Around town this weekend . . .
The North Toronto MOMS Group is hosting their bi-annual Great Kids Stuff Sale. This large-scale mom-to-mom consignment sale benefits several charities in the Greater Toronto Area which is just one of the reasons that make this a must-check-out event.
Last year, I waded through the mountains of clothing to find a never been-worn, white eyelet baby dress (original price tag of $50 still attached) for $8 and a brand new polka-dotted Gymboree dress for $3 and a Curious George raincoat for $15. One-dollar baby onesies in heaping mounds, fancy schmancy party clothes for next to nothing and the shoes, oh, the shoes! Converse sneaks, red patent baby janes, puddle boots galore! Halloween costumes and snowsuits are the most sought out apparel items of the fall sale.
It would take hours to sort through the mountains of toys, books and DVDs.
If it is gear that you are after, look no further. Need an extra playpen for grandma’s house? How about a Bumbo for $10 (regular $50)? Or a Baby Bjorn for $15?
Planning to check it out? Here are some insider tips:
- Bring a wish list and look for your most coveted items first. The good stuff goes first!
- Do your research before you shop! It’s the only way to know if $150 for that double stroller is a fantastic deal.
- Bring cash. More than you think you will need.
- Most importantly, arrive early or else you will find yourself at the back of this:
4 Mothers 
I think this is a great fundraising idea– can I ask, how do they manage the crowds? I imagine the mums might get pretty grabby! Do they only allow a certain number of people at a time?
The crowds are controlled at the front door. Only a certain number of people are permitted in at the start of the sale, and then a one-in, one-out policy is in effect until the line outside subsides. Shoppers are generally great – we’ve had few incidents in the years I have been involved where people are not respectful. There is so much stuff (and all of it quite good) that there really isn’t a need for dash and grab that seems to happen at other large-scale sales.
It was really amazing to see how much was donated to charity when it was all over.