Why Resale Just Makes Sense: A Practical + Planet-Friendly Choice for Growing Families

By Becky Neff and Tracy Babcock, Co-owners of Childish Things (Estimated reading time: 2 minutes) 

Colorful store with children’s clothing, books, and toys
A look inside the colorful racks and displays at Childish Things resale boutique. Photo courtesy of Childish Things.  

When you’re expecting a baby—or chasing after a fast-growing toddler—it doesn’t take long to realize how much kids need. From socks and swaddles to strollers and board books, the list adds up fast… and so does the price tag. But what if you could get everything your child needs without the guilt of overconsumption or the shock at checkout? 

That’s where resale comes in. Shopping secondhand is one of the most practical and planet-friendly choices a parent can make—and it doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style. 

Babies Grow Fast. So Why Buy New? 

Newborns outgrow clothes in weeks, not months. A swing that was a lifesaver in month two might be collecting dust by month four. And let’s not even talk about the toy clutter once they hit toddlerhood. 

By shopping resale, you’re not only saving money—you’re giving those gently used items a second life. And when you’re done with them? You can pass them along again. Resale creates a beautiful cycle of reuse that supports families and cuts down on waste. 

What We Sell (and Why It Matters) 

At Childish Things in Seattle, we’re truly unlike any other consignment or resale store. We pride ourselves on offering a clean, bright, and thoughtfully curated selection for every stage of childhood. We stock: 

  • Clothing from preemie through teen, plus maternity and nursing wear 
  • Books and toys that encourage curiosity, creativity, and independent play
  • Baby gear like carriers, high chairs, swaddles, and feeding supplies 
  • Shoes for tiny toes and growing feet 
  • A selection of new products, including sustainable brands and parent favorites 

Everything we accept is carefully inspected so parents can shop with confidence—and joy. Shopping secondhand doesn’t mean settling. It means shopping smarter. 

Clothing racks at a store
The maternity section at Childish Things. Photo courtesy of Childish Things.

Sustainability Starts Small 

The fashion industry is one of the largest global polluters—and kids’ clothing is part of that cycle. Resale offers a simple way to model sustainable living for our children right from the start. 

Buying used keeps items out of landfills, reduces demand for new production, and cuts down on packaging waste. And in a world where eco-anxiety is real, it feels good to make choices that help. 

It’s More Than a Store—It’s a Community 

One of the best parts of resale shopping? The connection. Childish Things isn’t just a store—it’s a hub for families. Parents swap stories while browsing baby carriers. Kids discover new favorite books. Grandparents find vintage toys that spark nostalgia. 

This September, we’re excited to take that sense of community even further by hosting our first PEPS Group at the store! If you’re a new parent looking to connect with others in your neighborhood, check out the PEPS website to learn more and sign up. 

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, resale stores can be a place to find not just gear, but friendship—and a little bit of magic. 


Becky Neff and Tracy Babcock, Co-owners of Childish Things

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Childish Things 
9776 Holman Rd NW Ste 102 
Seattle, WA 98117 

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