Buying used clothing for children makes a lot of sense, and if you can clear their closets of outgrown duds at the same time, it’s a no-brainer. I hit up the top resale shops in the L.A. area to find out what types of deals I could make. Here’s the rundown on these awesome spots!
The Green Bean: This cozy, colorful Eagle Rock shop is run by Traci Green of the family folk band The Hollow Trees. It’s a small space, but there’s a lot of personality crammed in here. (Disclaimer: Bracelets I make are sold here.) Trade days are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, and I brought an IKEA bag of items recently and received $16.50 in store credit for eight items. The Green Bean offers store credit worth 40 percent of the resale value of each item (no cash). There’s a two-bag maximum for resale, toys and gear are also accepted, and consignment is available for a 50-50 split.
With my credit, I got some Mini Melissa jellies (just $4!) and cowboy boots ($8) for my daughter. I often score with shoes (which are priced to sell) and vintage dresses here, and they have a great new-toy area that is perfect for birthday gifts. There’s a play area to keep your kids occupied while you browse, but remember to feed your meter. Better yet, park in the lot behind the store.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.
5060 N Eagle Rock Blvd., L.A.; 323-739-0870; www.thegreenbeangoods.com
Grow Kid Grow: This funky little gem on Sunset is packed to the brim with eclectic kids clothes and toys. If you can fight your way through the rounders of clothing, you can find some unique items, thanks to the artistic and international parents in Silver Lake. Sweet staff and a train table help keep the kids entertained while you shop, but there really isn’t room to accommodate a stroller. They require an appointment to sell, and you can bring in a grocery bag full of items for 40 percent store credit. Grow Kid Grow takes about a week to go through your items, then you’ll get a call when your offer is ready. I received $21.96 in store credit for 11 items. Top score: a Hanna Andersson striped play dress for $6.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
4310 Sunset Blvd., L.A.; 323-661-4769; www.growkidgrow.com
The Closet Trading Co.: The Closet Trading Co.’s newest of four locations is in Woodland Hills, offering a good resale option for the Valley. The great upside to this mall boutique is that you can trade in your kids’ items and get something for yourself! They took 16 items, many new with tags, and I received $116.50 in trade or I could have gotten $69.90 in cash. I put that trade credit toward some amazing Valentino studded cage sandals for myself. I paid $115 out-of-pocket – a score for these shoes, which were $795 new! The Closet Trading Co. deals in more upscale brands, and it’s definitely a more luxe experience than you’d expect in kids’ resale. No appointment is necessary, which is very convenient. Bring your designer and contemporary women’s and children’s items any time.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
6316 Topanga Canyon Blvd., #2170, Woodland Hills; 818-912-6025; www.theclosetsb.com
Bluebird Kids: This adorable store in the Larchmont area is worth a visit even though parking can be tricky. Make a selling appointment, as they aren’t always buying. You have an option of either receiving 30 percent of the retail price in cash per item, or 35 percent in trade or store credit. Consignment at 50 percent is available for larger items such as strollers.
I received $17.84 in trade on eight items. I scored a Wildfox Kids tee ($7.95), H&M Elsa sweatshirt ($3.95), Hawaiian print romper ($4.95) and Adidas rainbow hoodie ($7.95) for my daughter, plus a BabyGap Christmas tee ($3) for my son. Bluebird is a crowd-pleaser with its organized layout and wide range of clothing options.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
652 North Larchmont Blvd., L.A.; 323-466-0408; www.bluebirdlakids.com
Wear It Once, Wear It Twice: I brought two bags full of clothes to the spacious Burbank location, and they went through them on the spot. Call to make sure they are taking clothes that day before you come in. Eleven items yielded $18.99 in store credit, which I used to get a pair of green shorts ($4) and some Nike Frees ($10) for my son. And I had $4.99 left to spend! Wear It Once, Wear It Twice is clean and orderly with room to push your stroller around while you shop. They offer a lot of baby gear and toys as well as clothing, and there’s a nice selection of dance apparel. Parking is easy, too.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.
1725 W. Verdugo Ave., Burbank; 818-558-4006; www.wearitoncewearittwice.com
Lindsey Hunter Lopez is a former entertainment writer and English teacher, and a mom of two who loves a bargain.