Thirfting Baby Clothes

When you adopt, the ability to purchase clothes over time really doesn't exist.  You never know how big they are or what sizes will be needed in which seasons.  So, when Eric and I were given a weeks notice of the boys' arrival, I basically had to spend almost every day buying clothes.  Thankfully, while we were in the Congo I made a point to check the size of the clothes they were wearing.  This made it a lot easier to know what to get.

I do not splurge on anything really.  I am very capable of spending a lot of money, but if I do, I want to get a ton of stuff.  I have never been able to buy the $100 purse or shoes.  I knew that I would never wear or use it because I wanted to keep it nice, therefore defeating the purpose of buying it.  So when it came to clothes that children wear for such a short amount of time, I couldn't bring myself to spend $20 on a pair of pants or $15 on a shirt.  And with two boys, I had a lot to buy.

Instead of hitting up Gymboree, Children's Place and Baby Gap, I spent lots of time at Valueland, and Once Upon a Child.  Thankfully, Eric was very supportive of this idea of thrifted clothes, which made it a lot easier. 

The only downside to this method is that you may find something in a size you don't need, or there just might not be a lot of good finds in the size you're looking for.  I'll admit, Eric had to veto a couple of the items I bought and most of what I purchased is pretty basic (I have lots of solid thermals).  But there are some finds that are just great.  Here are a few of my favorites...

But please, don't get me wrong, I did buy all of their socks and white onesies new, their winter coats (I couldn't find their sizes used), and I couldn't resist a couple of hoodies at Target.  Plus, they wear a lot of new clothes that were given to them after coming home.  Buying new clothes is sometimes necessary and it's always really fun.  I just couldn't bring myself to spends hundreds of dollars on clothes that they would grow out of in a matter of weeks.  And I plan on purchasing the majority of their clothes used until they are a bit older, and don't grow out of things as quickly.  Until then, I spend my free nights popping into thrift stores, and if I'm lucky, I find something me for too ;)