilion at Centerline – 1910 SE 40 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64014

Rhea Lana’s

Overland Park: February 27 – March 5
9829 Commerce Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219

The Legends: March 27-31
12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109

Saint Joseph: April 2-9
1415 North Belt Highway, Saint Joseph, MO 64506

Here We Grow Again

Olathe/Overland Park: February 27 – March 4
11934 South Strang Line Road, Olathe, KS 66062

Southland MO: March 31 – April 2
15720 Calvary Rd., Kansas City, MO 64147

Northland MO: April 7-10
6014 MO Hwy 9, Parkville, MO 64152