I have always bought, sold, exchanged, accepted and donated hand me downs or pre-loved. When kids are involved, I think it’s the obvious economic and ethical choice. When selling it’s been less about making money on something but knowing that it’s going to someone who really needs it and not to landfill.

Kids don’t need constant stacks of new, they just need something that functions and I like to think of how many other kids have got the same amount of enjoyment and learning out of a toy or piece of clothing.

Gender neutral

Now when we need something new for my daughter my first though is “can I get it gender-neutral so it will last 2 kids?” even if I have to store it away for another 4-5 years it will save money in the long run. I’m not telling my daughter her coat or pyjamas are from a boys collection and she can’t tell the difference. Everyone likes new and new clothing gifts are sometimes the most thoughtful thing you can buy for a parent. But also think about getting something that’s not going to be pretty in pink for a girl.

BNWT

I‘ve also managed to procure many new or hardly used items by buying second hand that are a fraction of the price they would have been originally. Brands like Joules, Boden, and Jo Jo Maman all sell well because of their quality and classic style they take years to wear out. Name It and Next are 2 of my favourites for more fashionable finds. And outdoor clothing brands are built to endure as part of their very design. “BNWT” (brand new with tags) is one of my favourite search terms.

The pre-loved clothes in my shop were there to show those new to reuseable nappies that you don’t have to buy expensive organic or Scandinavian clothing brands to fit over a cloth bum, bog standard UK high street will do new or pre-loved if you look at the shape of bottoms properly. They only need a little bit more extra room around the bum, so joggers and tights are a go-to.

And I plan to sell new nappies and pre-loved clothes at second hand baby markets using my website for all financial transactions so it just makes sense (to me at least) that they are there.

I’m now slowly shifting all my pre-loved items back over to Ebay, please feel free to check out my seller page.

Making the metaphor real

When you buy pre-loved be it on eBay, at a second hand market or car boot sale, or just accept or pass on to a friend, you are contributing to the parent economy, supporting each other; being part of that village and making it real not just a metaphor; not giving money to the owners of Primark or some other chain just because their clothing is cheap and with no consideration of how it is made. And this should mean something. Or it always has to me.