We know Halloween is still 5 weeks away but as you can see, 42% of poll respondents are already set.  The good news is 58% are still in the market for their child’s costume.  Now is the perfect time to start listing costumes that your child has outgrown or refuses to wear again. 

The great thing about kids costumes is that they are not just for Halloween.  Kids love (and need) imaginary play and dress-up is perfect for that.  Having a supply of fun dress up items on hand is a good idea for when the moment strikes your little one.

Now is also time to buy and sell Halloween theme apparel, sleepwear and accessories like the items pictured below.

Don’t miss out on the season.  Winter holiday merchandise will be filling up stores sooner that you think.

Don’t forget to stop by our homepage and take part in our next poll.  Shop, Save and Enjoy!

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

The first day of school is always full of excitement.  A new teacher, a new class full of friends and of course new school clothes.  Our last poll asked if your child wore something new on their first day.  The majority of kids were donning new frocks this year.  Maybe not an entirely new outfit but at least a few new pieces. 

A small percentage of kids did not wear anything new on the first day.  In these tough economic times, not everyone chooses to buy brand new school clothing for their kids.  That’s were shopping LoobaLee makes sense.  We carry new and used clothing for kids at rock bottom prices. 

Our easy to shop online store has over 2,000 children’s clothing brands to choose from and over 3,000 listings of kids apparel, footwear and accessories.   With all the choices shopping for clothing that is new or new to your kids is fun, simple and affordable.

Stop by our homepage to shop and participate in our next poll.  Happy Shopping!

  Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

The good ol’ traditional, over the shoulders backpack was a favorite by a whopping 70% vote from our readers.

Tips for selecting the right backpack

These days there are so many options for backpacks.   The traditional backpack in the right size for your child is usually a sure bet, but alternative styles could be a better option for your child.   In choosing the right bag for your kids, it’s important to keep in mind any special needs, such as:

• Does the backpack need to accommodate after school sports equipment?  It will need to be sturdy and sizeable
• Do your kids prefer to have their lunch bag to clip onto the bag?   Does anything else need to be clipped on the bag?
• What kind of pockets and dividers do you need?   Too many options can frustrate kids who are in a hurry.
• Will they carry a heavy load of books everyday?  It’s best to carry heavy backpacks centered on the body like a traditional backpack then to one side, as with a messenger bag.
• Does the backpack need wheels?   (wheels can be cumbersome and add weight, so its good to consider whether they are needed).

Once you size up your child’s needs, consider the scale of the bag:

• Pick a back pack that is the proper proportion for your child’s body.  Not to big and not too small.
• Starting in at least Kindergarten, the backpack needs to be sized to handle standard-sized folders & notebooks, with extra room for art projects.
• The right sized backpack will not only will it function most effectively, it will also feel comfortable for them to carry back and forth daily.

Need help with all the details?  Lands End has a great site that will help you find just the right backpack for your child.  They have a nice range of patterns for boys and girls, big and little.  You can even shop for coordinating lunch bags and add personalization too.

TIP:  Did you make a backpack purchasing mistake?  Or, do you have an extra backpack laying around that is still in good condition?   You may want to try reselling it online.   Backpacks are can be found under “Accessories” when shopping and selling on LoobaLee.

What kind of backpack is your child using this year?   If you had a special reason for selecting it, please comment below to share your special needs and tips with other Moms.  Thanks!

We asked how many kids wear swim shirts or rash guards while swimming.  The results… half do and half don’t. 

Used to be wearing a t-shirt over your swim suit was a common sight.  But a regular cotton shirt is heavy, uncomfortable in the water and doesn’t offer the same UV protection as swim shirts designed for that purpose.  Swimwear has come a long way.  Rash guards are light weight, dry quickly and are easy to find for both boys and girls.  Not to mention the super cool surfer look is hot this summer!  Case in point, the Haiden Surf rash guards for boys (sold at LoobaLee) pictured above right. 

If your kids spend more than just an hour out in the sun, a rash guard or swim shirt is highly recommended.  It’s also comforting to know that your little ones skin will be protected in the water as well as while they’re knee deep in sandcastle building on the beach or playing poolside.    

Sunscreen and swim shirts are a small gestures we can share with our kids that will help keep them safe in a big way.  After all, isn’t your child’s health worth it? 

Don’t forget to stop by our homepage to participate in the next poll.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

While summer camp is great fun for kids and full of memorable experiences, it can also be scary to be away from home and out of their comfort zone for an extended period of time not to mention pricey.   Conversely, camp is a great way for kids to garner some indepedence, learn life long outdoor survival skills and form new friendships.

Try Polarn O. Pyret in your Summer Camp Suitcase

If you would like to enroll your child in a camping program but concerned about cost, check out your local community center, schools or YMCA for day camps.  These are great alternative to their overnight counterpart.  They are just as much fun but far friendlier on your wallet and your heartstrings and don’t require a suitcase or sleeping bag to attend.

Share your summer camp survival tips and don’t forget to take the new poll on our homepage.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

For those who are not familiar with Gymbucks, for every $50 purchase made at Gymboree, Gymboree.com or a Gymboree outlet, you will receive a $25 coupon.  The Gymbuck coupons are good for $25 off of a $50 purchase and are redeemed for merchandise at a later date.   

The earning period is typically three to four times longer than the earning period which makes it far easier to earn than redeem.  The current earning period is now through July 11 and the redemption period is July 15-25.

Half of our survey respondents have not shopped Gymboree during the earning period and just under 43% have between $25 to $100 worth to spend in July.

Gymbucks are a great way to save money on your child’s wardrobe but be mindful that the total discount is less than 50% advertised when you consider the purchase you made to earn the Gymbucks in the first place.

It’s also easy to get caught in the over spending trap.  Don’t buy during redemption just to use up all of your Gymbucks especially if your child’s drawers are already overflowing.  It’s smart to make a plan for what you need to buy now and what you will use the coupons for later.  If you can’t bear to let those precious savings expire, think of purchasing basics like undergarments, socks and pj’s for your kids to grow into.  It’s also good to buy items that are on sale versus regular priced merchandise to get the most bang for your Gymbuck.

However you choose to earn and spend, do so responsibly.   Let us know your Gymbuck buying and spending strategy.  We’d love to hear from you!

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

It’s easy to see why the fruity collection is well liked.  The brightly colored fun prints and plaids paired with crisp white shorts or a cute denim skort scream summer.  Top it off with the adorable curly pony  holders, a sweet bead bracelet and flip flops and she’s ready to dive into summer. 

Shark Cove for boys had a few votes but not as well received as the girls line.  We’re loving the sea blue colors and shark theme.  Shield the summer sun with the cool khaki octopus hat and a shark sun visor. 

No one voted for the 4th of July line.  This year’s line is small and rather unimpressive.  In Gymboree’s defense, creating a line of red, white and blue that is new and excited is a challenge.  Maybe it’s just too early in the season to think about Independence day.  Either way, the Patriotic theme is always a great summer look for the entire family.

Below are the official results.  Remember if you can’t find just the right piece on Gymboree’s website, take a look our selection of Gymboree on LoobaLee.

Don’t forget to stop by our homepage to participate in our next poll.

  Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

How often do you shop for your kids clothing?  From our last poll, the majority shop at least once a month with 25% shopping as the seasons change. 

Shopping often allows you to keep up with special sales and promotions stores offer as well as snagging one of a kind finds on LoobaLee.  While it’s easy to get caught up in shopping for kids, be careful not to overbuy.  A closet that is too full leaves clothing that doesn’t get worn and that is not smart shopping. 

We recommend taking an inventory of what is in your child’s wardrobe every few months and looking ahead as the weather changes.  A little forethought will not only make seasonal transitions easier but it will give you a little more time to take advantage of sales and discounts on needed clothing. 

Buy right!  Care right!  Sell right!  Follow these three steps and you’ll be right on track.

Click here to take the next poll on our homepage. 

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

It’s wonderful knowing that many communities are finding clever ways to recycle paper, plastics and cardboard.  One community is even caputuring methane gas from the landfill to produce cost saving energy.  We can join forces in recyling efforts while teaching our kids the rewards of being kind to the environment. 

We were so pleased that our LoobaLee poll found that most of you extend the life of your kids apparel by sharing them with other children, reselling them and giving them charity.  All of which are great ways to recycle.

Resale is the ultimate gift for parents who are in a constant state of replacing outgrown clothes each season (or sooner).  Not only are you getting cash in your pocket, you have peace of mind knowing that your kids favorite outfits will continue to be loved while avoiding the fate of hogging up needed space on our precious earth. 

Join LoobaLee, a free online children’s clothing resale site that will help you Resell to Recyle!  Preserve the environment, boost the economy and clear some closet space by selling your kids wardrobe today.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

Our last poll indicates that many of you have taken your kids out in public at some point in their pj’s.  Some days it’s just easier to get up and go without fighting over what to wear.  Other days it’s necessary for survival.  While it’s much easier to take infants and toddlers out in their sleepers than school aged kids, sometimes it’s unavoidable.

For those of you that find yourself in this situation, we found some stylish pajamas for big and little kids that will not only look great, but feel great too.  We’ve also got a nice selection of sleepwear on LoobaLee.  Stop on over to find fantastic sleepwear deals for kids.

  Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!