National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

This week we celebrated National Secondhand Wardrobe Day! In honor of this day, we’re talking about the benefits of shopping secondhand. When it comes to dressing my kids, I’m all about finding that sweet spot between stylish, practical, and affordable. That’s why secondhand shopping has become my go-to for building their wardrobes. Between growth spurts, watermelon stains, and changing seasons, kids go through clothes faster than I can keep up. Shopping secondhand not only saves money—it also makes sense for our lifestyle and the planet.

Let’s face it: most kids' clothes only get worn for a season or two. Secondhand stores like Once Upon A Child are filled with gently used pieces at a fraction of the original price. There’s also something fun about the hunt. I like to make a list of what each kid needs before I go. Sometimes I walk out with exactly what I planned, and other times I stumble on an unexpected gem, like a brand-new pair of shoes or a costume perfect for dress-up play.

People often ask where I shop, and they’re surprised to learn that most of my kids’ church clothes are from Once Upon A Child. Half of it is luck and the other half is strategy. A few of my tips for shopping secondhand: go often and think ahead. Go often because inventory changes quickly—if you didn’t find what you needed this week, check back next week. And think ahead! If you see a winter coat in August or summer shorts in February, grab them in next season’s size.

I’ve been able to build quite a wardrobe for my kids by shopping at Once Upon A Child, and you can too!

Blog By: Jenny Nguyen | @jenny8carrots