Bargains-R-Us

Once you get to the third kid, you've figured some things out. Sippy cups and bottles don't necessarily have to be super-sterilized every time. White clothes and children do not mix. Sometimes TV is a good short-term babysitter. And frozen chicken nuggets are...well, convenient if not tasty or particularly nutritious.

Another thing I have learned is how to shop for clothes at a consignment sale. My first trips there were full of what I now see were mistakes. There are several large kid clothes consignment sales each year in the Memphis area (in addition to shops that are around all year). This weekend, I hit one in full force, at the Agricenter. Some tips, from this seasoned mom:

1. Take a laundry basket with a belt or leash attached that you can pull behind you as you shop. It ain't pretty or even classy, but it's functional and you'll be glad you did. The floor is smooth enough for dragging the basket. The check-out lines move quickly but they are LONG and you don't wanna be holding clothes draped over your forearms for 30 minutes. Your arms'll cramp up. Lots of folks have learned this trick, so you won't look silly.

2. Buy things a little bigger than you think your kids will wear, mainly because these clothes have been worn and washed by others and have probably shrunk a little.

3. Look carefully for stains. If the previous owner couldn't get it out, you won't be able to either.

4. Note how the fabric wrinkles. If there are folded fabric edges, they will curl up after washing. In my house, at least, this means the item will simply not be worn because I rarely iron. Basically, if it looks like it will need to be ironed after every wash, I will not buy it.

5. Do not buy used clothing with ribbons or dangling accessories--they will also curl and fray. If my orally-inclined kids get ahold of anything that dangles, they will chew on it/suck on it. And that's just gross.

6. Items already paired together tend to be a better deal than items being sold separately. Not always true, but often. However, check the tags for both items. Sometimes, the consignor will put a cute name-brand high-quality shirt with a threadbare, cheapy pair of pants. Then you'll be stuck with a shirt that doesn't match anything else you own.

7. I'm skeptical of used shoes and socks. To each her own.

8. I do not buy $40 dresses at a consignment sale. Just not gonna happen. I know plenty of mommas who disagree--if it's usually $80 and you can get it for $40, that's a deal. True enough. But unless my kids are having a picture made in an outfit, they will not wear anything that costs $40, except occasionally shoes. I just have a philosophical issue with paying what I consider big money for something to be worn once, twice, or for only one season. My children are messy. They are too young to get the value of things, so a $3 shirt is the same as a $25 shirt to them in terms of how careful they are with eating or playing in it. Kids have fun when they're dirty. And I have enough battles to fight without worrying about how much I paid for the pants they're wearing that now have grass stains on the knees.

9. Most big giant consignment sales have a half-price day. Obviously, the best selection can be found in the early days of the sale. But the best bargains are at the end.

10. I shop alone. If I can't go childless, I will not go at all. I need to focus and move swiftly. I first pack my basket with everything I think I want, then I go through and do the first purge. Finally, I add up my total and do the second purge based on how much I planned to spend. If I were keeping up with kids or--even more damaging--pushing a stroller, this process would take approximately 152 times longer. This longer duration is scientifically proven and applies to all errands/jobs involving children under the age of 10.

My booty from last weekend came to $99. I got 15 outfits (5 for each kid) for Spring/Summer. They are cute, fashionable & of good quality. They do not need to be ironed, and none are white. I love a deal!