We’re just starting to put together our shopping list for Baby Z, and because J and I both work full time and already have a dependent who constantly needs our attention in the evenings (our dog, Henry), we don’t have much spare time for shopping. And like I mentioned in a previous post, babies need a lot of sh*t.
That’s where online sample sales come in! I’ve subscribed to the below online sample sale websites for kids and tots, and I’ve taken to checking them daily at work (shhhh). I can’t vouch for any of them yet because I haven’t been on them long enough, but in general, I’m finding that the kids stuff on Gilt has been the most appealing, abundant and useful to us.
In any case, feel free to use the sample sale invite codes here so you can sign up for any of the sales! Happy shopping 🙂
Gilt Groupe – Up to 70% off retail. Almost half a dozen sales per week, including furniture and toys. Gilt offers variable flat-rate, domestic shipping on most items via UPS (USPS for PO Boxes and APO/FPO addresses) based on what option you select during checkout. Oversized or special delivery items may be subject to a Delivery Charge in addition to the above standard shipping rate. Gilt offers two return options: (1) Gilt store credit with free return charge or (2) A refund in the original form of payment minus a return charge that covers the return shipping and the restocking costs for the entire shipment. For return shipments valued under $100, the return charge fee is $9.95. For return shipments valued $100 or more, the return charge fee is $14.95.
Hautelook: Up to 70% off retail. Sales for kids are sporadic but include toys and footwear. Shipping is $7.95. U.S. Returns are eligible for HauteLook credit or a refund to your original method of payment. If you choose to receive HauteLook credit, the return shipping is free. If you prefer a refund, you have to use their return shipping label for $5.95.
Ideeli: Up to 70% off retail. What they have is along the lines of what you would see at Saks, Bloomingdales or Nordstrom. Shipping is generally $9.95 for all items regardless of quantity or value. Ideeli offer 2 return options: You may choose to receive either a store credit for the purchase price of the item and free return shipping, or a refund in your original form of payment minus a $7.95 return shipping charge.
Little Rue: A relatively new division of Rue La La (under the kids section on the site). Pay $9.95 once for shipping, and ship free for the next 30 days. Offers two return options. You may choose to receive either a merchandise credit and free return shipping, or a refund to your original form of payment minus return shipping costs
The Mini Social: Up to 60% off designer clothing and accessories. Sales are updated every weekday. Shipping fee is $6.95, more for oversized items and to Alaska and Hawaii. Returns within 21 days for store credit only.
Totsy: Totsy gives moms of children aged 0-7 access to sample sales for children’s wear. Totsy also has a commitment to selling eco-friendly merchandise. Shipping is $7.95. All sales are final.
Zulily: This site offers deals for moms, babies, and kids at up to 90% off. Multiple sales weekly include furniture and equipment. Shipping is variable according to weight. Returns within 14 days for a refund.
sitting on the egg 
The cheapest way to save your $$$ is buy gently used baby stuff on Craigslist