Moms Talk: Where to Find Low-Cost Children's Clothes

Welcome to Moms Talk, a forum for local  parents to weigh-in on hot button issues.  This week we explore low-cost options for children's clothes. We've found them, you reap the benefits!

Jen Lewis: The Gentle Dragon Preschool Yard Sale (usually early in June on the front lawn of the Congregational Church of West Medford) is always a great spot for baby gear and toys, and in recent years has had kids clothes too, cheap ($.50 - 1 per item).  And it supports a great preschool! See www.gentledragonpreschool.org or the huge number of local signs in the week ahead of it for details. 

The Little Fox Shop at the Fox Library in Arlington has a good selection of used kids clothes, always in good shape but not the cheapest ($2.50-5 per item).  But you have to catch them when they're open and it's cash only.  Get current hours at www.littlefoxshop.com

I never manage to hit the Spring and Fall Moms of Twins Sale in Winchester but friends who do rave about it.  They just announced the next one is September 17.  For more details: www.mmota-founding.org/fallspring-sales

I have happened on great deals at Goodwill in Davis Square or Salvation Army in Saugus, but it takes a lot of patience and usually time without the kids.

Jen is the mother of a 7 year-old girl and a 3 year-old boy, and has been in Medford for eight years.

Judi McLaughlin: We usually have hand-me-downs up the wazoo, but last year, there was a significant shortage of tops and dresses for my two. So, we headed to Savers in Danvers, on Endicott Street (Exit 24 off 128N) and I let the girls pick 5 tops and five dresses each. 20 articles of clothing cost me $35.00, and given that my older daughter's clothes will pass to my younger daughter, it is like getting 30 articles of clothing for that price.  Not too shabby if you ask me.

Judi is the mother of two girls, ages 6 and 8, and has been a Medford resident for 11 years.

 Adrienne Szafranski: Frankly, Target is my stand-by.  Old Navy has cheap clothes, but they never make it to hand-me-down status with my family.  What I lose in expense, I gain in time and effort. 

If you have the time and inclination, try the Mother of Twins Tag Sale. You'll need to bring back-up.  Grab a wing-mom, leave the kids, and go early.  They have EVERYTHING.  Strollers, equipment, books, and clothes for newborns through size 14/16.  There are benefits to being a member (you can write a check).  Find them at www.mmota-founding.org or on their Facebook page for MMOTA-Founding Chapter Tag Sale. Next sale is on September 17 at Winchester High School.

And there's the Medford Family Network Swap.  Everything is free.  You can drop off your donations on Friday, and then pick up stuff at the swap on Saturday.  You don't need to donate to participate.  Go early, of course, but moms-in-the-know join the committee and have the first crack at the goods. It helps to have a wing-mom to have a second pair of eyes and hands. The swaps happen every three to four months. Look for the next one in the fall.

Adrienne is the mother of two boys, ages 5 and 6 and a half, and has lived in Medford since 2000.