I just thrifted Sebastian’s entire winter wardrobe.

With student loans, tuition payments, car notes, sports fees, and so forth, I have to find creative ways to cut costs.  I used to be that mom that purchased everything brand new.  But, there is nothing more disappointing than buying your child the latest greatest tennis shoes and then they crash them on the playground the next day.  Or if you have #talltribe children like mine, they grow inches each year.  By the time I have replaced one seasons wardrobe, I’m literally repeating the cycle 3 months later.

I saw a local advertisement on tv back when our family lived in Pasadena.  My parents swore by Broadstripe Cable then.  The only good thing about Broadstripe is that it advertises local businesses in Anne Arundel County.  That’s when Once Upon a Child first came on my radar.

It wasn’t until I had Sebastian that I actually wondered into the Pasadena location.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I pride myself on keeping the kids impeccably dressed.  My mother (Granny) is even more of a stickler, often stating, “These kids won’t go behind me looking raggedy!”

You can literally walk in and find high end gently used and new clothing for REALLY REALLY good prices.  It’s like thrifting at Nordstrom’s or Nieman Marcus.  I ALWAYS find designer labels and never pay more than $10 per item.  Most of the tag prices range from $3.50 to $15.  Considering some of the items brand new with tags cost $50 in big box stores, I’d say these prices are a steal.

Thrifting at Once Upon a Child is my new pastime.  We now live in Severn, so the Gambrills location is my new favorite.  The Pasadena and Gambrills locations are Gold Standard stores.  This means they have been recognized for consistently having high quality products.  I should note that Once Upon a Child also carries toys, baby equipment (strollers and swings and walkers), and even books.  It is a one stop shop for all of your children’s needs.

I haven’t sold anything to the stores, but there is also that option for moms and dads.  If you are purging your kids outgrown clothes, toys, or equipment to free up space, you have the option to sell them to Once Upon a Child.  The stores pay cash on the spot for any items accepted.  Sell. Shop. Repeat.  What’s not to love about keeping your kids dressed to impress for less?