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We buy used as much as possible. I set up craigslist alerts when I know I have gear needs coming. Christmas presents were all used too although DD might notice by next Christmas. She specifically commented that the gift from her aunt came 'in a box!'

I also try to use memberships smartly. We'll buy a membership if it makes going free. I don't like when there is still a parking fee or crazy food prices that I have to pay on top of the membership. We also make use of reciprocal membership discounts.

@Bao: Facebook resale groups usually have shoes in much better shape than consignment shops. Some people are insane for the higher end brands like Livie and Luca or Saltwater Sandals and they buy their kids like ten pairs of shoes in the same size so each pair gets very little wear.

We get a lot of hand-me-downs from friends. My parents also buy a lot of clothes for my son. We buy Kirkland brand diapers and wipes from Costco. And my retired parents watch my son two afternoons per week which cuts 20% off our childcare costs.

Clothes and toys- only buy used or on extreme sale (like 70% off or more)

Diapers and wipes - Use amazon subscribe and save, plus combo with coupons when available and watch prices on several brands to switch to lower one when it makes sense

Activities - We have memberships to a museum and an aquarium, and they paid for themselves within two trips each so now we go "free" all the time. Also use the library and playgrounds alot.

Food - She usually eats off our plates when we go out. At home, we don't make special kids meals ever. She has a couple favorite snacks and I buy in bulk when on sale.

DS is 16 months and we have spent very little on clothing or toys for him because he's received SO many gifts. My mother also finds it fun to make him clothes, so he has many grandma outfits.

If I do buy anything, I always get then from Kohl's during some sale + 30% off coupon + $10 off $30 kids purchase + free shipping deal and its the same or cheaper as consignment.

I extreme couponed when I was pregnant with DS and got 6 months worth of diapering and organic baby food pouches for under $200 or something ridiculous like that. I don't know that we'll have the time to do that again for DS2, but we will save a ton just from reusing all his brother's hand me downs.

DS doesn't go to any paid activities or classes yet. We bought a house a street over from the park, we use a friend's pool in the summer, there's a public splash pad 1/2 mile a way, and he plays at home or at church nursery on Sundays.