1. Rethink the registry
Before making a big registry, check with family, friends, and neighbors. Chances are, many of the “essentials” are already sitting in someone’s attic or basement waiting for a new home.
You may not need everything on the lists you see online. Talk to parents you know about what they actually used most. Some items get barely any use before babies outgrow them.
If you do want a registry, consider adding secondhand or shared options:
- Ask for hand-me-downs of clothing, toys, or gear.
- Ask for gift cards to resale or consignment shops.
- Include practical gifts like babysitting, meals, or household help.
You’ll save money, avoid duplicates, and reduce waste, all while still getting the support you need.
2. Shop secondhand first
Portland has fantastic kids' consignment and resale shops with everything from newborn onesies to toddler rain gear. You’ll find great quality at a much lower cost.To find a shop near you, search for:
- “Kids consignment store near me”
- “Used children’s clothing Portland”
- “Children’s resale clothing store Portland”
What to get used (and what to buy new)
- Used: Baby clothes, toys, books, highchairs, baby carriers, nursing pillows, and changing pads are all safe to reuse.
- Skip these secondhand (unless you can confirm safety): car seats, cribs made before 2011, recalled or damaged items. Check recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Bonus: Earn store credit
Do you have a pile of unworn onesies or too-short overalls?
Many consignment shops offer credit or cash when you bring in gently used items. Use the credit to shop for the next size or season.
3. Get baby gear for free
The best baby stuff might already be in someone’s closet.
Babies grow fast and so does the pile of outgrown onesies and barely-used bouncers. Chances are, your friends, neighbors, or coworkers have gear they’d love to pass along.
Just ask! People often hold onto baby things because they don't want to toss them, but they don’t know who needs them. A simple ask can unlock a treasure trove of free clothes, toys, books, and more.
Try your neighborhood Buy Nothing group: These free online groups are full of kind folks who want to share what they no longer need. You’ll be amazed by what people are giving away, from bassinets to board books.
Keep it going: When your little one outgrows something, pass it on again. It’s a win for your closet space, your neighbors, and the planet.
4. Donate what you don’t need
When your baby outgrows clothes, gear, or toys, pass them on! You’ll keep useful items out of the landfill and make someone else’s day.
To find local donation spots, search:
- “Donate kids' clothes Portland”
- “Children’s clothing donation near me”
- “Portland nonprofits accepting baby items”
Keep it clean and safe
Before donating, give everything a good wash. Double-check that gear is safe to use—no missing parts, damage, or recalls.
It makes a difference!
Every hand-me-down onesie, borrowed baby carrier, or skipped shopping trip helps conserve natural resources and cut down on waste.
Reusing baby clothes and gear keeps items in use and out of the landfill. It also avoids the energy and pollution tied to making, packaging, and shipping new products. Even small choices—like accepting a secondhand stroller or trading clothes with a friend—add up.
Try one thing: Borrow instead of buy or pass along something your baby has outgrown.