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The best stuff for families in Lane County

Happy Adventuring: itty bitty is Huge!

2/11/2015

52 Comments

 
Picture
photo by Cristie Marie Photography via itty bitty boutique
You guys. itty bitty is next month. Do you know what this means?! Everything your kiddos could possibly ever need, at super reasonable prices, in wonderful condition, all at one fabulous sale. Am I gushing? So sorry. But this is important. This sale is a big deal. Here's what you need to know:

itty bitty boutique consignment sale

Who: Consignors - Also known as sellers, or people who are super excited to reclaim their garages by getting rid of all the stuff for the love of all things ever!!
Volunteers: Awesome people who help run the sale. They get to shop early in exchange for their hard work.
Shoppers: Ummm people who shop. I shouldn't have to explain this. 
What: itty bitty boutique is a biannual consignment sale. They set up at (but are not affiliated with) Camp Harlow twice a year, in the fall and spring.
When: The next sale is March 9-15, 2015
Where: The gym and cafeteria of Camp Harlow. 
Why: No explanation needed. Be there or be square. 
Picture
photo by Cristie Marie Photography via itty bitty boutique
Shopping Tips:
  • Go with a plan. The sale is big. As in, there is so. much. stuff. I seriously know multiple people who have gotten so overwhelmed that they: 1. Just started throwing stuff into their bag and ended up buying all sorts of things they didn't intend to, or 2. Literally walked in the door, panicked, and left without buying a thing. So know what you're looking for.
  • On that note, be sure that you have a list of your kid's current sizes, both clothing and shoes.
  • Take an outline of their foot on a piece of paper in case you're worried about shoes fitting.
  • Speaking of shoes, those puppies sell FAST. As soon as I'm in the door, I head straight to the shoes, and so do many other people. The shoes at itty bitty are in awesome condition, and they are so much cheaper than brand new shoes.They get picked over really quickly, so if you are looking for something in particular, you better hustle.
  • Shop as soon as you can. There are several ways to shop early. If you consign, volunteer, or are a first time parent/grandparent, you can shop before the doors open to the general public. You'll need a pass for these early shopping times, so be sure to check the itty bitty website for all the info.
  • Take something with you to hold all your loot. IKEA bags, laundry baskets, and those shopping carts with wheels that you pull behind you are all great ways to keep your hands free to allow for maximum shopping.
  • The sale is really organized, which is so helpful. Everything is divided into sections: pretend play, nursing pillows, wooden toys, nursery decor, etc. The clothes are organized by gender and size.
  • Often you can find multiples at the sale. Look over the items carefully to choose which one you think is in the best shape and has the best price.
  • If at all possible, I would recommend leaving your littles at home. The sale is so very crowded, and there are just so many desirable things for kiddos to want. It's much easier to shop without trying to keep track of a small one who is wandering around grabbing toys and hiding under racks of clothes.
  • While you're shopping, if you're uncertain about whether or not you'd like to buy something, throw it in your bag to think about. Chances are that if you don't pick it up now, and then come back in ten minutes, it's going to be gone. However! Don't take every single thing! You're going to get some seriously dangerous sideways glares if you sweep all the pairs of size seven shoes into your bag. This is not fair at all. Now if you want to hold on to a certain rain coat while you decide whether you want to spend the $14 that the seller is asking because that seems like a lot even though it's the cutest rain coat you've ever seen in your life, that's another story. Just make up your mind fairly quickly, and put it back where you found it if you don't take it so that someone else can find it and rejoice.
  • The sale is seasonal, so the one in March will have spring and summer clothes, and the one in the fall will have warmer stuff. One of the best things about itty bitty is that they screen stuff really well. No heavy velvet dresses in the spring, no bathing suits in the winter. Plan accordingly. On that note, buy ahead! Get your Easter outfit/sun hat/birthday gift/whatever now. No need to scramble later.
  • When you're ready to check out, be prepared for lines. They can get long, but they move quickly. Also, bring cash to help speed things up. They do take cards, but no checks.
  • While you're waiting in line, make some friends! Talk to the people around you. It's always fun to see the treasures that others are taking home for their littles, and you might just set up a playdate with your new pal.
Picture
photo by Cristie Marie Photography via itty bitty boutique
Consigning Tips:
  • Absolutely most important: Follow the very clear directions on the itty bitty website. They are super specific about which way to put clothes on hangers, which toys they won't accept, etc, and will politely decline to sell your stuff if it doesn't meet their standards. It would be such a bummer to waste a bunch of time prepping stuff only to have it be denied.
  • Speaking of standards, have some! Nobody wants to buy your kid's super duper dirty shoes, or a toy that has chew marks all over it. Don't try to sell stuff that you wouldn't want to buy yourself.
  • Clean your toys really well, and check clothes carefully for stains. Take your time to present your stuff nicely. It will sell better if it looks neat.
  • Use good safety pins. This, unfortunately, does NOT include the ones from The Dollar Tree. Trust me on this.
  • If you're wondering how to price your items, check the itty bitty website. They have a very handy pricing guide posted. Another smart thing to do is to look up whatever you're selling on Craigslist. That way, you won't price your (for example) stroller at $65 when they're going for $45 online.
  • You earn 70% of whatever you sell, minus a $12 administration fee. So think about your goal. Is it to make a ton of cash on stuff you paid top dollar for? If so, you'll probably find yourself pricing things pretty high in order to allow for 30% of the profits going to the sale and not your pocket. Pricing things this way often results in them being passed over. You might be better off having a garage sale on your own. If, on the other hand, you are just trying to clear out some things from your house and make a few extra bucks along the way, this is the way to go. Price things to sell. That doesn't mean that they have to be dirt cheap. I figure if I can earn enough money to make consigning worth my time, (which basically means I cover whatever I'm going to buy at the sale), then I'm good to go.
  • Some people like to chip away at prepping their things a little bit at a time. I don't have space to leave piles of stuff out, so I carve out a day when my hubby can take our littles and let me work. That way I wipe it all out in one swoop.
  • Whatever you do, DON'T leave all the work until the last minute! Sheesh - talk about stress. Under no circumstances am I speaking from experience. ;)
Picture
photo by Cristie Marie Photography via itty bitty boutique
A Note on Volunteering:
  • If you can, I totally recommend working a volunteer shift for itty bitty. I've been doing it since I was pregnant with my first kiddo, and it is great for several reasons.
  • It's fun! I always work the same shift, and I really enjoy doing the work.
  • You meet fun people.
  • You get to shop early - woot woot! 

So there ya go! I really hope you take advantage of this awesome community resource. It's a fun, earth friendly, frugal way to get your family entertained and clothed. 

*GIVEAWAY*

And you guys! Get this!! itty bitty has generously given us a gift to give away to one of Go Mom Go's fabulous readers! Today you have the chance to win a $20 gift certificate plus a pre-sale shopping pass! This is so fantastic - I really hope you win!
To enter:
In the comments tell us which section you go to first at a big sale & you'll be entered to win!
Enter on Facebook & Instagram (gomomgoeugene) for more chances.
Giveaway ends Thursday, February 12 at 10pm.
Picture
photo by Cristie Marie Photography via itty bitty boutique
The Essentials
Parking: Lots
Resting/nursing spots: No time for resting or nursing! There is shopping to be had! (for reals though - there isn't really a great place to sit. You could probably find a chair somewhere if you were desperate.)
Food: None available. Bring your own for refueling purposes.
Bathrooms: Yep.
Time frame: This is tricky. I don't like to rush. So I usually spend 2ish hours shopping. You could do it in less time if you needed to, but definitely don't plan to be somewhere right after your shopping if you can avoid it. It's nice to not have a deadline. 

Questions? Thoughts? Advice? Please let us know!
Happy Adventuring!
Picture
52 Comments
Alaina Sandercock
2/10/2015 11:21:29 pm

Shoes! My girls Love shoes and wear the out at an alarming rate :)

Reply
Anita Kranz
2/10/2015 11:34:21 pm

As per your advice is head strait to shoes then off to get some 4T dresses to be ready for my daughters next growth spurt.

Reply
Teresa Collins
2/10/2015 11:40:16 pm

toys

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Marci DaviS
2/10/2015 11:41:31 pm

I head to the ride on wheel section. Bikes and trikes. Scooters and striders.

Reply
Kyndal
2/10/2015 11:48:54 pm

I usually head straight to the toys for my older kids, but I am expecting this time and will be heading to the baby boy clothes!

Reply
Megan wise
2/10/2015 11:49:35 pm

Ive only been once and loved it! I'll be headed to the 12 month boys clothes section!

Reply
Jessica Parker
2/10/2015 11:54:14 pm

Heading for toys first!!! Hoping to find something fun for the backyard!

Reply
staci warden
2/10/2015 11:58:24 pm

I usually head to the shoes and toys since they are in the same area.

Reply
Melissa Bieghler
2/11/2015 12:00:36 am

Toys! Great selection and awesome deals!

Reply
Amber
2/11/2015 12:01:54 am

Straight to girls clothes! Looking for cute items for my daughter and want to grab them before anyone else! :)

Reply
Karen
2/11/2015 12:03:58 am

I go to the toys first.

Reply
Kristi
2/11/2015 12:26:19 am

Big stuff!

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Lisa link
2/11/2015 12:55:37 am

Dresses, always the dresses in my daughter's current size!

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Kelly
2/11/2015 01:21:24 am

I always start in the clothes. I help my sister stock up for her girls every year and they grow like weeds!

Reply
Melody
2/11/2015 01:36:31 am

I've never been - but it seems like shoes are the place to go.

Reply
Brittany
2/11/2015 02:03:25 am

Shoes!
This sale is AMAZING <3

Reply
Jen
2/11/2015 02:06:48 am

big stuff!

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Christiana link
2/11/2015 02:19:54 am

This will be my first year and my little girl is almost 4 months. I'll probably head to the toys to find a wooden walker or play table though shoes might be a good place to start too.

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Megan
2/11/2015 02:21:25 am

Baby girl clothes, size 6-12 mo!

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Anna
2/11/2015 02:32:08 am

Shoes is our first stop. Always on the lookout for rubber boots and keens

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Shandell P link
2/11/2015 02:51:35 am

The shoes!

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chelsey link
2/11/2015 03:34:25 am

I go to baby boy clothes first

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Krystal
2/11/2015 03:43:45 am

I love looking at games and books first. My daughter loves reading!

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Kimberly link
2/11/2015 03:54:39 am

i am a new mom so I plan to check out the baby gear first. Light weight strollers and high chairs. :)

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Olivia Stewart
2/11/2015 04:12:55 am

I head right for the shoes! My daughter is so rough on her shoes it's incredible.

Reply
susan flister
2/11/2015 05:03:04 am

I go right for the shoes!

Reply
Olivia Hardin
2/11/2015 06:14:22 am

I go for whatever item(s) have the highest priority on my list for that sale. Especially any bigger items.

Reply
Laura
2/11/2015 06:36:47 am

Shoes and clothes!

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Bekah
2/11/2015 06:55:02 am

I'm first headed to the 6 and 7s for my oldest girl. I'd love to win this giveaway!!

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Valerie
2/11/2015 06:59:26 am

I love looking at EVERYTHING! But my first stop is at the toys.

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Catelin
2/11/2015 07:38:12 am

Shoes, coats, and "fancy" dresses!

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Amy F.
2/11/2015 07:45:05 am

I usually browse over everything first and grab things along the way. Then I focus on the clothes. This year, with a 16 month old and twins on the way, I'll hit the shoes first, and then clothes and gear.

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Kerry
2/11/2015 07:56:31 am

I will be going to the rocking horses!

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Julia
2/11/2015 08:16:10 am

My boyfriend and son always start with the toys while I go to the shoes. This is the BEST consignment sale. My family gets so excited to go 😊 I love to tell everyone I know who has or is going to have kids. Thank you for everything you do 😃

Reply
Meghan
2/11/2015 08:56:01 am

This place is like the North Pole for parents!!! We always browse the shoes first as they tend to go very fast.

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Angela Riley
2/11/2015 09:42:41 am

I have shopped with them before my son was born. I was so impressed! I would love to shop again now that I have a growing almost 2 year old with changing interest. I will look first for pj's and shoe's. Then open to just spend time looking for things he needs and would be excited to have.

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Mandi
2/11/2015 10:39:27 am

This is my first time so I don't even know where to start but I'm excited!

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Chelsea
2/11/2015 10:45:55 am

I go for the big ticket item first, then toys. I got for clothes and shoes last because it takes a lot longer to sort through.

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Lindsay
2/11/2015 11:31:00 am

first timer but I think I'd hit up shoes and scoot bikes first!!

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Teresa Margiotta
2/11/2015 11:49:59 am

Toys. They sell out so fast with the older kid toys.

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Michelle Gunther
2/11/2015 01:15:16 pm

Shoes, toys clothes

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eugina
2/11/2015 02:59:19 pm

I'll be going to the shoes & toys first.

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Sara link
2/11/2015 04:50:03 pm

shoes!!

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Emily at GoMomGo link
2/12/2015 02:11:22 pm

Congratulations, Sara, you're the winner of our itty bitty boutique giveaway!
Email us at gomomgoeugene@gmail.com & we'll get your prize to you!
Thanks for entering, we hope you find some awesome shoes :)

Reply
Leah Casper
2/11/2015 11:26:14 pm

The baby carriers :)

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Mel
2/12/2015 01:13:52 am

Shoes first!

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Nicole
2/12/2015 01:49:40 am

I always go to the big items (i.e. outdoor play items like slides and furniture) and shoes.

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Debby
2/12/2015 02:47:06 am

Games

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Katrina Banton
2/12/2015 03:40:53 am

Shoes for my sweet girl!!

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jennifer fitzgerald link
2/12/2015 06:58:30 am

Shoes!

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Katie
3/10/2016 10:50:02 pm

Shoes!!!

Reply
Kari Sala
2/19/2018 08:14:34 pm

Size 3 and 4 toddler girl clothes, and winter coats:)

Reply



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  • home
  • StayMomStay
  • calendar
  • seasonal fun
  • let's eat!
  • let's play!
    • let's play inside! super active
    • let's play inside! a little quieter
    • let's play outside!
    • water play!
  • let's party!
  • let's shop!
    • kids clothing
      • resale clothing
      • new clothing
    • toys
    • arts & crafts
    • books
  • let's learn!
    • dance classes
    • martial arts
    • sports
    • arts & crafts classes
    • gymnastics
    • yoga classes
    • music classes
    • more classes
    • child care
  • blog
  • advertise
    • advertise
  • newsletter
  • contact us
  • payments
  • add an event
  • GoMomGo...PNW