Kid’s clothes are very expensive in Sweden. Regardless of whether it’s high street or boutique there is a significant difference in price between here and many other countries around the world.
In the last four years I’ve discovered how important it is to get the right kids clothing in Sweden, particularly winter clothing. But, with the rate at which kids grow and the damage they can do outdoors whilst at förskola, you could end up with a serious hole in your bank balance. But, never fear, this guide to some of the ways to save money on kid’s clothing in Sweden should let you rest a little easier.
Thrifting and second-hand stuff is the way forward. You can pick up some brilliant second hand winter clothing. But, you need to ensure that winter clothing is in tip top condition, no holes, no tears, no thread-bare. As the Swedish saying goes, ‘där finns ingen dålig väder, bara dålig kläder’ which translates to ‘there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Facebook exchange, second hand and “handmedowns”
There is a huge culture of exchange and ‘handmedowns’ in Sweden, simply because the cost of good quality clothing is so expensive. Facebook is such a brilliant resource for seeking out and connecting with groups of like-minded people. As you probably know Littlebearabroad has several private Facebook groups that you can join to meet other international parents. There are also some brilliant exchange/secondhand Facebook groups where you can sell, and pretty much buy, anything. The majority of things sold are kid’s clothes that they have outgrown or no longer need. The groups are moderated carefully and there are some guidelines you have to adhere to. I’ve sold and purchased a number of things using these groups and I’ve never had any problems. Stick to the guidelines outlined by the Admins and you’ll really enjoy using these groups. Also another example of why SWISH is such a brilliant payment method. Most people accept payment by Swish but some will want you to collect before payment. I’ve also bought second hand clothes from my friends on Instagram and Twitter!
Blocket and Tradera – buy and sell ad website
So, you probably know what Gumtree.com is, or what Craigslist.org is. Well, Blocket.se is the equivalent in Sweden. It’s a platform for buying and selling ads which cover dozens of different categories, and all over Sweden. You can get everything from clothes, strollers, furniture, white goods, bathroom goods, baby beds, toys, books, EVERYTHING – even homes. Definitely worth taking a look on Blocket in your local area if you are seeking something before purchasing new. It isn’t just old Ikea furniture, either. I’ve bought a Stokke Tripp trapp and Swedese livingroom furniture from Blocket.se.
Tradera is similar to Blocket.se but instead of paying a flat fee, you use a bidding function similar to Ebay. I have to be honest, I’ve never successfully bought anything from Tradera. Many people think it is easier to find higher price tag items on Tradera than Blocket.se.
Buy Bye Baby
Second hand is not only money saving but environmentally friendly and kid-friendly. With the levels of consumerism rising and the requirement for clothes to be long-lasting, colourful and hard wearing it’s tricky to keep on top of the environment and chemical free! For these reasons entrepreneurs Caroline and Johan started Buy Bye. A small and friendly shop in Kungsholmen, just of Fridhemsplan in Stockholm, that sells handpicked, hardly worn, kids clothing. From small babies to 6 years old, they have everything you would need. Not only can you buy clothes there you can sell clothes, too. For a small commission you can receive between 20-40% return on your sold items. Nevertheless, they cannot guarantee a sale. The clothes on sale in the shop are modern and a mixture of high street and high end labels. All of the clothes in store are practical and functional (no fancy dress) and the toys are well used for but in good working order. For now, their website is only in Swedish but you can use Google translate to get the jist. Visit them in store at Sankt Eriksgatan 31, 112 39 Stockholm or online at Buy Bye.se.
Second hand stores and thrift
The trend for thrifting, re-using and upcycling is popular amongst Swedes and you’ll find cities all over Sweden with many second hand and charity stores of all different calibers. From Red Cross and Oxfam to second hand stores specialising in designer Swedish brands like Filippa K and Acne.
Like many thrift stores or charity shops Stadsmission (City Mission) is a volunteer led organisation and not for profit. It assists families in crisis, older people living along and men and women who are homeless. You can also buy clothes, books, porcelain, art and antiques. The quality and wear of the clothes at Stadsmission might not be to everyone’s taste but when you are clothing small people who seem to grow at a superhuman rate, you deal. We purchased a tonne of littlebear’s förskola clothes from Stadsmission, stuff that we didn’t mind getting ruined, washed out, or thrown away. A great stop-gap for filling in the basics, too.
Barnloppis
At different points in the year (usually spring and autumn), you’ll begin to see adverts for ‘barnloppis’ popping up in your local kommun, on Facebook or in local area newspapers (the free ones you get through the post). These are brilliant flea markets, especially for kids stuff, that anyone can visit. Usually organised by private individuals in local areas (områds), church congregations (församlings), or even schools and civic centres. They are a fantastic way to get rid of old stuff and look out for things like outer-wear and winter-wear for förskola. It’s difficult to point you in the direction of where to find information about your local area loppis. But, do look out in your local free newspaper, notice boards or in
Goodluck with your bargain hunting!