This post is in partnership with Just Between Friends Lancaster. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I’ve been shopping at Just Between Friends consignment sales for maybe 5 years or so, and after my first sale I was totally hooked. And I was thinking I REALLY wish I had known about these sales when my kids were younger. All the stuff we spent so much money on – the swing, exersaucer, pack and play – it’s used for such a short period of time and is such a better deal on consignment.
Tips for Shopping for Older Kids at a Consignment Sale
My kids are older, 8 and 12, and I think it’s a common misconception that consignment sales are for baby mommies. Of course they are, but I truly score amazing deals there for my older kids, too. Here are some things you can save big on if you’re shopping for kids that have outgrown toys and infant gear.
Stock Up on Clothing and Shoes
This is by far the biggest thing I shop for and best deal I get: clothing. My daughter is in junior sizes (already!) and I swear everything she wears is something I bought at JBF. (Take a look at her JBF wardrobe here.) My consignment sale is fussy about what they accept for juniors, so I only find brand names there which is perfect. I actually got her an awesome winter coat for $15!
My son is a soccer player and into the sporty clothing. This hoodie pullover was only $4.50! He will live in this this winter, I guarantee it.
Make a list of things your kids need (my son had totally outgrown all his pants from last winter) and their current sizes. The same goes for shoes. I especially like to find my son a pair of dressier shoes. The child lives in sneakers so when we have a fancier occasion I’m out of luck. But you can grab a pair at JBF for $5 and be ready to roll to that fancy restaurant once in a while!
Grab A Bunch of Books
Both of my kids are avid readers and they HAVE to read for school, so I pick up a bunch of books on consignment. For a while there my daughter was really into the Goosebumps books and I got so many of those at amazing prices. If there’s a certain series the kids are into, make note of it. Chances are you’ll find a good deal on them!
Hit the Sports Equipment
Bats, baseball gloves, balls, helmets, cleats, and more are all a great value at Just Between Friends. This stuff can get PRICEY. I shudder to think about what we paid at Dick’s not long ago for a few things for soccer. Browse the sports section (and I get lots of clothing for practices here, too!) for gear for your kiddos.
Get A Game
The winter blues are sure to strike at some point (it’s about 90 as I’m writing this but surely fall will show up?!). A new game to keep the “I’m boreds” away is a perfect fix, especially when it’s only a few bucks! There are a lot of educational games in the mix too, so if you’re like me and have a child trying to learn multiplication tables, this is a great place to go to make it fun without spending much.
Take Them With You
Check the schedule for the consignment sale you shop. They may not allow children on every day. Just Between Friends allows children and strollers on all public sale days and I like to wait until that last 50% off day when many items are an additional half off, and then take my kids with me to shop. It’s so much easier to say yes (and score cool mom points!) when everything is available at a great price.
Just Between Friends Lancaster Fall 2017 Sale
As I’ve mentioned above, Just Between Friends is my very favorite consignment sale for their selection, high quality items, and organization. I’ve shopped several of them but my hometown sale is in Lancaster, PA, and this is where I consign too, so I’m really excited about the upcoming fall event!
Here are the dates you want to mark on your calendar: The Just Between Friends Lancaster Fall 2017 sale runs from October 5-7, 2017. It’s at the LANCO Fieldhouse in East Petersburg. Parking is plentiful and free! Admission is FREE every day of the sale, and if you grab this coupon, you can save $3 off a $30 purchase on the first day, October 5!
Want to Shop Early?
There is a pre-sale the day before the public sale for select groups. On October 4, consignors, team members (those that volunteer to help at the sale), and special guests are invited to shop early. Those special guests include first-time parents and grandparents, teachers, and anyone who wishes to purchase a Prime Time pass. Are you in one of those groups? Then you get to shop early! Just remember that you do need a pass to get in that day. Grab yours here.
Learn More
The Just Between Friends Lancaster website has tons of information for shoppers, consignors, and those wishing to grab one of those coveted pre-sale passes. You can also join JBF Lancaster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. Keep in touch with me on social media too! I’ll be sharing updates. I am so excited for this sale!!!
This is the video from spring 2017 sale. The fall sale will include fall and winter items such as coats and Halloween costumes!
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