Save a fortune by buying second-hand bits for baby

Hollywood star Colin Firth is worth a few dirhams.

The actor, who stole the heart of many women as the much-loved Mark Darcy in the ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ films, moved to another level by landing the 2010 Oscar for his role as King George V in ‘The King’s Speech’.

Despite the fame and fortune, it’s refreshing to hear that he still chooses to dress his children in second-hand clothes. The British actor and his wife Livia Giuggioli recently explained how they prefer to ‘mend’ old garments for their sons Luca, 11, and nine-year-old Matteo rather than buy new items. They are also happy to accept clothes from friends.

Livia, who has her own ethical fashion collection, admitted: “With my kids’ clothes, we do a lot of hand-me-downs with friends. I mend.” It may come as a shock to hear how Colin opts for second hand. But in a bid to save money, it’s something that’s popular with parents everywhere.

Estimating a saving ‘in the thousands’ after kitting out her newborn daughter and most of her nursery second hand, UAE-based Indian expat and mum of two Sheetal explains: “When my second child came along we realised we needed a new car so I decided I could make savings elsewhere. Babies grow out of their clothes so fast, so I thought I would just buy used clothes online. “As well as good condition second-hand clothes, there’s also plenty of toys.”

When a couple discover they are expecting a baby, after the initial excitement and joy often comes panic about how they’re going to finance their bundle of joy when it arrives. But mum-to-be Helen Gray says expectant parents can take a weight off their minds by shopping second hand. The Brit explains: “I’ve bought all my maternity clothes second hand and the great thing with those is they’ve not been worn much. I will do the same with baby clothes when the little one arrives. I’m getting the Moses basket on Dubizzle

as well. Dubai is such a transient place, you can find pretty much anything second hand, often without much use or wear and tear.”

And it’s not only budget baby clothes up for sale. Filipina expat Anne Geel says: “I buy second hand at Safa Park Flea Market on the first Saturday of the month. I’ve bought everything from books, DVDs, bags, belts and shorts.

“It’s addictive to have so much fun shopping from a variety of tables but at such good prices. It’s better than being in the malls!” Explaining how he’s seen everything from baby clothes to Boeing 747s on sale on Dubizzle, the website’s marketing manager Barry Judge believes there are even bigger advantages to buying second hand.

He explains: “It is a very environmentally friendly way of shopping. In a world inundated with rampant consumerism, shiny gadgets and cheap plastic toys, buying used is a truly green alternative that people just keep forgetting about. Prior to Christmas there were about 300 items advertised as an ‘unwanted gift’ on Dubizzle. This has now jumped up to 750 items as people look to offload unwanted gifts.”

So what are you waiting for? Snap up some bargains and do your bit for the planet!

HAVE A RUMMAGE

You know the old saying ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’? You can see if that’s true with a visit to the ‘Dubai Centre For Special Needs’ charity shop. Located in Karama, Dubai, it sells everything from clothes and toys to books and small appliances and is open daily, except Fridays, from 9.30am-12.30pm and 4-8pm. The store takes donations and can offer collection for larger items of furniture. Visit www.dcsneeds.ae or call 04 344 0966.

eve.dugdale@7days.ae