Children's consignment sale season is here! Check our updated list!

It's time to sort through your gently used children's clothes and get those zip ties out. It's children's consignment sale season time! 

I've been a huge children's consignment sale shopper since I was pregnant with my now eight-year-old daughter. These usually twice yearly sales feature gently used and new children's clothing, toys, furniture, maternity clothes and all kinds of other gear. Local moms typically run the sales, which often are held in church fellowship halls or empty storefronts.

This season will feature fall and winter items. Among the many, many items, you'll find winter clothes and Halloween costumes for sale.

I've updated our consignment sale database with the latest information on nearly 40 sales. Most are across the Triangle, but they include others as far as Wilmington and Fayetteville (by reader request). Not all of the sales have scheduled their events or found locations, so I'll update the database as time goes on.

When my older daughter was little, I shopped at lots of sales. When my younger daughter was born, I picked a couple to shop at and began selling items at them.

I'll admit that my eight-year-old daughter is quickly growing out of the sales now that she has her own style and there are fewer items on the racks in her size. Because I have two girls, I have little need for more girls clothes for my younger daughter. And I generally don't buy toys ... new or used. My kids have more than they need.

But here's why I still shop: 

1. It's the one place where I can say "yes" to all of my older daughter's requests. For her, it's like another Christmas. Yes, she can get that T-shirt for $1. Yes, she can get that bundle of books for $2. Sure, I don't mind if you pick up that jacket for $3. I usually don't spend more than $25 on her, but she leaves with a giant bag of clothes and books and a big smile on her face. It's my family's version of a shopping spree.

2. We don't need more girl clothes, but my younger daughter's style is developing and it's nice to have a few pictures of her in outfits that are different from the ones her sister wore. So while I just buy a few items for my younger one, I let her help me sort through the offerings and pick out a few pieces.

3. Boots and other winter essentials. It's against every fiber in my body to buy winter boots at full price when I know that there's a pretty good chance we won't even need them. When I shop, I go straight for the boots first.

4. Halloween costumes: If you haven't figured this out already, I'm cheap. If their dream costume isn't on the rack at the sale, we'll have to make it with whatever we have at home.

5. They're fun. I'm not a shopper. I don't enjoy sorting through racks and racks of clothes. I go to smaller sales with just a rack or two in each size. But each time I go, it's like a little reunion. I see old friends. We talk and catch up. My kids leave thinking they've really got a great haul. And the whole experience costs me absolutely nothing since I usually buy about as much as I sell.

Happy shopping! I'd love to hear your shopping and selling strategies!