Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in houston, TX

9 *GREAT DEAL* Kids Resale Shops in Houston

August 18, 2009

When summer arrived, my kids pulled out their shorts and sundresses and I realized that everything they owned was at least one size too small. We checked out Carter's, which has great clothes but ends up being rather pricey when you are buying an entire season's worth of clothes. We then tried Old Navy, which offers low prices on many things, but we've been frustrated lately with the quality, which seems to barely last the season. On the way home from the mall area, I decided to pull into the local Palais Royale. But before I stepped inside, I noticed a resale shop next to it -- Little Bo-Tique. It carries clothes, beds, toys, shoes and more for infants through about sizes 8-10. When I walked out about 45 minutes later, I had two bags full of clothes to cover the entire summer for both kids, and I hadn't even spent $100. They were nice clothes, too -- good brands such as Gymboree and even some boutique clothing. All were in excellent condition. Each cost between $3 and maximum $10 per piece. I got shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, and even swim suits.

Now that the season is about to change again, and for many kids school is about to start, parents throughout Houston are budgeting and planning for that big expense that keeps cropping up: new, bigger size kids clothes.

Resale shops are great options for kids clothes. You can find good brands for great prices, and since it is for kids, who can be a bit rough on clothes during the summer, I feel great about the low price. And keep in mind that sometimes you can break even between selling your kids' old clothes and buying new (to you).

They are rarely limit themselves to just clothes. Most resale cribs, toddler beds, toys, tricycles, and more. I tend to find things in good condition for easily half the cost of new. If you think about it, kids use baby and toddler items for such a brief time that they can easily hold up for several kids.

When shopping, don't be afraid to bargain. Ask the owner if you can make a deal if you are buying a number of items.

Houston offers many resale shops in every area. Here are nine to get you started:

Clothes For Kids Resale
14520 Memorial Dr
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 558-1793
clothesforkidsresale.com

Reputed to be the oldest resale shop in Houston, satisfied customers rave about the quality and selection, and often use the word love (repeatedly) in reviews. Consignors also offer good reviews.

Second Childhood
1922 Fountain View Dr
Houston, TX 77057-3206
(713) 789-6456‎

Reviews were a bit mixed for this shop, but most seemed to find that the owner was helpful and the selection -- from maternity to infant and on through kids resale and new -- very good.

Once Upon A Child

7508 FM 1960 West
Houston, TX 77070
(281) 955-2445‎

Sellers did not, in general, express satisfaction with the prices offered for consignment items, but most agreed it was easier than a garage sell. Buyers seemed satisfied with the prices, but reminded shoppers to check prices and compare to new to make sure you got the best deal.

Andree's Corner (no Web site)
 2508 Sunset Blvd
Houston, TX 77005-1434
(713) 522-7355‎

Reviews were very mixed for this store. The location, however, is the sort where I try to shop resale: near an affluent family-friendly area. If it's close to you, try dropping in and forming your own opinion.

Once Upon A Child
15951 FM 529 Rd # 140
Houston, TX 77095-2699
(281) 858-6830‎

Near Copperwood Shopping Center on Spencer, this shop got rave reviews. Customers were pleased with a wide selection of baby accessories -- from furniture to toys and clothes -- with very reasonable prices.

Children's Collections (no Web site)

5219 Bellaire Blvd,
Bellaire, TX 77401
(713) 664-5219‎

Located in Bellaire, this shop got across the board great reviews. Customers were pleased to find great deals on maternity clothes as well as kids' items. One green mom was excited by the reusing factor, and the good styles she found for herself and her kids there.

More Than You Can Imagine

2817 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77098-1206
(713) 668-8811‎

The great reviews of this shop mention fantastic deals, great clothing and accessories and reveal that this is a one stop shop for mom and kids to find anything they want.

Crayons Children Resale

15969 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77082-1234
(281) 556-9086‎

New owners have apparently made this the cleanest and best resale shop for newborns through teens in the Houston area, according to customers who love love love this place. It offers great items for amazing bargains, the reviews state. Customers drive to this shop from all over Houston.

Second Life Kids Store (no Web site)
2402 W Little York Rd
Houston, TX 77091-1616
(713) 636-9676‎

Only one reviewer, but she was quite pleased with the shop and motivated to rate it as a great place. her experience sounds like mine with my local resale place.

5 fun and funky spots to wow preschoolers in Houston

June 23, 2009

All moms know about the zoo, the Children's Museum, the location of every jumping place (and free jump time) (or maybe that's just me), and the rest of the great, but standard, fare to entertain and wow preschoolers.

But what about going off the beaten path every now and again? I'll tell you about 5 fun and funky spots that will wow your preschooler!

The Art Car Museum

Museum highlighting art cars of Houston, custom-decorated cars with zany themes prominently displayed in the annual Art Car Parade. Free admission.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
140 Heights Blvd.
For more information, call (713) 861-5526

Lawndale Art Center

Known for its offbeat art happenings, such as the Hair Ball and the 20th Century Modern Market, Lawndale Art Center displays contemporary works by more than 500 artists each year.
Located in a period Art Deco building at 4912 Main Street in the Museum District.
Admission is free during regular gallery hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call (713) 528-5858

Museum of Health & Medical Science

The Museum of Health & Medical Science’s Amazing Body Pavilion gives visitors an exciting tour through the human body. The exhibit contains huge sculptures of human organs, including a 10 foot brain and a 22 foot rib cage, with more than 80 interactive exhibits.
Every Thursday is Free Family Thursday from 4-7 p.m.
For more information, call (713) 521-1515

The Mad Potter - River Oaks

The Mad Potters are “paint-your-own-pottery” studios, where children and adults alike can try their hand at becoming the next modern day Picasso. Individuals and groups come in and choose a piece of pottery from over 400 shapes and sizes. They then design and paint their pieces with The Mad Potter’s instruction, brushes, tools and paint... all you need to bring is your creativity and desire to have a great time.
Hours: Mon-Thur 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-11 sun 12-6
1963-A W. Gray
Houston, TX 77019
713-807-8900
central@themadpotter.com
(Three other locations around Houston---check the Mad Potter Web Site)

Armand Bayou Pontoon Boat Cruise

Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat. Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy rolls, juice and coffee while underway. The "Bayou Ranger" will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch. Maximum: 12 people
Hours: Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am
Ages:  5 - adults (An adult must accompany children under 18.)
Fee:    Members: $20 adults, $15 children & seniors
Non-members: $25 adults, $20 children & seniors.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd.
Pasadena, Texas 77507
281-474-2551
Web site: http://www.abnc.org/things-to-do/pontoon-boat-cruises.html

 

Go green with eco-friendly children's books---cheap and easy!

March 25, 2009

If you're like me, you like to go "green" but often find that is in conflict with your budget and time constraints. If you're even more like me, your family lives for books.

I recently learned about a company, Better World Books, a green company that sells eco-friendly books, for great prices and free shipping. And on top of that? They donate a portion of sales (which you can see tracked on their Web site!) to literacy groups!

It all started with an email:

If you're researching ways parents can easily green up their lifestyle or gear up for baby's arrival in an eco-friendly way, I hope you'll consider telling your readers about green online book reseller Better World Books. Moms and Dads can stock their kid's room or nursery's bookshelf with "Where the Wild Things Are," Paddington, etc. while at the same time:

• Diverting books from landfills (buying used is the best kind of recycling - and so far BWB has spared over 6,000 TONS from 'fills.)
• Offsetting shipping environmental costs with carbon offsets from CarbonFund.org
• Avoiding an SUV ride to the local Barnes & Noble for a "virgin pulp" new hardback     

And as if that wasn't enough, here are some other bonuses

• BWB books are up to 80% cheaper than new ones
• Shipping is free!
• Better World shares its revenues with important literacy groups like Books for Africa

So by shopping on BetterWorldBooks.com, a mom will be doing something good for the environment, teaching her children to reuse resources when possible, and helping another child somewhere in the world learn to read to boot.  A ripple of effect of good-all because she decided to ‘green'-up a bit!

First, I wanted to check out their site and see how it worked for me. They sell all sorts of books! But I focused on the children's books, which are conveniently sorted by category and age group. My kids are big fans of the Mercy Watson books by Kate DiCamillo, so I used that as my test. The site's search is very easy to use, and quickly returned a lengthy list of Mercy Watson book options.

I recently bought a Mercy Watson book at Barnes & Noble, and, with my member discount and coupon, the new one there was about a dollar less than the new one on the Better World Books site. However, when I considered the time it took to get to the store and the gas against the convenience of shopping online and getting free shipping, I figured it at least balanced out. The balance tipped when I recalled that  Better World Books donates to literacy groups (Books For Africa, NCFL, Room to Read, and WorldFund).

Next, I decided I wanted to know more about Better World Books. Again, if you're like me, you want the whole story before making a decision. So I sent a list of inquisitive questions to Better World Books, and they were happy to thoroughly answer every single question. I learned some very interesting things, including that they have used book, buy back and reuse options---among other good things to know. So read on for more information about Better World Books!

Cloth Diapering in Houston

by Rachel Mosteller

July 25, 2008

When I first became interested in cloth diapering over two years ago, I felt totally out of my league. What was this? And that? And what did I put here? And, seriously? What about the poop? Several years in and I feel much more comfortable with cloth diapering. Sure, we're not an exclusive cloth family, but I do try. One of the best things to do when you're getting started on cloth diapering is  Read more...