Does it ever seem like the best deals on kids’ clearance racks are in the itty-bitty newborn sizes? I found that to be true at the Old Navy Clearance Sale yesterday, and used the opportunity to buy ahead for our nephew on the way. Deals like that are also great for shower gifts, but my daughter had another idea on how to use them to her advantage.
My daughter, age 11, has always loved playing with dolls. She uses her own money to purchase doll accessories, so lately (just like mom) she’s been searching for deals. Last week, we hit up a couple thrift stores looking for inexpensive newborn clothes and accessories we could use for her dolls. Most everything we saw was worn out, too big, or not to her liking. However, when she saw the cute finds I had picked up at Old Navy she asked me to take here there to shop for her doll.
It turned out to be a great idea. She found four outfits for her Chou-Chou doll (Sophie, pictured above). She threw in a pair of tights that weren’t on clearance, and still spent under $12 in all. The 0-3 month sizes were just a little on the big side, but I think after they’re washed they’ll fit perfectly. If you can find them, preemie sized clothing works especially well for newborn-sized dolls.
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When my girls were little and enjoyed playing with dolls, I stocked up on preemie sized clothes when Walmart had them on clearance for $1 per outfit. My kids played with the stuff for several years so we got terrific value for the money that I’d spent.
I also found a bunch at a yard sale. Was in a hurry and did not want to sort through the pile so I offered the lady $15 for everything. She said yes and gladly tossed it in a kitchen sized garbage bag. My daughter went through and took a bunch out for her cabbage patch kids (she has 5;)) and I put the rest in our yard sale and sold the rest for $10. She is still playing with them;)
see I would feel horrible buying up those clothes when there are so many preemies being born nowadays. If I’m going to buy them up I’d donate them to a NICU.
If you are going to feel horrible, keep in mind this: Buying smart means you can donate more money, which will allow the hospital to determine the best way to allocate the funds they receive.
If you aren’t comfortable pocketing the money, simply donate it. Win-Win.
Well said, Angie. You can double your contribution by both donating the money you’d save, as well as the clothes after your child is done playing with them (if they are still in good shape). They would have to wash them before putting them on a preemie anyway.
I’m sure there are plenty of preemie clothes out there for the babies who need them. They wouldn’t be on clearance if there was a shortage of them. Smart buy.