Community and free clothes/toys for kids

[FIRE Realtor]

I'm 6 mos. pregnant and realized that with no effort we already have most of what we need for the baby including a wardrobe up to 2 years, mostly due to the generosity of our neighbors.  When people found out we were expecting, the hand me downs came pouring in.  We also have a neighborhood specific buy/sell/trade FB page where people frequently give away free stuff. 

I used to just drop off our old stuff at Goodwill because it's so easy, but now I make a point to sort it out and post it for free somewhere - it feels so much better to help someone out with no money being exchanged, and a good way to get to know your neighbors. 

[DMoney]

We've also been really lucky on this front.  Lots of free baby gear.  People hear you are having twins and just throw things at you! 

Just this weekend we've been offered a kid bed, sandbox, and a Brio train table. 

As we're finishing up the baby period, lots of friends are starting so we're just paying it forward.

I've also used Freecycle a bunch.  Both to receive and give!

[chouchouu]

That's awesome! I gave birth in Belgium and was in a bit of a spot because even the second hand stores were pricey and I didn't know enough French to be aware of their version of Craigslist. My mil did buy us a lot of stuff but one day the German wife of my husbands best friend came over with a box of baby clothes and bedding. In the box were an array of clothes for infants, many from over thirty years ago. It was a communal box that was shared in her family with contributions made from everyone. Once you finished you gave back the box. I thought it was an excellent idea, especially since things can be quite expensive in Europe for clothing. I think something like this should replace the baby shower, which ends up being so wasteful and much of the stuff unnecessary. They also share strollers within families too, unfortunately I had twins so couldn't take up the offer but someone offered a vintage stroller still in perfect order!