Fall is upon is here in Alberta. Well, actually in some parts of the Province it seems like winter is here with snow falling in some areas. Ugh, glad its not us...yet!
This week I was on a mission to get the kids suited up for winter, as we are out of snowsuits, snow boots, toque, mitts, you name it. I checked out Zellers to see what they had to offer, and when I saw that boots start at $29.99 and snowsuits are in the $50 range, I knew I was going to have to get creative!
So where did I go to? Well, Value Village obviously. Now, I know, I know, not all of ya'll are hip with this whole 2nd hand shopping thing, and I can kind of see where you are coming from, but then when you see what I paid...you just might understand where I'm coming from ;)
"Exhibit A" ("A" being for Abbi)
Togo Purple Snow Jacket $6.99
Black Snow Pants (hand-me-downs)
Purple Boots $3.29
Mitts (hand-me-downs)
Toque (last year's)
TOTAL: $10.28
"Exhibit G" ("G" being for Gabe)
MEC Blue Snowsuit $9.99
Grey/Black Boots $4.99
Gap Toque $4.00
Blue mitts (hand-me-downs)
TOTAL: $18.98
Now suiting up both your kids for winter for less than $30 (actually it came to $29.26) is pretty darn good in my books! And well, for all of you thrift shop haters, let me tell you, clothes wash up. And my best trick? Washing shoes. You can wash shoes, boots, sandals, you name it. It can brighten those puppies up and bring them right back to looking new. I would say over 75% of my kids shoes are hand-me-downs or 2nd hand.
It took about probably 2 hours of shopping (I had to go to two Value Villages), but I'd say I did pretty good, and I saved myself a heck of a lot of money.
I also wanted to show a few other things I picked up. It seems like both the kids are in between sizes right now, so I had to pick up a few more things. I ended up spending $64.64 in total (between the two stores), but I got a lot of things that should keep them clothed for awhile yet.
Kamik Snow boots for Gabe when he's older. Adorable non?
Size 8. $1.79
Some much needed pants for Abbi.
Size 4's. $2.49 & $2.99
Some long-sleeved shirts for Gabe
12 month size. $1.49-$2.49 each.
Two sweaters for Gabe. The Grandpa Christmas sweater for when he's about Abbi's age (Size 4), and the other most adorable orange striped Gymboree one for now (12 months).
$1.49 and $3.49 each.
Some overalls for Gabe, because seriously is there anything cuter than a little boy in overalls?
12 & 18 month sizes. $2.49 each.
Some new sleepers for the little man, who is now crawling might I add! He needs all the traction he can get!
18 month size. $2.99 each.
And finally, a most gorgeous vase for myself. I love finding little pieces that go along with my Stokes Milk Lace set. This is a little darker in color, but its so subtle, I had to buy it.
$6.99
*And yes, that's my creepy self in the reflection at the back of the china cabinet!
So there you have it. My second hand store shopping spree. I'd say I did pretty good, and if any of you other Mom's out there are feeling the pinch this fall when it comes to suiting your kids up for the winter, I would most definitely recommend you check out your local thrift store.
I tried Zellers for winter gear too and was completely shocked at their prices! Won't be back there for a while!!
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