Kidstock
  
  
September 2014
Welcome to Kidstock
 
Happy September!  School is really back in full swing this month for EVERYONE, and Kidstock is now taking all drop-offs.  It continues to be overly warm outside, so you will still see quite a few summer choices on the racks.   But the jackets must be hung as well, so look for those to start making an appearance this month.

We look forward to seeing you soon! 
How We Do What We Do

 (Otherwise known as "No Doo-doo!")

   
We wanted to share a few reminders about what items Kidstock accepts from customers and how we process it.  First, you should know that we have enough backlog that we don't always need to accept clothing in every size.  However, resale wouldn't be the joy that it is if (a) you couldn't get some store credit for your gently used clothing; and (b) we couldn't look at the fun stuff our customers are bringing in. 
 

So here are a few hints to give you an idea of what we like to see at Kidstock:

1.  We take more items from bags that have neatly folded and super clean clothing.  It may be shallow, but presentation definitely gets our attention. 

2.  We love full outfits -- matching shirts, pants, hats, etc.  We have trouble resisting those. 

3.  Funky, cool, interesting clothing is a winner.  We have a ton of Circo and Old Navy backlog.  Even if your clothing from those stores is super clean or even new, we may not take those items just because it's not unique.

4.  We take almost every bathing suit and ski/snow suit we are offered. 

5.  Odor counts.  We have sensitive honkers, so if it smells of body fluids, pets, smoke, or mold (or a few other odors that we can't mention in a family newsletter!) we can't take it, no matter how fabulous the clothing is.  We do not wash clothing when we get it; we expect it to be clean when it arrives.

6.  Toys:  If we have to clean toys, add batteries, or put together puzzles without a picture or instructions, we probably won't take your item.  Customers (think about yourself!) won't buy it that way, so we can't sell it that way.  

7.  Items we won't take at all include potties, bathtubs, pumps, maternity, and bedding.  We will take any of those new, unused, and in the sealed package, but when already used it's just too difficult to display and/or guarantee that it's sanitary.  

8.  Items we won't take, take two:  You know how when you clean out the toy box or the bottom layer of your car and you find all those little toys or pieces of toys and you scrape it all into a bag and kind of don't know what to do with it?  Well, neither do we.  Please see the last sentence of #6.  

These are just a few of the factors that go in to the decision process of what to accept.  There are many others -- some objective, some subjective -- but if you keep these tips in mind, you will most likely be happy with the outcome of the drop off process.

 
Reminders
 
*  It's September, so it's time to drop off your clothing!  Don't go crazy -- if you bring us eight bags of stuff you saved up over the last few months we will probably cry on you.  Two non-ripped, non-stuffed bags, max.  See the paragraph above if you have any questions about what should go in those non-ripped bags.
 
*  Remember that dead batteries don't go in the trash!  You are welcome to bring your dead batteries to Kidstock for appropriate e-cycling.   Our dead battery bucket is by the back door.
 
*  Patootie Cakes are still available in the store.  Don't forget that you can grab and go with these already wrapped diaper cakes -- perfect for a new baby hospital visit or as a shower gift.  These come from an outside vendor, so store credit may not be used for your purchase.  You can also order ahead on the website and pick your item up in store with no S/H fees.  www.patootiecakes.com.

*  Please note: Store hours for September 24 through September 27 will be 10am to 2pm.   
beach-family-water.jpg    
Coupon
So long, Summer

Time to say bye-bye to tanks and shorts.  Purchase any clothing item deemed 

"summer-ish" by our staff and get a second summer-ish item at 50% off.  We are pretty liberal about what's summer-ish, so don't be shy.  Think tanks, shorts, short sleeve tees, bathing suits, shorts, and skirts.  We need your help to make room for long sleeves and velvet!   

 

No need to print this coupon.  Just use verbal code "Bye Summer!" at checkout and we will be happy to apply the discount to the lower priced item.  One newsletter coupon per family per visit, please.  Coupon valid September 4-30, 2014.  This coupon is valid for our $1 rack too, which is already a deal anyway!

 Coupon 
Midweek Midmorning Madness!

 

aka "MMM."  It's back!  Shop midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), midmorning (10am to 12pm), and go mad!  Get 10% off your entire purchase or 20% off any one item.  

  

 

No need to print this coupon.  Just use verbal code "MMMl" at checkout and we will apply the discount.  One newsletter coupon per family per visit, please.  Coupon valid September 4-30, 2014.

Thank you for your business!  Please support us by leaving positive feedback on Yelp and whatever online parenting sites you frequent.  Our success depends on parent-to-parent referrals, so we are grateful to you for spreading the word!   
   
Sincerely,
Melna and Leslie
 
Messy Art Project:
Mess-less Finger Painting
  

 

In September we start to move the art indoors.  Here is a fingerpaint activity that practically cleans itself.   Plus, it's useful for that 20 minute get-dinner-ready-without-interruption period of the day. 

 

Materials Needed:

 

Large Ziplock bag, preferably the freezer kind as it's thicker and less prone to break

Washable paint

Painter's or masking tape

 

Tape a sheet of white paper to a table.  Put paint in the Ziplock, get the air out, seal, and tape down on top of the white paper. 

 

This is a great project for our Kidstock customer kids who have tactile issues or sensitivity to certain messes or textures.  

 

 

Johnny and Lily fingerpaint without making a mess

 

From Mama Smiles