The Power of Consignment

Since becoming the mother of twins, I've learned a thing or two.  One of them is the power of consignment stores and consignment sales.  I've found the best stuff for a fraction of what I would have paid for them new.

The most recent purchase that I'm pretty proud of is a toy kitchen for the kids.  On my last day of work, I got out early.  I was driving around, trying to kill some time, because showing up at the sitter's too early interrupts naptime.  I popped in the consignment store nearby just to see what there was to see.  The first thing I saw when I walked in the door was this kitchen playset:

I couldn't find a price sticker on it, so I automatically assumed it was out of my budget.  I looked around the store and picked out a smaller kitchen.  It was one that was probably about the size of the white cabinets to the top of the kitchen above for $9.99. 

I took the toy I'd selected to the checkout counter.  While the clerk looked for the accessories, I asked how much the larger one was, thinking that if you have to ask, you can't afford it.  Her response?

$20.

It took me about 10 seconds to decide to leave the smaller one that the kids only would have used for a short time in favor of the larger kitchen that the kids will be able to play with for years to come.

It was a great decision.  Both kids enjoy playing with the kitchen.  There's a microwave with buttons to push that make noise (they both love buttons), a refrigerator, oven, and stove top.  There are a couple of buttons on one of the burners that makes noise.

The little blue pot ("Potsie") was given to us by some friends.  It has a spoon and five pieces of "food" inside.  I bought two more skillets for $.40 at Michael's last week. 

I'd like to get them some more "food" to play with, but for now they're having a great time with what we have.  We've had this kitchen for almost three weeks and the kids play with it every day.  Max can now say "cooking" and will go get the spoon so I can sample what they're making.  I'd say it was a great investment.

There are some downsides to buying used.  For example, apparently there were some accessories that came with the original set which are missing (including the pan that made the burner make noise on its own).  However, I paid $20 vs. the $110 this toy is listed for on the manufacturers website. 

If you find your toy routine becoming stale this summer, check out your local consignment store to see if you may be able to find something inexpensive to spice things up.

If you can wait, there's only a couple more weeks until fall/winter consignment sale season begins.  This is where you'll make your real finds.  I can't wait!