It’s always a good time to clean out the kids’ dressers and toy chests, but where do the outgrown items go? If they’re still in good condition, take them to a store that can resell them and you’ll be helping out other families or charities in need. Some stores will even pay you for your gently used items; now that’s a win-win for everyone.
Where to Consign
If you need a little extra cash to help pay for sports or piano lessons, consigning might help you out. With a little effort, your gently loved items can be sold for a major payoff. Here’s the scoop on where to go:
Little Love
This gem of a designer children’s consignment boutique in La Jolla is a parent’s dream come true. The savvy shop owner thoughtfully curates a delightful selection of gently used brand-name clothing at great prices for babies and kids up to size 10. They also carry maternity clothing, small toys, larger gear and strollers are accepted. Commissions can range from 50/50 to 70/30 for items over $100.
Good to know: They ship items nationwide and you can even shop from their Instagram page.
1110 Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla
858-230-6857
Online: littlelovesandiego.com
La Costa Kids
La Costa Kids is known throughout North County as a fabulous place to find soccer cleats, dance shoes and adorable high-end kids’ fashion at unbeatable prices. The store looks for upscale brands in excellent condition that are less than two years old. They buy toys and baby gear too but call or check their Facebook page to make sure they have room to consider these items.
372 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas
760-944-9076
Online: lacostakids.net
Baby Go Round
Selling at this family-owned store that values great customer service is easy-peasy. They buy gear, toys, books and clothing from any store as long as it is cute, clean, fashionable and gently used. Check their website or call to see what items they’re currently accepting.
6360 Riverdale St., San Diego (Grantville)
619-281-2229
Online: babygoroundresale.com
Junebug
Solana Beach is home to another quaint spot you must visit: Junebug Children’s Resale Shop. Head here to buy gently used items for your kids, from jogging strollers and baby carriers to shoes (including ballet and tap shoes), toys, clothing and more.
142 N. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach
858-755-2152
Online: junebugoncedros.com
Conceptions Children’s Resale
Need a great bargain or fair price for your mid-ranged items? This East County resale shop has become a local favorite for families. They offer cash for brand-name clothes, gear, toys and even children’s furniture. Sellers receive store credit for clothes sizes 2T and below and generic brands. Besides finding great prices every day, members of the military and teachers receive additional discounts.
9470 Cuyamaca St., Santee
619-596-2229
Online: conceptionsresale.com
Where To Trade
Out with the old and in with the new! See where to trade toys and video games below!
Replay Toys
This small toy shop in North Park is jam-packed with toys both you and your kids will love. If your littles want to swap their toys for a new selection, Replay Toys even does trades. They’ll sift through your gently used toys and give you store credit for what they select. They want clean toys in working condition––small toys only, as they don’t have room for big toys. They also don’t accept plush toys, weapons, remote control items or books for trade.
3825 Ray St., San Diego (North Park)
619-294-5904
Online: replaytoysboutique.com
Game Stop
If your little gamers are looking for a fresh batch of video games, they can sell their old ones for cash or trade them in. They’ll get store credit to use for new or other used games at Game Stop.
Multiple locations
Online: gamestop.com
Where to Donate
You’re familiar with the big donation spots (Goodwill, Amvets and Salvation Army) but there are many smaller organizations with a huge need for toys and goods to help out locals in need. Here are others that could use your support:
Gently Hugged
Founded by two public health nurses who saw first-hand that families were struggling for basic needs of a new baby. By opening up Gently Hugged their mission is to help babies stay warm and thrive during their first crucial year of life. Donations accepted of new or gently used infant clothing (sizes preemie to 12 months), clothing accessories (hats, booties, socks, etc.) and blankets will go to underserved or low-income families. You or a family-oriented business can even host a collection bin or have a Gently Hugged baby shower or fundraiser to collect and donate items.
Located at the Bernardo Winery
13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, Ste 1, Rancho Bernardo
858-771-4987
Online: gentlyhugged.org
Twice Treasured Thrift Store
Swing by to donate your gently used items and feel good knowing they’re going to a good cause. Located inside the Journey Community Church, they have designated drop-off hours since this is an all volunteer-ran organization. Check their website or call for hours and policies.
8363 Center Dr., La Mesa
619-741-0290
Online: journeycommunitychurch.com/twicetreasured
San Diego Rescue Mission
Helping San Diego’s homeless and poor has been the goal of San Diego Rescue Mission for over 50 years. Donations go directly to those in need or are sold at one of their thrift stores. They especially need baby gear and gently used clothing and shoes for kids and adults. To donate, schedule a pickup with their online donation form or drop the items off at one of four locations.
120 Elm St., San Diego (Bankers Hill)
619-819-1793
Online: sdrescue.org
American Cancer Society Discovery Thrift Shops
Drop off small, gently used items at these shops and feel good that your donation is helping to fund cancer research. They accept clothing, jewelry, furniture and housewares. They have two locations in Point Loma and Rancho Bernardo.
3609 Midway Dr., Point Loma
619-224-4336
16787 Bernardo Center Dr., Rancho Bernardo
858-385-0479
Online: cancer.org/involved/donate
Home Start Thrift Boutique
This cute Normal Heights thrift shop benefits Home Start, a non-profit dedicated to countywide child abuse prevention. Their programs focus on parenting education and strengthening family self-sufficiency. The Maternity Housing Program helps young mothers develop job skills and gain work experience. Drop off your donations of toys, books or clothing, but due to limited space they don’t accept furniture or gear.
3611 Adams Ave., San Diego (Normal Heights)
619-906-5996
Online: home-start.org/thrift-store
Consigning Tips:
- Check each of their websites for trading and selling hours, to see if you need to make an appointment and to find out what items they’re accepting throughout the year. Some items are only accepted based on the season.
- Clothes that are stylish, cute, designer label and very gently used sell best. Group them into outfits to sell.
- Always place items in clean bins or laundry baskets, never in bags.
- Toys and gear are hot sellers. Be sure they are clean with all pieces included and that they have working batteries.
—Bonnie Taylor, Cherie Gough & Beth Shea
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