by Kristen Bagwell

If you've been reading Triangle MOM for a while, you know I love a good sale. However, if you aren't so sure about the benefits of children's consignment sales (or if you aren't so sure what it even means), check out our previous post from Chrissy Freeman, the genius behind www.ConsignmentMommies.com. For those of us that love a bargain, kids' consignment sales are often the way to go, and many of the items are new with tags still on them! 

When your kids are tiny, you can often purchase an entire seasonal wardrobe for $1-2 each piece. (Trust me on this one - my friend Kimberly does it twice each year.) As they age, you can still find some steals and deals on clothing, books, games, gear, and more. Below is an overview of the upcoming children's consignment sales in our area, listed in order by date. For a full listing in any area nationally, be sure check out Chrissy's website. You may never pay full price for kid stuff again!

Kids Exchange     July 11 - 18, Raleigh
The Original KIDS EXCHANGE SALE: NC's #1 Kids Event! 5 Days to Buy & Sell ANYTHING for Kids! FREE ADMISSION, open to the Public at the NC State Fairgrounds ~ Jim Graham Building & Dorton Arena. Sellers can enjoy early shopping on July 14 starting at 9am. The Public Sale begins Friday, July 15  at 9am and ends Sunday, July 17 at 5pm. Don't forget Sunday is 50% Off Day! For more information, or to sell or volunteer, visit www.kidsexchange.net .


Upscale Resale 4 Kids     August 11 - 13, Cary
Upscale Resale is the only name-brand children's consignment sale in Cary, NC. Unlike those mega-consignment sales or shops, you won't have to search through racks packed with worn or undesirable clothing to find a gem! Our consignors offer upscale, name-brand clothing, shoes & accessories in excellent condition. By featuring only top-of-the-line labels from boutiques, European clothing brands, trunk shows and exclusive manufacturers, we can ensure that you will find lots of pieces to love! Visit our website to learn more - plus, consignors can now tag their items online! http://www.upscaleresale4kids.com


The 2nd Look Boutique       August 11 - 13, Apex
You'll find lots of goodies at the Fall sale including: Spring/Summer Children's Clothing, Maternity Clothing, Shoes, Socks, Accessories, Safety Gates and Monitors, Children’s Furniture, Bedding, Linens, and Room Decor, Bouncers and Booster Seats, Outdoor and Interactive Toys, Bikes, Car Seats, Pack n' Plays, Strollers, Swings, Children’s Videos, Music, Books  and more! For more information, visit http://2ndlookboutique.webs.com/ . 


KidCycle    August 12 - 14, University Mall, Chapel Hill
Durham and Orange Counties' Everything-for-Kids Spring Consignment Sale. Infants to teens; clothing, shoes, toys, bedding, cribs, infant equipment, maternity, and much more! Consignors may drop off items August 5 & 6, with a preview party August 11 for volunteer workers and consignors. KidCycle is open to the public August 12 - 14, and the final day is 50% Off Day. For more information, visit http://www.kidcyclenc.com/ .


Triangle Mothers of Twins and Triplets    Saturday, August 13, Raleigh
Hours are 7:30 am - 12:30 pm, and the sale is open to the public. The sale is held at the Kerr Scott Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, and is CASH ONLY (no checks). Come early for the best selection. We recommend you bring a clothes basket to help you carry items you want to purchase. If you want to take advantage of Friday night preview shopping, become a TMOTT member by visiting http://www.tmott.org/sale.htm .


Good 2 Grow   August 25 - 28, Litchford Village, Raleigh
Check out North Raleigh's newest children's consignment sale! Good 2 Grow offers the highest commission and least-expensive consignor fees in town, and they'll even tag your clothing for you! Take advantage of their pre-packaged tagging kits if you'd like, or simply come and shop the quality, gently-used clothing selection at the sale. For more information, to sell, or to volunteer, visit http://www.good2growkids.com/.


The Friendship Closet    Sept 9 - 10, Apex
The Friendship Closet is a consignment sale featuring gently used clothing, toys and equipment for babies, children and maternity. The event is a fundraiser and mission outreach of the Friendship Circle at Apex United Methodist Church to support local women's and children's charitable organizations.  We offer the highest proceeds split for consignors of any sale or shop in the Triangle area. You keep 70% of the sale price of each item that sells and we retain 30% for local missions. Visit http://www.friendshipcloset.com/Home for more information.


Kids Everywear     September 10 - 19, RTP
Morrisville (RDU Airport) Outlet Mall
Many early shopping opportunities for expectant moms, grandparents, and more! Open longer than any other sale in the Triangle,  so we sell more of your items. We take Cash, as well as MasterCard, Visa, and Discover with ID. No credit card fees! All Sales Final! No returns or exchanges! We do not accept checks. For more information visit  http://www.kidseverywear.com.


The Divine Consign Show     September 10 week, Raleigh
The Divine Children’s Show is the South’s MOST EXCLUSIVE high-end consignment and overstock event, specializing in trunk show and boutique lines. We are truly the ULTIMATE shopping dream for mothers who enjoy fine children’s clothing.  The variety of styles and lines is amazing and is growing with each season. We have long lasting partnerships with some of the most beloved trunk shows.  Get excited…we have many new overstock partners.  We liquidate for numerous boutiques and manufacturers, so we have a little bit of everything, and our largest inventory yet! For more information, visit http://www.dcskids.com/raleigh/


KidAround KidSale    Sept 23-25, Wake Forest
Located at The Factory in Wake Forest, and open to the public starting Friday Sept 23 at 2pm. Looking for a great children's consignment sale in the Triangle? At Kidaround Kidsale you'll always find quality gently used children’s clothing, toys, furniture, and gear for less, and sell your outgrown kidstuff for more than you'd get at a garage sale without the hassle & haggle! Join us to shop for a child you love at a can’t-be-beat price, and clean out those closets to make some money! Visit http://www.kidaroundkidsale.com/ or email info@kidaroundkidsale.com for more information.


Just 4 Kids     Oct 4 - 6, Fuquay-Varina
Life Spring Community Church, 501 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Consignor drop off begins 2/27, with pickup March 5. For more information visit http://www.just4kidsnc.com/ .


The Monkey Exchange     Oct 5-7, Raleigh
*Your 2011 Mom's Choice Award winner for Best Seasonal Consignment Sale!
North Hills Club Ballroom,  4824 Yadkin Drive, Raleigh, NC  27612
Only the best high-end name brands are available at this show, and they will even do the tagging for you! No wonder the Monkey Exchange was the 2011 Mom's Choice winner. For more information visit http://www.themonkeyexchange.com/

Twice as Nice Kids Consignment Sale     dates TBD, Apex
A seasonal consignment event featuring children's clothes, toys, and equipment. Open to the public at Hope Chapel, 6175 Old Jenks Rd in Apex. Earn cash for the clothes and toys your children have outgrown. Consignor space is limited, so register early. Buy high quality, gently used children's items at bargain prices. **Volunteers receive special early shopping privileges and enjoy the best selection without the crowds. Visit http://www.twiceasnice4tots.com/index.html for more information and to sign up.


Chapel Hill-Durham Mothers of Multiples   dates TBD, Durham
NEW LOCATION at Yates Baptist Church in Durham.  Semi-annual sale with bargains galore! Gently used infant and childrens clothing, maternity clothing, equipment (strollers, pack-n-plays, bouncy seats, exersaucers, etc.), indoor and outdoor toys, cribs, books (childrens and parenting), videos and DVD's, and much more! **CASH ONLY** Please bring a laundry basket or other container for your shopping convenience. For more information, visit http://www.momchd.whsites.net/


Are you a consignment shopper, or have you never gotten your feet wet? All of you experienced consignors and shoppers, what are your tips and tricks? Leave a comment below and let us know - we love hearing from you!