Consignment Sale Love this Weekend Near Dulles

Since becoming a mom I've discovered the thrill and economic joy of children's consignment sales and stores. Living in Vienna, we have a number of options close by for children's consignment threads and toys. While stores offer a regular supply of items, bigger once or twice yearly sales offer the benefit of a large selection of items - really anything baby and kid related.

This weekend is my favorite biannual sale, hosted by Just Between Friends. Located at the Dulles Sportsplex near Dulles Airport, it's a haven of clean, lightly-used or new items. Here's a sample of what I got at the 2011 Fall sale:

• Prince Lionheart wheely ladybug scooter: $70 new, I paid $30
• Suede, flower embossed shearling jacket by Janie & Jack: I'm thinking it was $100 new, I paid $16
• Fischer Price Popcorn Popper push toy: $15 new, I paid $1 (!)
• (I also got Bug's awesome Flamingo Halloween costume there for just $15).

Friends, I'm serious when I say this sale is worth going to. It's well-run and has great prices. It's been voted the best consignment sales event in DC and NoVA. You can even consign if you get your act together now and register.

Here are the details on how to shop Just Between Friends this weekend:

• Consignors and Sale Volunteers: Friday, April 20, 12:00 - 9:00pm. Scheduled arrival time depends on length of registered volunteered time.
• Military Presale: Friday, April 20, 6:30 - 9:00pm (kids allowed). Register to enter at this time.
• First Time/Pregnant Parent or Grandparent: Saturday, April 21, 8:00 - 11:00am. Register to get in at this time.
• Public Sale: Saturday, April 21, 12:00 - 6:30pm. It's $5 to enter, but GET IN FREE with this pass here! Just print and bring with you.

And don't forget these tips for maximizing your experience:

• Bring a large bag. There are usually Ikea-sized bags, but in case they run out, I find it's good to bring my gigantic LL Bean tote bag. Some people bring laundry baskets.
• Bring a credit card or cash. Just Between Friends won't take checks.
• Get in early to get the best stuff. You can get in early because you’re a pregnant or new parent, member of the military, grandparent, consignor or volunteer at the sale, or a guest of any of the preceding.
• Only pick up what you intend to buy. Otherwise you spend time sorting and putting things back. It’s also sale etiquette to pick up only what you will buy.
• Expect to wait in line. It sometimes can take nearly an hour to pay, depending on when you shop. Here’s where having a guest with you may come in handy – one can wait in line while the other finishes shopping.

Please share your consignment bargain stories with me below! I love a good story!

Read more So Very Vienna here.