Here’s how to plan your own kids’ clothing swap in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Pick a date, time, and place
Choose a location that’s easy for families to get to. Some ideas:
- Your living room or backyard
- A shared community space or park
- A school or neighborhood center
Step 2: Invite people
Start with friends, neighbors, or classmates’ families. You don’t need a huge group. Five to ten families is a great start.
Ways to spread the word:
- Send a text or group email
- Post in your Buy Nothing group, Nextdoor, or parent Facebook group
- Share a flyer at daycare or school
Encourage each family to bring clean, gently used kids’ clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Step 3: Set some simple guidelines
To keep it easy and fair, share a few ground rules:
- Only bring clean items in good condition (no holes, stains, or broken zippers)
- Sort by size or age group when you arrive (baby, toddler, little kid, etc.)
- Take what you need; no need to trade one-for-one.
- Leftovers can be donated or offered online (you can help organize this!)
Optional: Set up a “freebie” table for books, toys, or gear like backpacks and lunch boxes.
Step 4: Make it fun and welcoming
Help families feel at home and make the swap easy to navigate.
- Set up signs for each clothing size.
- Use folding tables, blankets, boxes, or bins to sort clothes by size or type.
- Put on some music and offer light snacks.
Considering adding a reuse craft station for kids. Here are a few ideas:
No-sew t-shirt bags
- Turn old t-shirts into reusable bags—no sewing needed. (Search “no-sew t-shirt bag instructions” for how-tos.)
- Have an adult or older teen at the table to help kids with cutting and tying.
Decorate folders or notebooks
- Set out reused paper, stickers, and glue sticks for kids to customize school supplies.
- Tip: SCRAP PDX is a great source for affordable, used craft supplies.
Step 5: Donate the extras
At the end of the event, gather leftover clothes and donate them to a local nonprofit, shelter, or resale shop.
Or post them on your local Buy Nothing group, Craigslist, or Nextdoor.
Not sure where to donate?
Try searching online with terms like:
- “Where to donate kids clothes near me”
- “Donate toys and baby gear Portland OR”
- “Used sports equipment donation Portland OR”
- “Family shelters accepting donations Portland OR”
You’ll find local nonprofits, shelters, and thrift stores that welcome gently used items and help them go to families who need them.
How to donate kids’ items responsibly
Here are a few simple steps to make sure your donations are useful and welcome:
1. Check for damage
- Only donate items that are clean and in good condition
- Avoid anything with stains, rips, broken parts, or missing pieces
2. Wash and wipe down
- Launder clothes and shoes
- Wipe down toys, books, and gear with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipe
3. Check donation guidelines and hours
- Some places only accept certain items or limit drop-off times.
- Visit their website or call ahead to be sure.
Bonus tips
Team up with another parent
- Double the number of friends, family, and neighbors you can invite.
- Share the work: One person hosts while the other helps with setup, cleanup, or dropping off leftover items at a donation site.
Make it a seasonal tradition
Swaps aren’t just for back-to-school. Try one in any (or every) season!
- Holiday toy swap in December
- Spring clean-out for clothes and gear
- Summer swap for warm-weather clothes and outdoor items
- Back-to-school gear in late summer
It makes a difference!
Hosting a clothing swap saves families money, reduces waste, and builds connections with the people around you.
For every piece of clothing, pair of shoes, toy, or sports gear that you swap instead of buying new, you're helping to conserve energy, protect natural resources, and reduce pollution from manufacturing and shipping [EPA].
Give it a try, you might be surprised by how fun and easy it is.