Best op shops for children’s clothes?

[margareth14830]

Kia ora everyone,
Mum from outside NZ struggling a bit for funds here (despite gainfully employed as a teacher, no surprise), and wondering where I can look for the best selection/quantity/quality of kid’s clothing to outfit my little ones for winter? I am finding shops a bit bare where I am (West Auckland) and can’t bear to buy cheap new items that shrink after one use. Because I’m not from here I may just be unaware of where to look, if that makes sense.

Where I can look for a better source of pre-loved kids things for aged 4 and 7 year old girls? I also have an advocate through a women’s charity due to being a victim of family violence, would my social worker be likely to help me if I ask? I feel so ashamed that we’re struggling this much. Just want to keep my bubbas warm. Thank you so much for any ideas of where to shop used clothing, and so sorry to be in this position!

 

[godisworking101]

@margareth14830 One option might be buying a bulk lot second hand on trademe or Facebook marketplace. Sometimes people seek to sell off the clothes their kids have grown out of but don't want to bother piece by piece so they sell it all in one lot.

Just be careful of scams etc.

 

[victorbell]

@godisworking101 Totally agree, I've bought almost all my kids' clothes through Facebook marketplace or Trademe. Bulk lots are the way to go for ease and value. In fact that reminds me to look for one now!

 

[margareth14830]

@victorbell Thanks so much both of you for the idea to check trademe or marketplace. I hadn’t thought of this! So used to the thrift stores where I’m from being filled with stuff.

 

[stankinyua]

@margareth14830 Trade me is great, search under 'bulk winter' and definitely ask your support person, they will absolutely have a network.

 

[margareth14830]

@stankinyua Hadn’t thought of trademe, thanks so much. I rarely use it so it’s a good reminder. And will ask my support person. Just feeling a bit embarrassed to be in this position!

 

[tunaman]

@margareth14830 There's a preloved kids clothes Market on in Ellerslie this weekend! And remember that nobody knows whether you're doing it for the financial savings or if you're a boujee crunchy mum who doesn't believe in consumer culture.

Quite apart from that there is zero shame in getting you and your kids out of a dangerous situation. I hope things become a bit easier for you soon.

 

[jameyl]

@margareth14830 https://preview.redd.it/md66sc5fgd0...bp&s=5faa6110ba681ba45bebdee722c35f3a067abbea

Are you able to visit here on a Wednesday? Should be able to get some good things for your four year old. They also do bag swaps, so if you bring in good condition, clean clothes you can swap them for the next size up

 

[margareth14830]

@jameyl Yes actually I could get to this as I finish work early enough on a Wednesday. Thank you so much for the good suggestion.

 

[jameyl]

I also tend to go between postie plus and baby factory depending on who has the best price/sale. Unfortunately op shops can be more expensive sometimes for poor condition clothes.

 

[margareth14830]

@jameyl I have found postie bits just seem to fall apart in the wash but I can’t afford the scandi bits I used to be able to get which last ages. I feel so bad but needs must at the moment eh?

 

[janefairlight]

@margareth14830 I'm so so late to this but there is a kid's scandi second hand page on FB. Sometimes pretty crazy asking prices for second hand but absolutely some bargains come up too.

 

[jennr]

@margareth14830 We’ve scored amazing stuff from the Delta Ave Hospice Shop in New Lynn. Well, my partner has. Loads of nice hand-knitted woollen clothes, even a Ralph Lauren coat. You’ve got to go regularly though.

 

[margareth14830]

@jennr Thank you I’ll have a look! Sounds like good finds.

 

[savedbygrace27]

@margareth14830 Try NZ Kids Destash page on Facebook There's also one called Buy and Sell baby and kids clothes NZ

 

[kirraantrobus]

@margareth14830 Is there such a thing as a “Buy Nothing group” near you online? I’m a Kiwi in the US and my area has a Freecycle page. I get bags and bags of clothes for my 13 month old this way. I wash everything that I get and it’s truly a lifesaver. We got her cot from here. Nappies, formula, toys you name it.

 

[celoxisppm]

@margareth14830 unfortunately I've found very few decent opshops for clothing - most have prices similar to buying new for things that are from kmart etc.

We tend to do a few basics (leggings last well due to stretch - those I buy basics from kmart etc and they've lasted multiple children), Jackets from trademe or marketplace (kathmandu and macpac) buying 2nd hand they last great and can be resold. Once they don't grow so fast we invest a bit more in clothing, but at that age it gets grown out of quick (that's why leggings are good as they last multiple ages). We also donate lots to our local womans support network too (in our case it's the Aunties).

Trademe is definitely our go to for bulk items. We've also often got brand new with tags clothes from there for a good price.

 

[margareth14830]

@celoxisppm Yeah that’s a good call on basics from Kmart. If they’ll last okay I might buy a few pairs leggings each. The shirts seem to shrink so fast!

 

[celoxisppm]

@margareth14830 I always buy the next size up, oversized hoodies or tees with leggings was basically my kids uniform until recently (they are 11 now). Now it's oversized tops with jeans haha.

 

[margareth14830]

@celoxisppm Ah good idea to size up. Thank you, this is super helpful.