In the midst of holiday craziness, it is easy to get into a shopping frenzy. With all the sales, deals, and flashy mailers, new things seem to be the go-to for gifts and treats. And yet, there is another way to shop this season (or any season, really) away from the box stores, online retailers, or even the traditional mom and pop stores where you pay full retail price. For our family, consignment shopping is the way to go.
When our small household of four needs anything; a birthday gift, a new pair of jeans, a kitchen utensil, we start off in our neighborhood. Living in Sellwood means we have our pick of many resale shops, some of which are tucked in, hidden from the average eye. Here are FIVE of our local favorite stores that have become a staple in our consignment shopping.
1. Sam’s Attic (7901 SW Cirrus Dr, Bldg 27, Beaverton)
We walked by Sam’s Attic store for years without ever giving it a second glance. Then, one day I decided to walk in and look around. Since then, my kids ask to go there on a regular basis to see what new acquisitions have come in. Why do we love and support it so? Because the store is run by volunteers, for a good cause. Every item is donated, carefully selected, reasonably prices, and displayed. We scored a like-new game of Monopoly for $1 there one day. Best of all, the monies made from all sales go to charity, specifically children in Uganda.
2. Sweetpeas (8235 SE 13th Ave, Portland)
The name says it all: the people, and items at Sweetpeas are totally sweet. We love everyone who works there, and the great selection of children’s clothes, shoes, and toys they offer. Look close enough and you can find brand new items, still with original tags on, for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. They also have a kids books section, and brand new hair and fashion accessories, made locally. The best part: purchasing items that are in such good condition that we are able to consign them back to Sweetpeas after my kids grew out of them!
3. Silver Lining (1981 SE Monroe St, Milwaukie)
This store is a treat for moms; with a large selection of carefully selected clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry at very reasonable prices. And by reasonable I mean a fraction of what it would be sold for even on sale in a retail store. The last time I was there I scored a Kipling purse and three pairs of jeans, all brand names including Lucky Brand and Citizens of Humanity, all for under $50. The best part of doing your consignment shopping here is if you look closely at the price tag you will notice two prices and a date. If you are lucky you can return on or after the listed date and purchase the item for even less than the listed “full” price! This is Silver Lining’s way to ensure that all their consignors sell their items. They also accept Chinook book coupons, too, so you save even more!
4. Thrifty Cottage (1418 SE Nehalem Street, Portland)
Tucked away from mainstream Sellwood, Thrifty Cottage supports St. Agatha’s church and parish. Set in a three-room house in a residential neighborhood, it’s full to the brim with paperbacks, housewares, clothes, toys, purses, and more. Even the bathroom is stocked with photo frames, greeting cards, and puzzles. Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, the Cottage has been a mainstay for over thirty years. Need a slow cooker, a tea set, or a soap holder? Check there and you’ll be surprised with how much you walk out with for the price you paid!
