When I first became a parent, I was skeptical of hand me downs for my child.  Somehow, I associated it with deprivation and injustice.  However, seeing how my kids go through clothes and toys so quickly, I understand why there is a huge market for rentals (everything from sports equipment to musical instruments).  In addition to renting different items, I participate in informal exchanges (a group of my friends share toys and clothes with each other).  We always rent movies instead of buying them (it is better for the environment and for us since we are less likely to view the same movies over and over again).


This summer before you splurge on a sales item, think of whether you can rent it instead.