Treasure Hunt

Unearthing great finds at garage sales has never been my forte. I’m more of a retail kind of gal, and that’s just the way it is. I don’t know, garage saling should be in my blood. It’s a family tradition, but somehow those genes just didn’t pass to me.

I realize my aversion to garage sales is all about attitude. So now I’ve coined my own personal term for the activity: treasure hunts. This new outlook can be completely attributed to mommyhood. I’m all over the baby stuff at garage sales. This is different, somehow. Especially when it comes to clothes; in the small sizes, the outfits are worn sparingly. And before they know how to crawl, walk or really get dirty, they’re often in good condition.

This week features one of the best “garage sales” in all of Champaign-Urbana. And it’s all about kids and babies. The fall/winter One Week Boutique, a sale of second-hand merchandise, starts Thursday on the Champaign County fairgrounds in Urbana. It’s all about matching those wanting to sell gently used clothing, toys, books, baby gear, etc. and those looking to get good deals. Some families do both! It also benefits the Crisis Nursery, as shoppers are asked to bring size 4 diapers, Similac Advance formula or new Playtex sippy cups as a donation.

Another great opportunity for treasure hunting also occurs later this week. The University YMCA annual Dump and Run sale starts Thursday ($2 admission) at the U of I Stock Pavilion. I’m thinking about heading over there for non-baby items (but I’ll skip the food. They’re selling food? Like food that people had in their cupboards from last spring? Ew.)