Shop to Save the Planet at Our Favorite Consignment Stores
by Annette Benedetti
Portland kids are heading back to school, and this year classes will take place in person. It’s time to freshen up that quarantine wardrobe and get your young learners ready to look sharp for the first day. Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank as these resale options have everything you need. Read on to find out which consignment stores we recommend.
Beanstalk
With two locations, Beanstalk has been a trusted family-owned consignment shop around Portland for years. Step into either location in Montavilla or Fremont and find a large range of quality clothes, shoes (like rain boots), gear, toys and books. Fremont carries premie up to child size 8, while the Montavilla location goes all the way up to size 14. You’ll also find a kids play area for some peace and quiet so you can finish your back-to-school consignment shopping. Beanstalk keeps a customer wish list of asked-for items and donates weekly to charitable organizations and families.
Don't miss this Portland store on your back-to-school consignment shopping trip. Specializing in hip, fun, and even locally handmade clothing, Piccolina carries kids stuff from newborn to size 10, as well as some carefully chosen maternity pieces. The store works with local artists to find unique handmade and vintage toys and goods for a really special treasure. Their clothes tend to be high-quality brand names like Hanna Andersson, Naartjie, Petit Bateau and more. All items are gently used at great prices.
This popular consignment store in the Hillsdale Shopping Center recently opened a second location in Barnes Miller Village back in 2020, and both are well stocked and wonderfully organized. They offer high quality clothing (for kids, moms, maternity and even accessories), safety gear, books, bath time goodies and toys. Every price range and style is covered, and things are constantly rotating to offer plenty of choices. They even offer a baby registry for expecting parents—come in and make a wish list, and they’ll send your invited guests all the info.
Insider tip: Plan to shop on Wednesdays when Hoot-n-Annie's hosts Wee Wednesdays, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hint: it alternates between the two locations.
Hillsdale 6308 S.W. Capitol Hwy. Portland
Barnes Miller Village 7365 S.W. Barnes Rd. Portland
This family store sells to everyone and is sure to check off a few boxes on your back-to-school consignment shopping list. With a combination of great women’s clothing as well as toys, clothes, shoes and more, there’s a lot to look at. They’ve been curating resell choices for more than 30 years with two locations. Visit their flagship store in Cedar Mills, their sister store, Pitter Patter Family Consignment (308 E. 1st St., Newberg) or head online to see even more options.
Conveniently located in the heart of North Mississippi Avenue, Black Wagon receives rave reviews from Portland parents for its warm customer service, open layout (don’t hesitate to bring the stroller) and fantastic selection of children’s shoes, clothes, toys and books. Whether you’re looking for Vans, Toms, Native shoes or a new pair of Hatley boots, Black Wagon has got what you need with its handpicked selection of both independent and well-known labels.
Pinwheels is a cute little store on Clinton Street, in a space formerly occupied by Piccolina’s. Cute jungle murals cover the walls, and racks and racks of clothes await. The store is full of great goodies, but if you can’t make it in person, they also do a brisk business over Instagram—just DM them your top pick and they’ll send you a Paypal invoice.
With new items put out daily, the fun finds don’t stop at this sweet Sellwood store. A giant bookshelf full of books offers plenty of choices, while clothes up to size 8 swing gently on the racks. The little ones can play while you shop for clothes, toys, games and special treasures from local artists.
Pipsqueak is a high quality resale boutique, carrying brand-name clothing at friendly prices. Their gently loved toys, baby furniture and clothes are all clean and well-organized, and the secure location inside Vancouver Mall makes it easy to find. You can find a whole wardrobe’s worth of stylish, cute clothes here. Our big tip? Don’t miss the dollar rack.
