Otherwise known as Duck Duck Goose (DDG). If you’re from Knoxville or nearby, you’re probably quite familiar with DDG and my guess is that you’re either horrified by the thought of it or just absolutely love everything about it. I happen to be amongst the latter, mainly because I don’t really mind waiting in a long line for a twice-a-year event in which we purchase the bulk, if not all of our little boy’s clothing and toys (save from some hand-me-downs from a dear friend’s family in town). I get it if the thought of DDG makes you cringe – a hundred kids crying/chattering/running all at the same time, a really long line to the cashiers no matter the time of day, and the usual presence of some ornery shoppers. But the thrill of finding clothes for my little boy that’s almost brand new, in some cases new with the tags still attached, not to mention the really good deals from each piece makes up for all the inconvenience. But…that’s me.
By the way, if you haven’t yet caught what DDG is about, it’s a consignment sale with thousands of consignees from the Knoxville area. It’s more than just your regular garage sale stuff – it literally occupies what used to be a KMart shopping center with items ranging from maternity clothes to kids clothes from infants through teens, nursery furniture, books/CDs/DVDs, strollers and carriers, shoes, bedding, etc. It’s every frugal person’s paradise, might I say, although there were some unreasonably high price tags for some of the toys I spotted this year – really, who’s going to buy a second-hand $150 ride-on train?. The best part is that the last day of sale is called a half-off sale. Everything unmarked in the store is half off and quite frankly, you get more mileage for your money on this day than on the others, and you can duck the long line either by hitting the store at opening or donating $10 to DDG for their version of a speed pass.
Some years back, I remember my Aunt saying to me that she’s very grateful her daughters were beneficiaries of some of my kid clothes. In fact, she said, all four of her daughters had used a dress she’s very fond of that I once owned. I never really understood her sentiment and why she made mention of it every chance she got…that is, until I had a child of my own.
2 years old
Truth is, having children can be costly, especially around these parts of the world. But I don’t believe this to be any reason for not having children if the couple so desires. I also don’t believe we are to spend a fortune on our children’s clothes, toys, and such.
Our child’s arrival has been a humbling lesson in God’s incredible provision. We hardly spent money pre-birth and post-birth, thanks to many many generous hearts from dear friends and family and folks we barely even know. A friend of mine has a son about 1-1/2 years older than my little boy and since his birth, we’ve been beneficiaries of his clothes he’s grown out of as well as toys and books. The clothes have become our starting point for the next season’s clothing and usually supplement just a few of the items needed by going to DDG and other semi-big consignment sales in town. I have not had to spend any money in retail stores for brand new items yet…not once.
Thing is, I discovered, kids grow out of those itty bitty clothes so fast because their bodies are rapidly stretching horizontally and/or vertically at the speed of light during the first couple years of their lives. And, I realized, a few articles each of tops, pants, jammies, socks, and shoes are really all we need to get through to the next growth spurt. Who needs a closet full of new clothes, some if not most of it, might not even be used at all? Now, I understand where my Aunt was coming from. And I, too, am thankful.
2 years, 9 months (photo courtesy of Becky Brinkman)
Not that this is all new to me, of course. During my pre-U.S. arrival, I loved and frequented those second hand clothing stalls, stores, and sidewalk posts we, Filipinos, call Ukay-Ukay (oo-kai oo-kai) or Wagwagan (wuhg-wuh-gan). “Ukay” is a slang for the Tagalog term “halukay” which means “to rummage thoroughly” (think geological expeditions – endless search of something with value). “Wagwag” is an Ilokano term, Ilokano being one of the languages of the northern Philippines, meaning “to dust off.” Literally. Going into those stores is like going into a minefield – one has to have patience and a great deal of tolerance for dust, mold, and funky smells. All the time spent in those places was well worth it for a broke college kid like me.
Not much has changed post-U.S. arrival, if you ask me. I still feel the rush of excitement when I see anything that resembles the words “50% off” or “clearance.” I dart to any retail store’s clearance racks and comb through Plato’s Closet’s clothing selections. But…just because doesn’t mean you have to buy. Restraint is the word for me.
There is no shame in receiving hand-me-downs. It not only helps save some money but also helps reuse perfectly usable things. When purchasing second-hand items, ‘gently used’ is the keyword.
1 year, 1 month (doing the "touchdown" motion)
If you’re in the Knoxville area, here are some more places to check out for fabulous kids’ finds:
Once Upon A Child: http://www.onceuponachild.com/
Growth Spurt Consignment: http://growthspurtknox.blogspot.com/
Jack and Jules Consignment: http://www.jackjules.com/
Happy bargain hunting!