It’s spring- the days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and parents take out their kids’ clothes from last year and realize- nothing fits! A great way to get rid of outgrown clothing and stock up on essentials is through consignment shops. Second-hand clothing is an affordable and eco-friendly way to revive your kids’ wardrobe, and can earn you store credit or a little extra cash. Here’s our guide to hip, fun, and fashionable kids consignment shops in New York.

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Jane’s Exchange, 191 East 3rd Street, Manhattan

Commonly regarded as the best children’s consignment shop in the city, Jane’s Exchange is not only a shop but a community prescense in the East Village. Parents come to the store for events, referrals, and support from other parents as well as the store co-owners Gayle Raskin and Eva Dorsey. They sell clothing, toys, baby gear, maternity wear, and more. Kids will be entertained in the children’s play area while Mom and Dad shop.

Store hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 6 PM. Sellers should call to make an appointment.

Baby Chic NY,  74A Hillside Avenue Willston Park, NY 11596

An upscale childrens consignment boutique. Carrying a large selection of both new and pre-loved items at a fraction of the retail prices. With lots of new item every day, Baby Chic NY prides itself on offering the very best quality items to their customers. To shop from home check out the Baby Chic NYC online boutique.

Store hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday 12noon-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm, Monday closed.

Clementine , 39 1/2 Washington Sq. S., nr. Macdougal St., Manhattan

A designer consignment shop run by a mom and daughter team, Myrle and Cara Wall, Clementine carries European designers like Jacadi and Bonpoint, as well as stateside brands like Janie and Jack. Kids will be entertained by a play area and lollypops. Will accept children’s clothing, maternity and shoes, no gear. Remember to come in for their big blowout sale in July!

Store hours: Monday – Saturday 11 – 7.

Flying Squirrel, 96 N 6TH ST, Brooklyn

This laid-back Williamsburg consignment shop (connected to a record store) was created by moms Judith Velosky Martell and Kate Schmitz. Flying Squirrel stocks new and used clothing, baby gear, books, music and DVDs, and unique gifts from around the world. Check out their website to shop from home, or stop in and chill out in a child-size chair. Their motto is: We buy, sell and trade, and we change diapers!

Store hours: Mon – Thurs 11:00am – 7:00pm, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 8:00pm, Sun 12:00 – 7:00pm. Sellers call ahead.

Still Hip, 283 Grand Avenue, Brooklyn

Still Hip, run by two local moms, not only buys and sells clothing and toys, but also hosts a bevy of classes, including Music for Aardvarks, Private Picassos, and Let’s Dance Brooklyn!, AND birthday parties in an area specially designated for events. This consignment shop, specializing in brands like Zutano, Cakewalk, Mini Boden, and Baby Gap, will also rent out items (for say a visiting baby or a playdate).

Store hours: Sunday and Monday 11-5, Tuesday and Wednesday 10-5, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-6. Call ahead to schedule a time to bring in items.

Madison Rose, 313 Court Street, Brooklyn

Remember those maternity dresses hanging in the back of the closet? Sell them at Madison Rose, a strictly maternity consignment shop started by husband and wife team Jilian and Chris DiChiaro. The store loves fashionable brands like A Pea in the Pod and Seven for All Mankind. Moms to be can also take store-sponsored classes on issues like finding a childcare provider and choosing a birth location.

Store hours: Wednesday 12-6, Thursday 12-6, Friday 12-7, Saturday 12-6, Sunday 12-5, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. See website for selling requirements.

Little Closets, 46-46 Vernon Blvd, Queens

The brainchild of owner Letia Frandina, Little Closets is a relatively new consignment shop (opened September of 2009) and is already making a splash in Long Island City. Envisioned as a place to build community, Little Closets offers events like free prenatal yoga, storytime, and a French music class. Will accept baby gear, clothing, maternity and footwear.

Store hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6, closed Tuesday.

Always remember to call ahead to schedule an appointment to sell clothing at a consignment shop. All items should be washed/cleaned in advance, and don’t bother showing up with anything stained or torn. Clothing that is in season will be more in-demand, so hold on to those winter coats til next fall if possible. Many stores have different policies on what they pay sellers (especially on store credit versus cash), so make sure to check out their website so you know what you are getting into. Happy selling!

Image by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/slapjack/

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