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Ever heard the phrase, “It’s new to you.”? It just means that even if something has been used, if you’ve never had it before, then it’s new to you. This is the basic idea behind various swap sites where you can get rid of the things your kids have outgrown and trade them in for things more age appropriate. You’ll save money and your kids will be happy. It’s a win-win situation.

Here are some great swap sites:

• Swap Baby Goods - This babycentric site allows you to create a list of your goods linked to a list of wanted items. All transactions are free, although you do pay for shipping. However, since you pay nothing to swap, there are no obligations. Just list your items for free and see what happens. There’s also a section for “Mommy Items,” like beauty products and clothes.
• Bookins - An all-literary source, Bookins assigns users points based on how popular their offerering are. Use points to purchase other books that add up to equal value. Since each book is assigned a certain value, you’re assured that trades are done fairly. And with the book reserve, you can request books that aren’t yet listed. There is a $4 shipping charge to receive books but no charge to send.
• Zunafish - This site deals strictly in DVDs, CDs, paperbacks, audiobooks, video games, and VHS tapes. Trades are $1 for a completed swap, not including shipping costs. The great thing about this site is that it shows the cover art of the items so you know if you have the correct title. They provide shipping cost info as well as packing instructions.
• SwapThing - Got a stroller but need a bike? This site allows you to exchange anything for $1 a swap. Users can create a private “Swap Circles” based on geographic location or interest. Users who choose not to swap can simply give donations to nonprofit organizations that register on this site.
• SwapAce - This site operates as an auction, similar to eBay. Users make offers and “win” items. You can bid on multiple listings for an item. Once a bid is accepted, the others are deleted so that you don’t end up with two of the same thing. There are shipping fees but none for completing a transaction.

source: Real Simple Family