Babies are small, so their clothes shouldn't cost so much, right? Ha! With a few savvy shopping tips, however, you can cut the cost of clothing your kid without sacrificing style or comfort. Of course, you've already scoured your extended network of family and friends with children older than yours to glean any hand-me-downs.

The next step is clearly . . . Resale !  Lakewood and the nearby communities have a wealth of resale and thrift shops. Some specialize in children's clothing, while others have a children's department within a larger store. Most resale clothing is in generally almost-new condition until you get to about size 2T. Then the little rugrats actually begin to wear out their clothes instead of just outgrowing them. Between rapid growth and seasonal variations, however, you can still find nice quality clothes in the larger sizes, particularly special-occasion wear.

 

The Baby Bargain Bonanza

Many area moms (and dads) do all their kid-clothes shopping in one fell swoop at the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA's Baby Bargain Bonanza. The event is usually held in March. If you're a member of LECPTA and pay a small fee to sell items, you will be admitted to the preview sale -- thus getting first crack for two hours before the sale opens to the public. You can sell equipment and toys as well as clothing, and for the haggle-free ease of selling your outgrown stuff, you keep 85% of your sales. (It is a fundraiser, after all; LECPTA deserves to get something for all the work they do!) 

Some moms spend $100-$200 and their kids are outfitted for the year. All items are quality-controlled, and range from newborn onesies to the largest adolescent sizes; from boppies and blankets to car seats and double strollers; and from See'n'Says to ride-on cars, playhouses and bikes. They also have books, videos and music. The only caveat is that sellers set their own prices -- sometimes it seems like people are trying to recoup a bad retail investment -- and there's no bargaining, as at garage sales.

 

Shops Specializing in Children's Wear & Gear

Children's Treasures -- 17415 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood -- 216-227-5683
This shop has only been open about a year. Mondays are always discounted clothing days. It's a small space, but well organized, with toys, shoes, books and gear/accessories in addition to the clothes -- and, in the back, are mommy clothes too!

Lollipop Kids -- 5595 Ridge Road, Parma -- 440-884-2040
This store is in a small space (as are many local resale shops!), but they pack in a good amount of stuff -- mostly clothes, plus toys, gear/accessories and some furniture.

The Neverending Child -- 12377 Pearl Road  (across from the Dairy Queen on Route 42), Strongsville -- 440-572-3002
This store is very organized, with an equally large selection of clothing, toys, and furniture.

Once Upon a Child -- 25028 Center Ridge Road, Westlake -- 440-899-1100
These stores are a national franchise, so the prices are a bit more expensive than a local stand-alone shop. They sell and buy a larger inventory of equipment, like cribs, beds, strollers, car seats and lots of toys, as well as clothing. If you sell something, they are very strict about the newness of the items; clothing and any other items are closely scrutinized for spots or anomalies (they do not buy anything that doesn't look like new). They also give you only about 30% of the item's brand-new retail value -- you often can do better selling it yourself, but it does save you from having to do your own garage sale. The good part is that when you buy something here, it's in excellent condition and about half the cost, or less, than new.

 

General Resale Shops that Carry Children's Clothing

Christ Child Society Showcase -- 16306 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood -- 216-228-3370
Clothing for the whole family. Store is run as a charity, not for profit.

Closets Consignment Boutique -- 1100 Linda Street, Rocky River (between Detroit and Lake) -- 440-333-5379
A well-kept secret and personal favorite of many moms; one of their consigners is a manufacturer's rep for a French kids' clothing line.

Sacks of Westlake -- 20350 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River -- 440-333-3404
Generally better on adult women's clothing; you might find something for your tot while outfitting yourself.

The Thrifty Peddler -- 14501 Detroit Avenue (corner Marlowe and Detroit), Lakewood -- 216-226-9988
Run as a charity to benefit Lakewood Hospital, this shop has a small children's section.

Value World -- 10694 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland -- 216-671-4483
Located in the shopping plaza at West 110th and Lorain, this store is run by Easter Seals. Very organized and completely loaded with every type of clothing known to mankind, from the smallest to the largest in your family. They also sell books, toys, records, small appliances and furniture. (Another Value World is in Parma, at 7402 Brookpark Road, just west of Ridge Road; 216-485-4483.)

Westgate Resale -- 17118 Detroit Avenue -- 216-228-1309
The "grande dame" of Lakewood resale shops; it's been around for many, many years.

 

Garage Sales

If you're a really dedicated thrift-shopper, you already know about garage sales. Garage sale-ing is practiced as a sport in Lakewood, so competition can be fierce. The Bible of the organized garage-saler is the Thursday morning Lakewood Sun Post, available in vending boxes or by home delivery. The classified section lists the garage sales alphabetically by community ranging from Avon to Westlake. Any ad that lists antiques or furniture will have attracted early-bird dealers, but you generally have a fighting chance after 9:00 a.m. for ads listing kids' clothes. Carry plenty of change and small bills. Many dedicated garage-salers advise using the ads to map your route through Lakewood.

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