Between growth spurts, back-to-school lists, and the sheer speed at which kids outgrow everything, secondhand shopping has become one of our favorite money-saving mom hacks. We pulled together every children's consignment, resale, and specialty shop we could find across Mecklenburg and Union County so you have one go-to list for clothes, toys, baby gear, and back-to-school essentials — without paying full retail. Some of these are shops we've personally fallen in love with, others come highly recommended by moms in our own community groups. Bookmark this page before your next shopping trip!
Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
Kid to Kid (Pineville-Matthews Rd)
3407 Pineville-Matthews Rd #600, Charlotte, NC 28226
This is a South Charlotte staple for a reason — the racks are genuinely well organized by size and season, so you're not digging through bins to find what you need. Moms consistently say the name-brand selection here is strong, and you can sell your own outgrown clothes and gear the same day you shop. It's a great one-stop spot before a school year starts, since they carry everything from tiny baby clothes up through tween sizes. A few shoppers have noted the buy-back offers can feel low some days, so don't expect to get rich selling — think of it as decluttering with a bonus. Overall, it's reliable, convenient, and one of the busiest (for good reason) consignment stops in South Charlotte.
Kid to Kid (South Blvd)
5418 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
If you're closer to South End or Dilworth, this location is your neighborhood equivalent, and moms rave about how friendly and helpful the staff are here. Shoppers describe it as "an Uptown Cheapskate but better" for kids — clean, well-stocked, and easy to browse with little ones in tow. You can bring in a bag of outgrown clothes and toys and choose store credit or cash back on the spot, which makes decluttering feel productive instead of like a chore. It's a great option if you're prepping for a new baby or gearing up for back-to-school and want name-brand basics without the markup. Just know that weekends can get busy, so a weekday morning trip tends to be calmer.
Once Upon A Child (Pineville-Matthews Rd)
8700 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
As part of a national franchise, this location carries a huge volume of clothing, shoes, toys, and baby gear, so there's almost always something for every age and stage. It's a solid option if you're stocking up on basics in bulk before a growth spurt or a new season. In the interest of being upfront with you — like any high-traffic resale shop, reviews here are mixed, with some shoppers loving the deals and others wishing service felt more consistent day to day. We'd suggest going in with reasonable expectations on trade-in offers and treating it as a "see what you find" kind of trip rather than a guaranteed haul. Still, it's a convenient stop if you're already running errands in the area.
Once Upon A Child (Matthews)
9623 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105
This Matthews location is the sister store to the Pineville-Matthews Rd shop and offers the same wide range of clothing, gear, and toys at a fraction of retail. It's especially handy for Matthews and Mint Hill families who want an easy in-and-out shopping trip without driving into South Charlotte. Like the other location, experiences here run the gamut — some shoppers find great bargains, others have had frustrating trade-in visits, so we'd say go with an open mind and enjoy whatever treasures you find. It's worth a look if you need a large batch of basics fast, especially around back-to-school season. Pro tip: call ahead if you're planning to sell, since drop-off policies can vary by day.
Uptown Cheapskate Pineville
8700 Pineville-Matthews Rd #900, Charlotte, NC 28226
If your back-to-school shopping list includes tweens and teens, this is the resale shop to know. Uptown Cheapskate leans trendier and more current than a lot of consignment shops, so if your middle or high schooler is picky about what's "in," this is a great compromise between their taste and your budget. Shoppers consistently praise the friendly staff and the rewards program, which makes repeat visits even more worth it. It's also a great place for teens to sell their own outgrown or unworn clothes for a little spending money. Go in with a flexible mindset since inventory turns over fast — today's rack looks nothing like next week's.
Karrousel Kids
120 E Charles St, Matthews, NC 28105
Tucked into historic downtown Matthews, this family-owned shop has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and it shows in how well they know their customers. They carry clothing, shoes, toys, books, and gifts for newborns all the way up through teens (and even some adult sizing), which makes it an easy one-stop for siblings of different ages. Moms love the parent-supervised play area, which means you can actually browse in peace while your little one plays nearby. Prices are fair, and they run color-tag sales and monthly discounts that make deals even sweeter. It's a genuinely charming stop that feels more like a neighborhood boutique than a typical resale shop.
Trendy Tots
7932 Penny Pl Ln, Mint Hill, NC 28227
This Mint Hill shop is a hidden gem — several longtime customers say they drove past it for years before realizing how much it actually offers. Inside you'll find clothing, toys, strollers, car seats, and even some maternity and adult items, all at prices well below retail. One mom shared she paid a fraction of the retail cost for a barely-used double stroller, tires and all, which is the kind of deal that makes secondhand shopping so satisfying. The staff is known for being genuinely helpful, offering tips on collapsing strollers or navigating gear you've never used before. It's worth adding to your rotation, especially if you're outfitting a nursery or gearing up for a new season.
ZABS Place
100 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105
This one is extra special: ZABS Place is a nonprofit thrift boutique that trains and employs young adults with special needs, giving them real job skills and a path toward meaningful careers. While it's not exclusively a kids' store, it's a wonderful stop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home goods across all ages, plus a furniture store right around the corner. Shoppers consistently mention how clean, organized, and boutique-like it feels — a step above a typical thrift store experience. Every purchase directly supports their mission, so it's a feel-good stop to add to your resale rotation. If you're teaching your kids about giving back while you shop secondhand, this is a beautiful place to start that conversation.
Stork Exchange
2323 Executive St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28208 (order pickup)
This one's a little different, and honestly a total game-changer for baby gear shopping. Stork Exchange sells open-box and gently-used strollers, car seats, and nursery furniture online, then you simply pick up your order locally — no digging through a warehouse required. Every single item is inspected before it's listed, so you get the peace of mind of buying "new-to-you" gear without the sketchiness of a random Facebook Marketplace meetup. Parents love finding big-ticket items like Uppababy strollers and Snoo bassinets at up to 50% off retail. If you're expecting or outfitting a nursery on a budget, this deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Toy Mania (new toys, not resale — but a must-know specialty stop)
242 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
This is the one non-resale shop we couldn't leave off the list, because it's simply too good for back-to-school treats, teacher gifts, or classroom prizes. This family-owned Cotswold toy shop is stacked with everything from Hot Wheels to Jellycats to the toys your kids will beg for at every birthday party this year. Parents consistently mention the incredible customer service and free gift wrapping, which makes it a lifesaver for last-minute gifts. It's not a place to find deep discounts, but it is the place to find that one special item worth paying full price for. Pair a consignment haul with one small treat from here and you've got the best of both worlds.
Union County
Butterflies and Bullfrogs
311 Post Office Dr, Indian Trail, NC 28079
This Indian Trail favorite is beloved for its organization — everything is sorted by size and gender, which makes shopping with kids in tow so much easier. Parents say their kids genuinely prefer browsing the toy selection here over a big-box store, which tells you everything about how well-curated this shop is. They occasionally run steep clearance deals, like five items for a dollar, which feels like a true community give-back. Beyond clothes and toys, you'll also find bath supplies and maternity gear, making it a nice one-stop for growing families. It's a little further out from South Charlotte, but Union County families consistently say the drive is worth it.
Dandelion Children's Consignment
3306 W Hwy 74, Monroe, NC 28110
Under newer ownership, this Monroe shop has been steadily expanding its inventory and leveling up its organization, and regulars have noticed. They've introduced an appointment-based consigning process, which helps ensure your items actually make it onto the floor instead of getting lost in the shuffle. Shoppers love that new arrivals get posted to their Facebook page, so you can snag and hold an item before even leaving home. The quality control here is genuinely impressive — you won't find stained or damaged pieces mixed in with the good stuff. If you're looking for a well-curated, boutique-quality consignment experience in Union County, this is it.
Sweet Repeats Resale and Boutique
615 W South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
This charming little shop in downtown Waxhaw offers gently used clothing for babies, kids, and women, plus unique housewares that make it fun to browse even beyond the kids' racks. What sets this store apart is its heart — a portion of what they do supports a local food pantry, so your shopping trip does double duty for the community. Staff are known for going above and beyond, including staying open a few extra minutes to help a mom find exactly what she needed. It's a lovely stop to pair with a walk through downtown Waxhaw's shops and restaurants. If you love supporting small, mission-driven businesses, this one deserves a spot on your list.
Lucky Ducks Kids Consignment
114 E Franklin St, Monroe, NC 28112
This sweet little shop in downtown Monroe has quickly built a loyal following, and it's easy to see why once you walk in. Shoppers consistently describe it as clean, organized, and full of genuinely great finds for both buying and selling kids' clothing. The staff get high marks for being friendly and helpful, which makes browsing with little ones in tow much less stressful. It's become a go-to for local moms looking for quality gently-used baby and kids' items without a lot of digging. If you're in the Monroe area, it's absolutely worth a stop — call ahead for current hours since this smaller shop keeps a tighter schedule.
Kid's Korner
W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28112
Kid's Korner is a Monroe institution, and longtime consignors say that speaks for itself — owner Kim has built a loyal following over many years in business. Downstairs you'll find kids' clothing and toys, while upstairs is stocked with shoes, purses, and clothing for tweens, teens, and women, making this a genuine multi-generational shopping trip. There's a play area for kids, which means you can actually take your time browsing both floors. Prices are considered very fair, and the consignment process is known for being especially easy for sellers. It's a great two-in-one stop if you're shopping for both your kids and yourself.
Cloth & Clay Consignment
6751 Old Monroe Rd #105, Indian Trail, NC 28079
This Indian Trail boutique takes a unique approach to consignment, letting sellers rent their own rack or shelf and style their own display, which means the inventory here feels curated rather than crammed onto generic racks. While it's not exclusively kids' focused, you'll regularly find kids' clothing and accessories mixed in among the women's, men's, and home décor pieces. It's conveniently attached to a coffee shop, so you can grab a treat while you browse — always a win with kids in the car. The mindful, sustainable-shopping vibe here makes it feel less like a thrift trip and more like a fun local outing. Worth a stop if you want variety beyond just kids' items in one visit.
Plato's Closet Monroe
3203 W Hwy 74 Ste C, Monroe, NC 28110
If you've got a tween or teen heading back to school and chasing current trends, Plato's Closet is worth knowing about — it's a national resale chain focused specifically on trendy, current styles rather than classic kidswear. In fairness to you, reviews here run mixed, with some shoppers loving the deals and others feeling the buy-back offers or wait times could be better, so it's smart to go in with flexible expectations. That said, plenty of local shoppers say the staff are polite and the store is worth the visit if you have time to browse. It's best treated as a "see what treasures turn up today" kind of trip rather than a guaranteed one-stop solution. Pair it with one of the other Monroe consignment shops on this list for a full afternoon of Union County resale shopping.
Bonus: Seasonal Consignment Sale Events
Beyond permanent storefronts, Charlotte and Union County host several massive pop-up consignment sales throughout the year — often twice annually (spring and fall) — where you can find huge volumes of clothing, toys, and gear at steep discounts in just a few days. The Weddington Kids Consignment Sale, held at Weddington United Methodist Church (13901 Providence Rd, Weddington), is one Union County families watch for every season, especially for its boutique section of smocked outfits. Follow local Facebook groups and church community pages in late winter and late summer to catch dates before they sell out of presale passes.
Know a great consignment or resale shop we missed? Reply and let us know so we can add it to this guide!
