I like expensive things, there's no doubt about that. You know when you are trying to pick something out and decide exactly what you want --- only to discover you picked the most expensive one?? Happens to me all.the.time!!! Since having kids though, I have learned that some expensive items are even better after somebody else buys them and decides to give them up.
I have discovered the enjoyment of second hand shopping. This started out to just be for my kids. There is no point in spending a lot of money on clothes they will only wear once or twice...or get dirty the first time they wear them. The children's consignment shops are set up so nice that you don't even feel like you are shopping in a consignment store. Most shops are also really picky on what they will accept for consignment, so you can count on getting stain-free items. On a really good day, you can even find items that have never been worn and still have the original tags, but you only have to spend a quarter of the original price! Having a place to sell your unwanted kids' items without the hassle of a garage sale is wonderful too!
Garage sales -- oh boy, I love a good garage sale!! I don't think I ever went to a single garage sale in my life until having a child. Now, I check the garage sale ads all spring/summer/fall and get really excited when I see lots of things for small kids. Some sales are wonderful and the seller prices their items to sell -- those are the most exciting!! Today, for example, I went to 6 garage sales, 2 of which were just in my mom's neighborhood where I was visiting and I killed two birds with one stone by taking my kiddos for a walk while stopping at the sales. At the first house, I got Rylee an old school Casio keyboard for $1 (I had one when I was little). At the second house, I got the best bargain ever -- a pair of barely worn dress shoes for Rylee for .25!!! She was needing a pair of dress shoes for a wedding we have coming up, and I just couldn't buy her a brand new pair that I know will only be worn one time -- so this find was just waiting for me!! The final 4 houses were all in one neighborhood and advertised together. They all had some children's items. At one house, my sister-in-law and I each got a pair of kid's shoes for $1, that retail for $40+ brand new!! They were gently worn and perfect for our kiddos' needs! So, 3 pairs of shoes, $2.25 spent!
A couple weeks ago, I discovered that shopping for myself at consignment shops can be just as much fun. While strolling through Main Street of my favorite town, I decided to browse the adult consignment shop. It was set up so nice, I didn't even know it was 2nd hand when I first walked in. I tried on lots of clothes in this store and ended up with a dress for $10 that didn't even look like it had been worn and came from a store that, I swear, doesn't sell anything for less than $50. I also bought a pair of jeans for $10, that came from a store who's jeans sell at the $60-$120 range. Since they had already been worn, they were soft and broken in and perfect!!
I am also loving the "swap" pages on facebook, where you can buy and sell items. It's nice to see pictures of items and be able to ask questions without having to call or email the person (such as with Craigslist).
Oh Craigslist -- my husband's "other" wife. Not only does he spend more time with Craigslist than me, he also spends more money on Craigslist than he does on me :) Sometimes I think he and his brother just like to see who can find the more random items --- like my favorite, a prosthetic arm. We have gotten some great finds from Craigslist though, so I can't complain too much....unless he finds ANOTHER chainsaw he "needs" -- how many of those does one person really need anyway?!?!?
Speaking of my husband -- he is also an avid fan of auctions. I think he just goes for the awesome beef burgers, but we have gotten some pretty cool things at auctions.....like the super old horse saddle he got for $5 -- wait!---that one wasn't so cool -- I'd say a little more on the weird side! He has taught our daughter how to bid too and it is probably the cutest thing ever!
I could go on and on about this topic, but hubs is asking for the computer (date with craigslist I'm sure). So, anyway, it's safe to say that many items are just better to purchase "gently used" to get the best value. As nice as a brand new item is (and who doesn't love the smell of a NEW car?!?!?!?!), sometimes it just make sense to go for the previously loved. As they say, "One man's trash, is another man's treasure."
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