Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Nashville, TN

When it comes to dressing my preschoolers, I'm sort of a snob.  

The daughter wears smocked dresses like playclothes; the son sports the preppiest duds this side of Bermuda.

My secret?  95% of their wardrobes are secondhand. 

And why not, when you can buy Kitestrings for less than K-mart? 

Recycling clothing eliminates waste and teaches kids that expensive is not necessarily better.

Here are 4 places to score quality kids clothes for pennies on the dollar:

Consignment stores (like Kid-To-Kid and Once Upon A Child):

You can browse through their racks just like any boutique, but you'll find tags from every store imaginable.  Most items are priced $8 or less, with clearance prices as low as $1 an item.  Store buyers check carefully for stains and flaws.

Seasonal consignment sales are similar, but with a rushed, get-the-good-stuff feel that can leave a newcomer reeling.  Best left to early risers, assertive shoppers, and those don't mind working a volunteer shift for the first crack at the merchandise.

Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army:

When you learn the art of flipping through crowded racks, thrift stores yield hidden treasure.  Haven't you ever dropped off a bag of great stuff when the closets started closing in?

Thrift stores have mom-friendly hours (mine's open till 8) and put out fresh clothing of all seasons throughout the week.  Keep your eyes open for that Hanna Andersson fleece when it's broiling in August, or find Lily Pulitzer just in time for a winter cruise.

It helps to recognize the better brands, know your kid's sizes, and be willing to buy ahead for a truly special piece.

Yard sales or Craig's List:

Buying directly from another family has its advantages.  Narrow your search to better neighborhoods.  Look for families with kids a little older than your own. 

Prices are likely to be lowest in someone's driveway, but Craig's List  (another local shopping venue) is worth checking out for all-in-one wardrobe swaps.

Ebay:

I can't omit the world's largest secondhand marketplace, but honestly, shipping prices make deals not so great. 

Handiest when you're looking for something specific--like the ideal L.L. Bean winter coat my son lost.  We replaced it with an identical version for only $12.

Shopping secondhand is an adventure, but the savings are sweet. 

Trust me:  once you've paid less for an Anavini frock than the TAX on a department store Bonnie Jean, you'll never look back!