Spending and Saving

Swap Parties for Small People

Even a bad economy can’t stop parent peer pressure—those overpriced strollers and designer baby sneakers are a persistent part of the dynamic. But for some frugal parents these pint size luxuries don’t cost quite that much, or anything at all.

Even while retailers like Carter’s and Gap are posting solid sales in baby apparel, an increasing number of parents say they’re cutting costs on high-end purchases like strollers and cribs by shopping secondhand. An even cheaper—and more fun—option is the growing number of swap parties for people with kids.

The clothing swap concept has been written about a ton, and is fairly simple. Groups of friends come together to trade duds they no longer wear. The kids’ version is pretty much the same, with parents exchanging strollers, clothes and toys they don’t need.

Hosting a swap can be tricky if you don’t know what to expect, which is why we’ve put together a handy guide for throwing your first kids’ swap party.

Where to swap: Ideally, the swap host will have a child-friendly apartment or house (i.e. no white couches) with plenty of room to spread out. If not, then get creative when prepping your party space. If you don’t have a main room large enough for guests to mingle and sort through racks of merchandise, organize items in separate rooms—strollers in the kitchen, clothes in the living room, toys in the bedroom, etc. And don’t forget to designate a space for the kids to play—along with a dad or spouse willing to look after the tots while everyone else shops.

Have any friends with children a similar age to yours? You’ve got yourself a guest list!

Who to invite: While guests lists can be complicated when it comes to hosting a traditional clothing swap party, the process is much easier when you’re hosting a shindig for kids. Have any friends with children a similar age to yours? You’ve got yourself a guest list! Just make sure you’ve got enough varied merchandise to make everyone happy, since a friend with a 12-year-old son may not find anything she wants in a room full of parents with two-year-old daughters.

What to serve: Booze may be king at more traditional clothing swaps, but odds are you’ll want to go with finger foods at a party with kids. Just make sure not to serve any greasy foods or dark drinks, since in all likelihood someone will eventually spill something on the merch.

What to bring: This one is easy. Ask guests to bring any toys, clothes, or accessories that their children no longer need. It’s okay for the items to be gently used or worn, but leave anything that’s been torn into shreds at home, since it’s unlikely anyone will want to trade their almost-new diaper bag for a baby pacifier that was chewed up by the dog.

How to shop: It’s okay to be forceful, but not to be greedy. You may think the Bugaboo you brought is the nicest item at the event, but that doesn’t mean you get first dibs on all the other merchandise. The hostess can decide whether to have guests take turns choosing items or go at it free-for-all style. Just do your best to make sure everyone leaves happy and with the feeling that they got at least one thing they really wanted, and you can consider the day a success.

How to handle leftovers: Inevitably, there will be some items left behind. For these, it’s a good idea to make a post-party drop off at the Salvation Army or another donation site right away, or at least before the junk you’ve been trying to get rid of for years creeps back into your closet.

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Tags: clothes, kids, moms, saving money, swaps