Here is your ultimate guide to independently owned kids’ thrift stores in Ottawa!
Most people are familiar with large, donation-based thrift stores: in Ottawa, these include Value Village, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul. With high volumes of donated items, you know the drill: visit often, comb the racks, and you might get lucky. Prices are typically low (although have risen in recent years) and especially for kids’ clothes, you can often stuff a bag for a flat fee.
So what are the benefits of shopping at independent kids’ thrift stores? First, the quality and selection is better. These shops specialize in kids’ clothing, and take pride in curating items according to their taste and what is on trend. Second, you get great customer service when owners are personally invested in your shopping experience. Third, you are choosing where your dollars go - supporting our local economy, women- and family-owned businesses, and/or local charities that you care about.
Whether you are looking to shop second hand for your kids or to donate or consign some of their outgrown stuff, here is your guide! Learn about retail locations, business models, and any charities that are supported. Also noted are online thrifting and shipping options for each store. Thrifting online has increased in popularity since the pandemic and it’s great for families who have limited time, desire, or access to visit thrift shops in person regularly.
I’ve included the names of the owners where possible because behind every one of these stores is a dedicated person or partnership making it work.
Fabrick Collective
Where? Online only at fabrickcollective.ca. Free order pick-up is available in Old Ottawa East or at their warehouse at 70B Beech Street. Purchases can also be delivered or shipped within a few days (free on orders $49+ in the Ottawa area and $70+ for the rest of Canada and the U.S.). Follow @fabrickcollective.ca on Instagram or Facebook for previews of items coming up for sale.
Business model Donation only of gently used clothing sizes newborn to 16, footwear, outerwear, toys, books and baby gear. As a social enterprise, 30% of profits are donated to The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, a registered charity that supports women rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Read more about their impact here.
Porch pick-up of donations is offered every Sunday morning, or drop-off in Old Ottawa East or Little Italy is also available. Email hello@fabrickcollective.ca to book your donation.
All about it The shop is owned by me - Sarah! The shop aims to make thrifting for kids simple and accessible. The website is easy to navigate, with lots of filters to quickly check on a regular basis if the size/type/brand you need is in stock. New arrivals are uploaded to the site every Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. Sign up for the newsletter to receive 15% off your first purchase, get exclusive early access to sales, and hear more about our impact!
The Thrifted Mini
Where? 1239 Wellington Street West in Hintonburg and 1465 Merivale Rd plus Instagram story sales every Monday and Thursday at 8 p.m. @thethrifedmini. Online orders can be picked up in Nepean, Almonte, Blackburn Hamlet and Davidson, Quebec or shipped internationally.
Business model Kids' consignment is arranged in store or with photos via Instagram. They offer 40% payout or 50% store credit at the end of every month.
All about it The Thrifted Mini is owned by Ali and Amy. The shops are well-organized by size only (their tag line is “curated and ungendered”) and there is a cute little play area in the corner for toddlers to play in while you browse. I found several good quality and unique items for my kids on my visit. They often have retired Kyte prints for sale, so if you are a collector, or love bamboo on a budget, this is your place!
Lullabuys Consigment
Where? Online only at lullabuys.ca with order pick-up available in Carp and Westboro.
Business model Consignment of kids’ clothes sizes newborn to 6 years, shoes, toys and baby gear, with a consignment split ranging from 25-50% depending on the value of the item.
All about it Lullabuys is owned by Cori. I purchased my favourite sweatshirt of all time for my son here (with a Roald Dahl print) which he promptly covered in blueberries (yay for second hand!). Lullabuys also carries sustainable new products, such as seedling greeting cards. Cori raises money annually for CHEO through her online fundraisers with like-minded businesses.
Boomerang Kids
Where? This Canadian chain of consignment stores has franchise locations at 3777 Strandherd Drive, Barrhaven, 700 Eagleson Road, Kanata and 1315 Wellington Street West (entrance via Smirle Ave) in Westboro.
The Westboro location posts some items to their website for online shopping and offers free in-store pick-up or shipping via Canada Post (e.g. within central Ottawa costing $10.68). The Barrhaven and Kanata locations have Facebook pages that post updates and some new arrivals.
Business model Consignment of kids’ clothes up to size 16, toys, baby gear, books, and maternity clothing. Consignors receive 40% of the sale price of their item once it has sold within the 2-month window and payouts must be collected within 6 months or they are forfeited. Any items not accepted for consignment or not sold within 2 months are donated.
Once Upon a Child
Where? 2016 10th Line Road, Unit C2, Orleans and 471 Hazeldean Road, Unit 8, Kanata. They offer in-store shopping only, although if you follow each location on Instagram or Facebook, you will see ‘cool item alerts’ and can reserve them by phone.
Business model As a resale store, they pay cash up front (or give store credit) for approved items in store, including clothing in sizes preemie to youth 16, books, toys, and baby gear.
All about it This is a large U.S. corporation with franchises locally owned and operated. (The Winmark Corporation also owns other familiar resale stores Play It Again Sports and Plato’s Closet, which is great for pre/teens). I have only visited the Orleans location - it was well organized and had lots of selection (the downside is that it's a bit packed and too tight for a stroller. Although I didn’t find any special items that day, there was a lot of choice in every size and both my girls found tops they liked. Note there are no change rooms. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Thrive Select Thrift
Where? 3-1547 Merivale Road
Business model Donations only. Thrive Select Thrift is a social enterprise operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, and profits fund their local youth mentorship program. Find out more about their impact here.
You can drop off donations at any of their purple bins throughout the city (see this map for locations) or to their store during opening hours at the back entrance.
All about it While most of their stock is adult size clothing and accessories, they do have a small children’s section. They offer in-store shopping only, and frequently host fun shopping events at the store.
The Mini Branch
Where? 5 Hawthorne Avenue in Old Ottawa East and online at theminibranch.com.
Business model This shop sells new high quality, eco-conscious children’s brands BUT they have a buy-back guarantee to promote a circular economy of their products.
All about it Owned by Danielle and Scott, you can find beautiful and functional clothing, outerwear, toys and baby gear from brands that focus on longevity and sustainability. Once your kids have outgrown the items, sell them back to the store to recoup some of your investment. They also have a preloved section in-store and on their website.
I'd love your help!
Do you have an update or additions to any of the information in this guide, or know of another independent children’s thrift store in the Ottawa area that I could include? Send me a message!
I want to help make buying second hand for kids as easy as possible, and it’s rare to find everything you need at one store, so let’s spread the love and support local, independent kids thrift stores!