Top 10 Kids' Thrift Stores in Manasota

Finding affordable, high-quality kids' items in Manatee and Sarasota counties is easier than you think. From clothing and shoes to toys and baby gear, these 10 thrift and consignment stores offer budget-friendly options for families. Whether you're looking to save money, declutter by selling items, or support local causes, Manasota has you covered.

Top Picks:

• Once Upon A Child Sarasota: Great for trading in gently used items and scoring up to 70% off retail prices.
• The Treasure Chest: Boutique-style finds with daily discounts and community impact.
• Goodwill Manasota: Affordable, rotating inventory with proceeds supporting local job training programs.
• Sprouts Consignment Boutique: Family-run shop offering quality kids' items and trade-in credits.
• Children's World Uniform Supply & Resale: Specializing in durable school uniforms and educational items.

Quick Tip: Selling at consignment stores like Once Upon A Child? Bring freshly laundered clothes in a bin for better payouts.

For more details on store locations, hours, and what each offers, see the full guide.

1. Once Upon A Child Sarasota

If you're looking for quality kids' items at a fraction of the cost, Once Upon A Child Sarasota is the place to go. Located at 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 105, this store offers a wide range of products, including clothing sizes from Preemie to Youth 20, shoes from infant size 0 to youth 6, baby essentials like strollers and bassinets, and even toys, games, and chapter books.

The pricing is a major draw:

"Every day you'll find an ever-changing selection of top name brands at up to 70% off regular retail prices."

What sets this store apart is its dual focus on affordability and convenience for both shoppers and sellers. Unlike donation-based stores, Once Upon A Child directly buys gently used items from families and pays cash on the spot - no appointment necessary. To get the best payout, bring freshly washed clothing in a bin (no bags). Baby gear must be under 10 years old, and strollers should be manufactured after 2015 with all original parts intact.

Want to save even more? Text "SARASOTA" to 578-277 to join their FiveStars rewards program and start earning points on purchases and trade-ins. The store's hours are Monday–Saturday from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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2. The Treasure Chest

The Treasure Chest isn’t your average thrift store. Run by SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), it feels more like a boutique consignment shop than a secondhand donation center. Every item - whether it’s kids' clothing, nursery furniture, feeding supplies, toys, or books - is carefully inspected for quality, cleanliness, and durability before hitting the shelves. Families in Venice, Englewood, North Port, and the greater Sarasota area can count on finding gently used items they can trust. This attention to detail is evident in every corner of the store.

One standout feature is the children's book section, where hardcovers typically go for just a few dollars, and paperbacks are even cheaper. Parents will also appreciate the shoe section, which often features near-new kids' shoes at a fraction of their original price.

Shoppers can take advantage of daily discounts of up to 50% or participate in the popular "fill-a-cart" challenge, where you can load up a cart for less than $30. Plus, designer labels like Michael Kors and Tommy Bahama frequently make an appearance, often priced lower than what you’d pay for a pizza delivery.

In 2025, SPARCC provided over $81,000 worth of clothing and household goods to survivors through a voucher program, allowing them to select items for free as they worked to rebuild their lives. Jessica Hays, SPARCC’s President and CEO, shared:

"It costs a lot to start over. If we're able to ease that burden in small ways through what the community contributes, it can make a tremendous difference."

For updates and more, check out The Treasure Chest on Facebook and Instagram, or browse their online listings on Poshmark and eBay.

3. Episcopal Thrift House

Tucked away at 1503 Second St., near Whole Foods in downtown Sarasota, the Episcopal Thrift House is a treasure trove of donation-based items. From kids' clothing and shoes to books and household goods, the store boasts a constantly rotating selection. What makes it even more special? All donations come from parishioners of the Church of the Redeemer, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and unique.

This non-profit shop takes its community mission seriously. Every dollar of profit supports local outreach efforts, with $70,000 allocated to community programs in 2024 - a notable increase from $61,000 in 2023. Beneficiaries include impactful organizations like Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Mothers Helping Mothers, the Safe Children Coalition, and Alta Vista Elementary's Summer Meals for Kids Program.

If you plan to visit, note their limited hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store remains closed on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead during holiday seasons.

4. World's Attic Thrift Shop

World's Attic Thrift Shop stands out as a store with a mission. Nestled at 700 N. Beneva Rd. in Sarasota, this shop combines local impact with global outreach through its connection to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Every purchase not only supports local non-profits but also contributes to international relief efforts led by MCC.

"Our commitment to recycling, repurposing, and re-using is not only helping the environment but also allowing us to give back locally and extend our support to communities in need." - Sharon Appel, Manager, World's Attic Thrift Shop

The store's dedication to helping others is reflected in its thoughtfully curated kids' section. Here, you'll find a variety of clothing, toys, and books, all affordably priced. Weekly color-tag sales and Flash Sales make shopping even more budget-friendly. Plus, you can stay in the loop by texting "ATTIC" to 42828 for updates on sales and promotions.

Shoppers also appreciate the clean and well-organized layout, making it easy to browse and find treasures. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. With its community-focused approach, World's Attic Thrift Shop aligns perfectly with the values of families in the Manasota area.

5. Goodwill Manasota (Select Locations)

Goodwill Manasota offers a treasure trove of items across its locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties. One standout is the Bradenton store at 7200 55th Ave E, which is especially popular for its selection of children's items. Shoppers often highlight the variety and the well-organized layout, making it easier to find what you need.

The kids' section is packed with options: seasonal clothing like shirts, pants, dresses, and coats, along with shoes, accessories, toys, board games, puzzles, building sets, and children's books. Occasionally, you might even spot baby essentials like cribs and linens, though availability can vary. With inventory updated daily, there's always something new to discover. Plus, the pricing is budget-friendly, thanks to Goodwill's mission-driven approach, which also supports local job training programs. Popular items, such as name-brand clothing and toys, tend to sell quickly, so regular visits are a smart move.

Goodwill's "mission-based pricing" keeps things affordable while funding community initiatives. For example, shoes generally range from $7.99 to $14.99, and during sales, you might snag designer kids' shirts for just a few dollars. New deals roll out every Monday, so it's worth keeping an eye out.

"TONS of clothes, you could easily spend a few hours here if you were looking for clothes for the family." - Nikki Lyman

For even bigger savings, check out the Goodwill Bargain Barn in North Sarasota on Whitfield Industrial Way. Here, items are sold by the pound, making it a great option for stocking up on kids' clothes in bulk. While it requires a bit of digging, the potential savings make it well worth the effort.

6. Suncoast Humane Society Thrift Store

When you shop at the Suncoast Humane Society Thrift Store, you're doing more than just finding great deals - you’re directly supporting efforts to shelter animals and provide affordable prevention services. Every single dollar from your purchase goes toward this mission, which also helps keep prices low for shoppers.

The store offers a constantly changing selection of items like books, clothing, shoes, and linens, all generously donated by the local community. Since inventory depends on donations, you’ll find that kids' clothing and books vary with each visit. For example, shoes are usually priced at $4.99, boutique children's clothing ranges between $6.99 and $7.99, and linens start at just $0.99. This means families can always discover affordable, quality items for their kids without breaking the bank.

There are two convenient locations in the Manasota area. The Englewood store, located at 1951 S McCall Rd., Englewood, FL 34223, is open daily (Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM, Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM). The Venice store, at 656 Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285, operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Since each store's inventory depends on local donations, you might find something unique at each location - it’s worth visiting both if you’re looking for specific items.

Donating is easy, too. Contributions are accepted every day, and for larger donations, the store offers free pick-up within a 10-mile radius. This is a great option if you're clearing out gently used children’s items and want to give them a second life.

7. Sprouts Consignment Boutique (Bradenton)

Sprouts Consignment Boutique in Bradenton is a family-run shop that specializes in quality used items for children, offering a budget-friendly option with great trade-in perks. Their clothing selection caters to kids from newborns to size 20, featuring popular brands like Carter's, Cat & Jack, Matilda Jane, and Janie and Jack.

Beyond clothing, they stock baby gear such as strollers, swings, carriers, walkers, and activity gyms. Toy enthusiasts will find items from trusted brands like Melissa & Doug and Fisher-Price, and there’s always a selection of books to browse. Need shoes? They’ve got options for infants all the way up to kids’ size 6.

With prices marked down 50%–75% off retail, Sprouts makes it easier for families in the Manasota area to save money while still getting high-quality products.

Trade-ins are another big draw. Parents can bring in outgrown, freshly laundered clothing (folded neatly in a tote or basket) and earn "Sprout Credit" for future purchases. The buy counter is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, though there’s a two-tote limit per visit. New customers can also sign up for the store’s newsletter to score 10% off their first purchase - a nice bonus for first-timers.

8. Children's World Uniform Supply & Resale (Sarasota)

Children's World Uniform Supply & Resale, located on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, stands out for its focus on high-quality school uniforms and educational products. Since its founding in 1964, it has become the largest school uniform supplier in the area, serving nearly 30 schools across Southwest Florida.

The store offers an impressive selection of uniforms, including polo shirts, Oxford shirts, Peter Pan blouses, skirts, skorts, pants, and dresses. They cater to a wide range of sizes, including more challenging ones like pull-ups, half-sizes, husky, teen, and juniors. These uniforms are designed to last, featuring reinforced knees, stain-resistant fabrics, and wrinkle-free materials.

"Children's World is the area's exclusive provider for products from the highest quality school uniform manufacturers. These uniforms are meant to last the everyday wear and tear that children subject them to, at prices comparable to much lesser quality items, which don't last near as long." - Children's World Website

But the store isn’t just about uniforms. They also carry a variety of educational toys, science kits, arts and crafts supplies, puzzles, games, and children's books. They even host Play Days, where kids can test toys in-store, and they offer free gift wrapping for all purchases.

The durability and affordability of the uniforms make them a great value, especially with additional discounts available through school partnerships. This approach aligns with the community's focus on providing budget-friendly, high-quality options for local families.

9. The Green Goose Resale Boutique (Lakewood Ranch)

The Green Goose Resale Boutique in Lakewood Ranch specializes in offering a thoughtfully curated selection of pre-owned children's items. With a focus on quality rather than sheer quantity, this boutique creates a more personalized shopping experience compared to larger thrift stores.

Families can browse through gently used clothing for all ages, from baby outfits to styles for older kids. You'll also find a variety of pre-loved toys, books, and baby gear to meet your little one's needs.

Although specific pricing isn't mentioned, the shop's collection reflects a balance of upscale quality and budget-friendly options, fitting the area's style and preferences.

Since inventory at boutique resale shops changes often, stopping by regularly can be a great way to uncover new treasures. Seasonal items and unique finds make each visit feel like a fresh adventure.

10. North Port Resale Shop

North Port is home to a variety of resale options for kids' items, offering a mix of affordability and community support similar to other Manasota thrift stores.

The Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center in North Port features a constantly changing selection of clothing and various goods. However, prices at some local thrift stores have been noted to approach, or even match, the cost of buying new items. On the other hand, the Bargain Barn in North Port is a standout for offering noticeably lower prices compared to the larger chain thrift stores in the area.

For a more seasonal option, Rhea Lana's of Port Charlotte organizes biannual consignment events that cover North Port and surrounding areas. These events, held in spring and fall, are free to the public and showcase kids' clothing, toys, books, and baby gear. Families can also participate by consigning their gently used items to earn some extra cash.

Exploring multiple venues can help you find the best deals. Use the table below to compare your options and make the most of your shopping experience.

Store Comparison Table

Here's a handy table to help you compare key stores side by side:

Key insights to help narrow your choices:

• Once Upon A Child is a standout choice if you're looking for a one-stop shop for clothing, shoes, and baby gear. They maintain clear age and quality guidelines for baby items, ensuring reliability.
• If you're on a tight budget, Goodwill Manasota and North Port Resale Shop (Bargain Barn) are excellent picks for affordable finds.
• For boutique-quality items closer to Lakewood Ranch, The Green Goose Resale Boutique offers a more convenient option than traveling into Sarasota or Bradenton.

This comparison makes it easier to find the store that fits your child's needs and your budget.

Conclusion

Finding high-quality kids' items at a fraction of retail prices is absolutely possible in Manatee and Sarasota counties - you just need to know where to shop.

Once Upon A Child Sarasota stands out as a go-to for trading in baby gear and kids' items. They buy daily, no appointment needed, and pay cash on the spot, making it super convenient. For affordable toys and books, Goodwill Manasota in Bradenton is a solid choice, with its inventory refreshed daily thanks to local donations - perfect for frequent treasure hunters. If you’re near Lakewood Ranch, The Green Goose Resale Boutique offers a closer option without compromising on quality.

Here’s a helpful tip: if you’re selling at Once Upon A Child, bring freshly laundered clothes laid flat in a bin. It not only speeds up the process but may also help you get a better payout.

Whether you’re preparing for a new baby, updating a wardrobe for school, or just looking for great deals, the Manasota area offers plenty of options across both counties. Check out Manasota.co for updates on thrift finds, consignment events, and community stories from Bradenton to Sarasota and beyond.

FAQs

What are the best stores for baby gear?

If you're shopping for baby gear in the Manasota area, here are a few great spots to check out:

• Teeny Treasures in Venice: Offers strollers, cribs, pack-and-plays, clothing, and toys.
• Once Upon A Child in Sarasota: Known for its wide selection of gently used baby equipment and furniture.
• Rhea Lana's of Sarasota: Hosts semi-annual consignment events with affordable options for baby gear.

These stores are perfect for finding quality items at reasonable prices.

What should I bring to sell at consignment shops?

To successfully sell items at consignment shops, make sure everything is clean, in great shape, and free from damage like rips, stains, or heavy wear.

• Clothing: Wash thoroughly and keep matching sets together.
• Toys and games: Ensure all pieces and instructions are included.
• Gear: Items like strollers should work properly, include all necessary parts, and meet safety standards (typically manufactured after 2015).

It’s a good idea to call the store beforehand to check their specific requirements and make the process smoother.

What are the best days to find sales and new items?

Visit stores regularly since inventory changes all the time. Keep an eye on social media for daily deals - some discounts go as high as 50%. If you're heading to consignment events, try to attend presale days for the best selection or half-price sales for deeper discounts. Weekdays tend to be quieter, giving you more time to browse and even chat with staff about new arrivals. For more tips and updates on shopping in Manatee and Sarasota counties, check out Manasota.co.

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