Wardrobe Wise

Back to school shopping was way more fun when we could spend mom’s money (your kids will agree). Now that we annually open our own pocketbook, we smartly skip the August rush in favour of September sales.

Make that wardrobe budget stretch even further by adding a few finds from one of the city’s consignment stores for kids. Even pre-loved items hit the sale racks this month. We concede that not all consignment stores are created equal. To save you time as well as money, here are some savvy shopping recommendations.

Best in Class: Babies and Toddlers
Clean, clean, clean. You would never know the majority of merchandise at Huckleberry Kids is pre-loved until you look at the price tag. The store is fresh, bright and modern (minus the piles of unsorted merchandise gracing the front ends of many consignment shops). There is a wide assortment of clothing, toys and newer items like Baby Legs and shoes by Little Soles with a focus on baby and toddler items.
www.huckleberrykids.com
15566 McIvor Blvd. S.E.

Best in Class: School-Aged Kids
Better known for their consignment mega store on Macleod Trail, Sproutz Kidz also recently relocated and reopened in the community of Glendale. We like the clean, bright space and the in-store coffee shop, complete with kids’ tables and homemade goodies. A well organized shop, Sproutz Kids has the best selection of clothing for elementary school kids of all city consignment stores.
www.sproutzkidz.com
2835-37 Street SW

Best in Class: Sporting Goods
School is not the only activity kicking into high gear this month. Along with jeans and sweaters, kids will likely need bigger skates, longer skis or hockey pads. Consider trading up rather than buying new. Play It Again Sports has a variety of seasonal sporting goods for little and big kids alike.
www.playitagainsportswesthills.com
270 Stewart Green SW

Best in Class: Most Selection
Local savvy moms love shopping at the Varsity location of Once Upon a Child. Part of an international franchise chain, the NW shop is loaded with toys, gear and clothing with a large assortment of items for the under five set.
www.ouac.com
4625 Varsity Drive NW

Consignment shopping is not only budget friendly, it’s eco friendly too. So save some green by shopping green. After all, it’s all new to your kids.

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