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Original poster

Do you buy your children clothes in charity shops?

124 replies

Lifeisshort123 · 28/01/2017 20:35

One of my closest friends thinks it's strange that I buy around half of my children's clothes from charity shops, I've got a great charity shop I go to around twice a month that have lovely clothes and very good prices. I don't see a problem with it, it's inexpensive usually, good causes and you save money. I don't see the problem considering I wash everything when we get home. I get clothes for my 4&6yr old as well as shoes and I've had great deals.
Today I brought from one charity shop: Converse for DS- £2.50
Orchard game- £1
Crocs for both DD & DS- £1.50 each
Tesco Onsie for DS- £1
Swimming costume for DD- 50p
Ralph Lauren shirt for DS-£2

Do you get your children clothes in a charity shop, I don't see the problem in it.

OP posts:
Summerof85 · 28/01/2017 21:54

I buy a lot of my clothes and the DC clothes from charity shops and also get a lot of hand me downs. Obviously it depends on the quality, would only buy something half decent that doesn't look like it's falling to pieces. Don't buy second hand shoes. I think there is a snobbery amongst some people about using charity shops as it was seen as a place only poor people would use. Thankfully this attitude has changed but I know some people who would never dream of shopping in a charity shop. I see it as recycling and lover finding a bargain, I've turned into my mother!

CactusFred · 28/01/2017 21:57

I have bought the odd thing. We have loads but they're so hit and miss I don't go in as often as I could. I also don't like second hand shoes unless I know the origin but that's my own squick.

CMOTDibbler · 28/01/2017 22:03

Not so much charity shop for ds as they don't have a lot in his size, but loads of ebay. I buy most of my clothes from ebay and loads of shoes from there too, plus charity shop finds.

Liiinoo · 28/01/2017 22:03

When my kids were little a local NCT group did a Nearly New kids clothes sale twice a year. It was brilliant. I got most of their wardrobe there. The only things I felt I had to buy new were underwear and shoes. It was especially good for denim as it was all presoftened and faded. I still have some of the little cotton dresses I bought at those sales. I am particularly fond of a hand made smocked dress in white cotton with pink rosebuds.

Girliefriendlikesflowers · 28/01/2017 22:09

I have bought dd lots of lovely second hand stuff over the years (she is nearly 11yo) car boots were the best for bargains! I think of it as recycling.

I have used fb buy and sell kids sites as well and got some nice bits.

TeaAddict235 · 28/01/2017 22:10

yes I do, and we donate a lot there too. My local ones are really good with their half price sales on kids clothes too. I get myself bits and bobs like books and scarves.

Please do donate, it is extremely charitable!

In some European countries they don't have the concept of charity shops for those of choice alongside highstreet chains. My german and French friends love the UK for this reason, they say that they have found real gems in the stores.

Robstersgirl · 28/01/2017 22:22

Charity shops - Fine.
Crocs? Hmm

allowlsthinkalot · 28/01/2017 22:30

Yes. 100% of my children's clothes is charity shops, ebay or things we are given.

Witchend · 28/01/2017 22:54

I bought all except underwear from charity shops for dd1 and dd2 until they were about 8yo, dd1 probably closer to 10yo.
Ds there wasn't much decent in the charity shops for boys after about 5yo, and not as much, so probably closer to 75% for him.

bunnylove99 · 28/01/2017 23:02

No, I don't need to but there is nothing wrong with it. I put lots of my kids old clothes to charity shop, clean, in good condition and often barely worn - I hope someone is buying them and enjoying them! I wore charity clothes myself as a student.

Babyg1995 · 28/01/2017 23:07

I wouldn't but I don't see anything wrong with it anything my kids grow out of and if it's still in really good condition goes to my local charity shop.

doleritedinosaur · 28/01/2017 23:22

This is what I miss about my old town is the Charity shops for kids clothes as I managed to get lovely baby gros for 20p. Plus they had such a range of brands clothing wise & I got the lamazee toys, brand new in packaging for 99p there as well.

The one in my town does get next sample sale stock but it's catching it.

I only get non faded/bobbled stuff but it's great way to save money plus I found one in nearest town had a toy picnic basket that's £20 on Amazon for £2 with all the pieces & working batteries.

I also use eBay a lot, there's quite a lot of unworn/new with tags items on there & local Facebook selling groups.
I've also joined jojomamenbebe selling group & a joules one.

Got DS brand new Clark's off eBay for £3 when they're ten times that in the shop. I feel if it saves you money & is decent why not?

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 28/01/2017 23:36

Uber

WyfOfBathe · 28/01/2017 23:43

I do buy a few of my DC's clothes from charity shops, but I buy most of it new just because it's more convenient to pop to a shop which you know will have what you're looking for, rather than to chance it with a charity shop.

I think that most of DD1's toys are from charity shops or eBay. We recently got a big box of Lego in a charity shop for £7 which would probably cost about £30 new.

aquashiv · 28/01/2017 23:44

Yes why would there be anything wrong with it?
I give loads too.

Caprianna · 28/01/2017 23:44

Yes I do but never shoes

UterusUterusGhali · 28/01/2017 23:49

Absolutely if I can find them!

There are usually slim-pickings near me, but I found one recently on my lunch break that was awesome!

Rixera · 28/01/2017 23:52

Yes, everything of hers is charity shop, eBay or home made (often from charity shop fabric.)
That includes shoes, they're bloody expensive even second hand, dread to think what I'd be paying for new.

Aspiringcatlady · 28/01/2017 23:55

I never seem to find anything suitable for my son in charity shops, but when I have I have brought them. I can't see why anyone would think that is strange? Kids group up so quickly and are so messy! It makes sense not to spend too much money on clothes!

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 28/01/2017 23:58

Well dd is 17 now, so. She buys her own clothes. However yes when she was little and I saw something I liked in a charity shop. Then I'd have no qualms about buying it. There's absolutely no Shame in supporting charities. I bought my daughter 2 vintage coats from the BHF. One red and one Navy, both with berets to match. Only cost me £2.50 each.
I know a women ,(monkeys uncle) who's absolutely loaded and she only goes to charity shops, and She always looks gorgeous

TheFirstLastKiss · 29/01/2017 00:01

I do if I spot something nice that is their size.
DP used to think it was weird I'd buy things for the DC and hardly ever for myself but it's not because I think I'm too good or anything, just that all our local charity shops seem to be full of old lady clothes.

PantyLiner · 29/01/2017 00:02

I used to buy some of my children's clothes in charity shops and e bay when they were younger - especially play clothes for nursery etc. Now they are teens they wont even allow me to choose their clothes from shops.

Do it while you can. They aren't young and accepting for long

fritillery · 29/01/2017 00:05

Yes, quite often. What's the problem with second hand shoes? I've started getting all the family's shoes second hand, either charity shops or (more expensive) EBay. My DDs now always have good Clarks or similar school shoes, cost a few pounds, also good trainers, converses, boots, etc. I also buy lots of books and DVDs, games, etc. Teenage DD bought herself a gorgeous brand new leather jacket for £8, still had price tag on it for £100.

Katielou75 · 29/01/2017 01:02

Yes I do, especially more expensive 'designer' labels that I could never afford new. We were in London for the weekend, recently, and found an amazing charity shop just for kids' clothes in Pimplico (can't remember the name of it, though). I also take lots of their clothes back to charity shops when they've grown out of them.

Katielou75 · 29/01/2017 01:03

Pimplico? Think I've just invented a new place! Meant Pimlico, of course!

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