Let’s talk thrift. Any parent is well aware of how quickly children’s clothing turns over in the average household. If you have a child under the age of two, that cycle is even shorter. Whether it be a growth spurt, unrepairable tears, or excessive stains, some say that the fast-moving fashion industry took it’s cue from its youngest shoppers.
Why thrift matters…
Thrift and consignment shopping isn’t just an affordable option for parents. It’s an environmentally and socially conscious one too. When it comes to footwear alone, 38 million children’s shoes are produced each year. With little feet growing about a half a shoe size every three months, these tiny consumers often discard (or lose) those adorable kicks to a landfill long before their shelf life has expired. Buying new is a surefire way to reinforce our incredibly wasteful systems.
Thankfully, here in the Seacoast, we have a plethora of stellar second-hand stores to keep your wallet, and our planet, a little less stressed.
Many of these small shops have managers who are parents themselves, or are dedicated non-profits looking to support families in need. Boost the local economy by skipping the mall and hitting your nearest thrift shop.
Consign and Save
Children’s Orchard
Consignment & Thrift Store
This thrift franchise accepts gently used children’s clothing, gear, and toys. Walk-in consignments are welcome within their consignment hours (different from store hours). Customers can get on a VIP list for additional sales, coupons, and deals.
105 Gosling Road, Ste 11
Newington, New Hampshire
(603) 436-8704
North Berwick’s Bundle Children’s Boutique
Consignment & Thrift Store
Consigment walk ins are welcome during store hours. According to its Facebook page, this shop will passionately work to find a home for any items you bring in. They don’t discriminate based on brand, but instead provide the community with a wide variety of affordable second hand solutions for local families.
41 Main Street
North Berwick, Maine
(207) 752-4334
Sweet Pea, LLC
Consignment & Thrift Store
Consignment appointments are encouraged at this new, chic little children’s boutique in the historic malt house plaza on Portsmouth’s west end. Run by two local moms, this shop boasts a supply of high end kids apparel, toys, equipment, and furniture for a fraction of the cost. With a focus on recycling, these mamas keep the price tag low and the quality high.
95 Brewery Lane
Portsmouth NH
(603) 319-6141
Little Monkey, LLC
Consignment & Thrift Store
This new little gem in York offers brand name baby gear at affordable prices. Scope out baby toys, clothes, shoes, and equipment on a budget. If you’re looking to consign, call ahead to make an appointment or find their drop in hours for the week.
1132 US Route 1
York, Maine
(207) 351-8830
Green Earth Baby Works
Consignment & Thrift Store
Green Earth Baby Works is a retail community that primarily offers eco-friendly diaper service. It has recently added consignment inventory of children’s apparel, sizes newborn to 8. Call ahead to schedule an appointment to sell.
235 Calef Highway
Epping, New Hampshire
(603) 292-6500
Get Thrifty and Donate
Baby Steps Boutique
Thrift Store & Donation Center
This modest boutique in downtown Dover is part of the Options for Women non profit organization. They accept gently used baby apparel donations, sizes newborn through 2T, during their hours of operation. While their hours may be modified on some weeks more than others, the friendly staff is more is happy to help accommodate parents off hours.
65 Main Street
Dover, New Hampshire
(603) 749-4441
Fair Tide Thrift Store
Thrift Store & Donation Center
This nonprofit aims to support and provide for individuals and families facing homelessness. They accept donations of gently used kids clothes, toys, and some baby equipment during their store hours. All sales profits go towards supporting the Fair Tide organization.
Location:
15 State Road (Route 1A)
Kittery, Maine
(207) 439-2427
Salvation Army Family Store
Thrift Store & Donation Center
This popular nonprofit accepts donations and offers a wide array of baby clothing and gear for the local seacoast community. Check out their website for donation box information and store hours.
2458 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, NH
(603) 427-8267
Goodwill Store & Donation Center
Thrift Store & Donation Center
This long-standing nonprofit chain provides equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while offering reasonably-priced used children’s gear. Their donation center is incredibly easy to access and like most nonprofits, they offer receipts for donations to assist with tax deductions.
720 Lafayette Road
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
(603) 430-2040
Second Generation Thrift Shop
Thrift Store & Donation Center
A store operated by nonprofit New Generation where you can shop for baby items or donate your gently used gear. All proceeds go to a good cause!
9 Tide Mill Road
Greenland, New Hampshire
(603) 430-9482
Didn’t see your favorite consignment or thrift shop on this list? Comment below to share your go-to spot!
FYI Bundle Children’s Boutique now requests an appointment for drop offs- there is an automatic calendar on their Facebook page to schedule!
I sell and shop at the Children’s Orchard in Newburyport. I found the selling process much more fair here than in Newington.
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