We’ve bought hardly any brand new clothes for Lucy — mostly for financial reasons, except when something simply has to be purchased because of overwhelming cuteness – letting generous family and friends spoil her with newness instead.

Because babies go through outfits so quickly, I’ve had great success shopping at used clothing stores such as Once Upon a Child, Mulberry Bush and occasionally Value Village (the main thing to look for is staining; rarely do I find holes or tears.)

So I was very interested to stumble across two very busy, local used clothing websites.

Kijiji is a free online classified web site, exploding across Canada and the world. Durham has a general site here, but the baby items are here. And many, many items are available for direct purchase from the lister, including clothes, strollers, furniture, swings, books, beds and bikes. Toys, too. Oh, the toys.

Sold By Moms is very similar, and I like that it’s more organized with categories. 

It seems you’re on your own and at the mercy of the seller when it comes to quality and satifaction, so lots of research is required. Whenever I buy online, I scruitinize photos of items and always talk to the seller on the phone before exchanging any money. This is where e-bay can be sometimes be better, with feedback and customer ratings.

But there’s something about buying from locals that I like. Maybe people in your area feel more of an obligation to be honest, because they know you can track them down and launch a protest on their front lawn if the goods are crappy.

Happy shopping!

Possibly related posts:

1. Stuff for stylin’ kids — and moms, too (and now a special discount!!)
2. 15 cheap and free toys for young kids
3. Toonie sale!
4. toy kids rate baby
5. The Ugly Baby Clothes Contest