I had no idea that having a child would require so much stuff. Between toys, train tables, bean bag chairs, strollers, art easels, ride-on toys, baskets full of books, fire trucks, dump trucks and a rocket ship it is hard to remember my former clutter-free home. As your children grow and their interests change, you will soon be looking for a way to de-clutter. One great option is to donate gently used items to local charities for children in need. Other options include trading or selling your items. Not only is it the ‘green’ thing to do – it can also put a little green back into your own pocket.
Freepeats – “Pass on your baby clothing, gear, toys, maternity wear and more to local parents, and find items you want that others are giving away. Freepeats is an easy, convenient way to recycle baby, kid and maternity items with a lot of life left in them.”
hand-me-downs – classifieds for moms
SwapBabyGoods.com – is a pioneer website, providing a friendly place for parents to buy, sell or swap baby items. Their philosophy is very simple - Why buy when you can swap?
SwapTree - You can trade your DVDs, books, music and video games for other items – what a great way to save some money, be green and efficiently manage the likes and dislikes of our (sometimes) very fickle children
Trading Cradles – Making it free and easy to sell or give away baby and kids items your own kids have grown out of
Zwaggle - Online marketplace for parents to share their kids’ used gear with other families. It also provides opportunities to donate gear to charities. You can spare the landfills, help others, find some ‘new’ items for your own family, and most importantly, set an example of the benefits of sharing with your own children. How cool is that!
If you want to donate your gently used baby gear to a family in need, I have found some wonderful organizations that can help. You may also want to talk to a homeless shelter or organization that focuses on homeless women and children.
Below you will find quick links to more great resources on Sweet Peas & Stilettos:
*Baby* Modern Mom Favorites – Mom Blogs & Books – Eco Friendly Diapers – Designer Nursery - Baby & Birth Announcements – Car Seats – Strollers & Carriers – Designer Clothes & Shoes – Nursing – Meal Time – Natural Soaps & Bubble Bath – Toys & Books – Baby Planners, Nannies & Sleep Consultants – Baby Proofing – Sell or Trade Baby Gear – Celebrity Moms & Babies – Pregnancy & Maternity Gear
*Family* iPhone Apps for Moms – Mommy Calling Cards – Kids Birthday Party Invites - Photos & Albums – Safety – Your Child’s Education – Green Living – Etiquette - Caregiving – Health – Money – Pets -Family Cars – Mommy Day Planners & Agendas – Personal Assistants – Stationery
*Your Nest* Art - Eco-Consultants – Green Cleaning - Home Décor – Custom Closets – Household Help – Interior Decorating Books
*Food* Chocolate – Family Cookbooks – Grocery Delivery – Veggie Delivery – Meal Delivery & Personal Chefs – Organic Baby Food – Foodie Websites – Cupcakes
*Travel* Family Travel Ideas & Inspiration – Travel Planning & Booking – Home Rentals & House Swapping – Luggage – Family Air Travel Rules & Tips – Private Planes & Concierge – Business Travel Tips – Luxury Spas & Mommy Getaways
*Work* Best Companies for Women – Networking & Calling Cards – Job Search -Start Your Own Company – Executive MBA Programs for Women – Cute Bags for Work – Websites, Books & Blogs for Working Moms
*Give* Get Inspired to Give Back -Donate Shoes to Charity – Education- Donate Breast Milk – Children’s Health & Well Being – Donate Baby Gear – Human Rights, Advocacy & Financial Empowerment - Homeless Mothers & Children – Women’s Health – Shop for a Good Cause
*Girl Stuff* Designer Handbags – Designer Shoes – Jewelry – Flowers – Fragrance – Denim – Beauty, Makeup & Spa – The Mall – Best Designer Deals -Fashionista – Gossip – Connect – Diet & Fitness – Magazines – Books
*Sole Searching* My Collection of Shoe Shopping Adventures & Tales