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Original poster

What do you really think of second hand for kids?

87 replies

thewalrus3 · 09/10/2025 22:48

I get at least 50% of my toddlers clothes from Vinted. Probably more. She does get brand new things too and I love the clothes in places like H&M and Zara but I cannot justify the cost when I know things are likely to get stained and ruined, or grown out of quickly. I get a lot of my own stuff from Vinted too so it’s not like I’m decked out in designer gear while my toddler is only getting second hand.

I have a friend who is very aesthetic focused and her and her dd always look perfect. She hasn’t said it directly to me but we’ve had conversations where she’s made it clear she’d never dress her dc in second hand anything.

I suppose it makes me feel a bit embarrassed and inferior. Not that I’ll stop doing it because we’ve had some great bargains. Does it really matter?

OP posts:
Blessedbethefruitz · 09/10/2025 22:58

Second hand clothes don't work for us. Dd (and me) have sensitivity issues with fabric (also ear defenders and many antihistamines, not being precious), and ds has a weird tall skinny shape so it's not worth the hassle.

Toys, books, anything that doesn't need to be worn? All golden as far as im concerned. I don't buy second hand for other kids gifts, but happy to for mine. Dd has a beautiful refurbished first bike for Xmas and she's going to lose her mind over it. And ds is not turning his nose up at second hand switch games!

Edit - dd has hand me downs from her brother when I know the fabric/fit works for her. She idolises him so loves his oversized mario cast offs!

Thaimonstera · 09/10/2025 22:58

I buy most of our clothes from Vinted or second hand/charity shops. But I usually only buy the ‘new with tags’, ‘new’ or ‘very good’ condition things

SteakBakesAndHotTakes · 09/10/2025 22:56

Everything I buy on Vinted looks the same as what I've bought new, especially after a few wears and washes. New children's clothes are just a waste of money - even a single basic outfit from Primark is over £10.

Thepoliticsofchaos · 09/10/2025 22:56

My children (now young adults) always wore second hand. And they love buying at charity shops now. I used to buy them clothes on Ebay and, when they were little, at NCT jumble sales. It meant that they wore lovely quality clothes - often Mini Boden or similar. I wouldn't have bought those brands new. Children grow quickly, so second-hand children's clothes are usually in very good condition. I don't get people who always buy new, especially for children. Particularly when it seems to be a snob thing. What's so great about being a snob?

Original poster
thewalrus3 · 09/10/2025 22:55

ThatRealLemonCat · 09/10/2025 22:52

I don't see how they are related to each other frankly.

very aesthetic focused makes no difference if you buy direct from the shop or on vinted? You select the look you want?

I can put my youngest in brand new clothes, they won't look brand new after 1 hour, it's irrelevant where I got them from.

Probably the wrong choice of words. I mean she likes the finer things, has a lot more disposable income and doesn’t think anything of blowing £200 on an autumn/winter clothing haul for her 2 year old. Nothing wrong with that if you can afford it obviously.

OP posts:
34ransum · 09/10/2025 22:55

I see 2nd hand as sensible and environmentally friendly

Clothes are crazy prices at the minute and young kids grow out of them every few months

ToKittyornottoKitty · 09/10/2025 22:55

No it just matter, just like it doesn’t matter that she chooses to buy new. Neither of you are superior or inferior.

BertieBotts · 09/10/2025 22:55

Of course it doesn't matter. If the clothes are clean, weather appropriate and comfortable it's fine.

If anything I would judge someone who put the "aesthetics" of their toddler over anything actually sensible. I would much rather DC go around in second hand clothing than cheap crap from Shein with elevated lead content in it, or Primark stuff sewn by Bangladeshi children in sweatshops (I do buy Primark even though I know I shouldn't).

Neveranynamesleft · 09/10/2025 22:54

It's your choice what you buy / wear. I love a bargain and as long as it's in good condition then I can't see anything wrong with buying second hand.

HateMyselfToo · 09/10/2025 22:54

2nd hand for as long as you can get away with it. I could have afforded new, but my priorities were to spend on fun things like days out and not feel guilty chucking clothes away if they were ruined by food or mud etc.
Now my DC is a teenager, I do spend more on things for them, because I remember what it was like to not have new clothes / trendy things growing up.
I always look out for people asking for things on Facebook and pass on things where I can too.
I also buy off eBay for myself as I prefer the fabric quality of vintage clothing.

ThatRealLemonCat · 09/10/2025 22:52

I don't see how they are related to each other frankly.

very aesthetic focused makes no difference if you buy direct from the shop or on vinted? You select the look you want?

I can put my youngest in brand new clothes, they won't look brand new after 1 hour, it's irrelevant where I got them from.

nutbrownhare15 · 09/10/2025 22:51

Environmentally and financially it's the better choice. I rarely buy new clothes for me or the kids. I'd judge someone who would never use secondhand tbh.