Photo:
Credit: Kym’s Kiddy Corner in Phinney Ridge.
Most of us can probably agree that thrifting for cute and sturdy pre-owned kids’ clothes is superior to shopping for new, shiny outfits — at least when it comes to sustainability and the health of our bank accounts. Children grow out of clothes, toys and sports gear as fast as lightning, it seems.
Recognizing the speed at which kids burn through their things, we’ve compiled a list of resale and consignment stores around Seattle for when it’s time to equip, replenish and upgrade.
1. Kym’s Kiddy Corner
A former Northgate-area fixture, Kym’s Kiddy Corner is now located in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Owner Melissa Welch purchased the business from Kym several years ago and says about 60 percent of their inventory is pre-owned. This easy-going shop stocks everything from clothes to toys to furniture, often including high-end high chairs, strollers and bedroom sets.
Features: Melissa is okay with kids playing with used toys for sale while their caregiver browses.
Address: 6701 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Parking: Four free spots in a lot behind the building and street parking
2. Small Threads for Kids
With four locations, Small Threads for Kids features merchandise, according to their website, “that boasts the perfect blend of good taste, quality and functionality.” The shops carry children’s clothing, toys, books, furniture and gear — 80 percent of which is resale.
About consigning as a business model, owner Dixie Bair says, “Many people don’t realize the much deeper changes you are a part of when you consign. Every time we sell an item a percentage of that sale goes back to a community member. That is keeping local money in the local community.”
Features: Bair says, “You can use your store credit on anything in the store including the new retail items that we sell.”
Address: 1480 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah
Address: 8215 160th Ave. N.E., Redmond
Address: 12507 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland
Address: 13218 39th Ave S.E. Suite 101, Mill Creek
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. (Note: Redmond, Kirkland and Mill Creek locations are all closed on Sundays)
Parking: Ample free parking at all locations
3. Three Little Birds
Located in the heart of West Seattle, Three Little Birds currently sells roughly 75-percent resale and 25-percent new goods. The shop has also taken over A Gain and Again resale store and the destination shoe shop, Kid Friendly Footwear, for an expansive, all-in-one space.
Features: The shop boasts a fully stocked changing table and a nursing chair for moms. The play area was scaled back due to the pandemic, but will hopefully return in the future.
Owner Jennifer Young says, “We work hard to maintain an organized, shoppable, carefully curated boutique-style setting.” Young wants A Gain and Again and Kid Friendly Footwear consignors to know she will honor store credit in Three Little Birds once the shops have merged.
Address: 4736 California Ave. S.W., Seattle
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Closed Monday, Holiday hours may vary.)
Parking: Street parking is available and, if necessary, pay lots are also close by.
4. Lollipops Consignment
This Burien consignment shop has been around since 1977, and though we can imagine the tiny bell-bottoms and leisure suits it might have stocked back then, Cetera Mays and her husband Zack, the shop’s current owners, are firmly situated in the 21st century. They try to post stock regularly on Instagram and, in addition to offering a brick-and-mortar shopping experience, are happy to sell adorable outfits directly from their IG account.
Features: A TV that plays music or, by request, kiddie shows.
Address: 2038 S.W. 152nd Street, #3, Burien
Hours: Monday–Thursday,10 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Friday– Saturday,10 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.
Parking: Free street parking.
5. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum in Columbia City is a non-consignment, vintage lover's paradise. Owner Christina Morehouse-Hidalgo stocks high-quality and unique contemporary, pre-owned (and did we already mention vintage?) clothes and select gear and toys. With a flair for nostalgic throwbacks and an eye for things beautiful and well-made, Morehouse-Hidalgo fills her shop with items she can sell and hopefully one day resell, truly taking part in circular kids’ fashion and playthings.
Features: Kids can steer a mini shopping cart around while their parent shops. Morehouse-Hildalgo speaks fluent Spanish and carries many Spanish language books.
Address: 4860 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
Hours: Tuesday– Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Parking: Street parking is nearby, both free and paid.
6. Childish Things
Wendy Powell, the owner of Childish Things, has one main goal and that is to “make parents’ lives a little simpler.” With a spacious, stroller-friendly shop, she stocks 75-percent pre-owned products and new rain gear “because there is never enough rain gear to sell second hand.” She offers a changing table, two fitting rooms and shoe fitting services, among other thoughtful touches.
Features: Childish Things staff stay educated on how to use the latest baby carriers so they can teach parents how to operate them safely. In non-pandemic times they offer classes on topics such as babywearing and diapering. Visit the website or contact for current offerings.
Address: 9776 Holman Road N.W., #102, Seattle
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m.
Parking: Large free lot.
7. The Power Petite
Nestled in Madison Valley, The Power Petite offers a carefully curated selection of brand-name children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, gear and maternity wear for fashion-conscious families. Proud to be 100 percent resale-based, The Power Petite was born out of the growing concern about the fashion industry’s rising contribution to environmental waste.
Consignment items are accepted at The Power Petite, or you can fill out a consignor agreement and submission form on the website. A shipping label will be sent to you, allowing you to send in your items at no cost. The Power Petite carries sizes from newborn to age 14.
Features: The Power Petite Gives Back is an initiative through which a portion of sales are donated to beneficiary organizations.
Address: 3121 E. Madison St., Ste. 102, Seattle
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parking: Street parking is usually available, either in front of or behind the store.
8. City Kids
City Kids, a small but cozy shop in Edmonds, sells 100 percent by consignment and owner Tracy Hopkins takes pride in pricing every item competitively. She’s been told that her prices are often lower than at a nearby Goodwill. If a faraway customer calls to ask if an item is in stock she's willing to text a photo.
Features: “Anything a kid can reach, they can play with. Sometimes I’ll even get down on the floor and play with the kids,” Hopkins says.
Address: 9726 Edmonds Way, #C, Edmonds
Hours: Tuesday–Friday,10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Parking: Free parking in the lot
9. Sugarlump
About 99 percent of Malia Martin’s stock at Sugarlump is resale, though she also carries new Green Toys, a locally produced Earth Made Kid Dough and wholesale hair accessories. Her inventory includes clothing for newborns to age 12-ish, high-quality consigned toys, plus maternity and nursing clothes.
Features: “Sugarlump is small but mighty!” Martin says. They are under 500 square feet so items accepted for consignment must be top-notch. Visiting often is key, new items are put on the floor daily.
Address: 3107 South Day Street, Seattle
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m.
Parking: Street parking is usually available, either in front of or behind the store.
All Puget Sound-area businesses profiled accept goods for resale. If you have children’s items that are no longer sparking joy, find what each shop is looking for at any given time by checking its website or Facebook page or by giving a call.
Sports consignment stores
We love it when our kids want to get active and involved and play sports. But all that gear adds up fast! Head to these sports stores first for the best deals on used gear next time your child discovers a new sport they have to play.
Second Gear Sports
This family-owned and operated store offers a huge variety of used sports gear. They accept gently used gear six days a week, no appointment necessary. You can shop online, but since their inventory is always changing, the only way to see all that they have to offer is to visit the store. They have gear for baseball, basketball, camping and hiking, roller sports, tennis, soccer, volleyball and more.
Address: 6529 California Ave. S.W., Seattle
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parking: Street parking
Wonderland Gear Exchange
This store focuses on outdoor gear (bikes, skis, snowshoes, camping equipment, etc.) and was founded by two friends. You need an appointment to consign and are limited to 25 items at once. This is a great place to get winter gear for all your upcoming snowy adventures!
Address: 122 N.W. 36th Street, Seattle
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12–7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Wednesday)
Parking: Some spots in a parking lot and street parking
Play it Again Sports and Ski
You'll find affordable gear (used and new) for a wide variety of sports at these store that are locally owned and operated. This popular store allow you to sell your quality used sports and fitness gear and get paid on the spot, or trade up for what you need now. Since growing kids need new gear every season, this store can be a lifesaver for your family budget.
Address: Locations in Seattle, Woodinville, Lynnwood and Renton. See each store's website for details.
Hours: See each store's website for hours
Parking: See each store's website for details
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2021, and updated in 2023. Kari Hanson contributed to this article.