Discover a multitude of bargains at mothers of twins sales

Grab your biggest laundry basket and get a good night's sleep.

Two of the largest area sales of gently used children's clothing, toys and baby gear will take place Saturday morning in both Crystal Lake and Batavia.

The Miraculous Multiples Mothers of Twins Club in McHenry County and the Tri-Cities Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club are both holding their fall resales, which are gaining in popularity each year.

The sales are open to the public, and not just to parents of multiples.

"I think it's an amazing sale and many moms and families can benefit from it - especially during these tough times," said Mary Lutz, co-chair of the McHenry County-based group's resale committee.

Both sales open at 8 a.m.

But with the variety and quality of items available, in years past many regulars have started lining up long before 8 a.m.

"We do have a handful of ladies and it's their fun thing to do each year, and they come at 6 or 6:15. But most people start lining up at 7 or 7:30," Lutz said.

Early birds are also common at the Tri-Cities sale, resale co-chairwoman Julie Adams said.

"I'd say a lot of people are there by 6 a.m. and they have a plan. They know right where they're headed when the doors open," Adams said.

Organizers advise you to have a plan when going into the sale, because there is so much for sale.

The sales have brand-name clothing, baby gear such as carriers, strollers, high chairs and cradles, and toys, such as Barbies and other popular characters. They also have books, video games, maternity clothes and more.

Since this is the fall sale, you'll find many Halloween outfits, Christmas sweaters and dresses, boots and winter gear, Adams said.

And not everything is in duplicate, though you can find many of the same high chairs, outfits and toys for twins.

"A lot of our membership, they have single pregnancies in addition to their multiples. This sale is absolutely for anyone to shop at," Lutz said.

There are items for newborns to juniors available at both sales.

So, Lutz advises, make a list of what you want and in which size. When the doors open, then you can head to what you need, she said.

"It can be pretty overwhelming because we fill two ballrooms at the Holiday Inn. It's loaded from wall to wall," Lutz said. "It's pretty organized, but there are things everywhere.

"There are literally thousands of pieces of clothing there," she said.

One tip: leave the kids at home if you can. Neither sale allows you to bring strollers into the shopping area.

Organizers do advise you to bring a laundry basket, though, or something see-through to carry your items.

Adams also suggested tying a jump rope to your basket so that you can pull it around when you're shopping.

"With everything people put in, it can get heavy, and this way they can just pull it around," Adams said.

In Crystal Lake, there will be some laundry baskets and clear bags available for use by customers. But they aren't as big as many of the laundry baskets that people bring from home, Lutz said.

The McHenry County sale will be at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, at the corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road. It runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information e-mail DoubleDilemma@aol.com.

The Tri-Cities sale also runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mooseheart Fieldhouse on Route 31 and Mooseheart Road, between Batavia and North Aurora. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. items with yellow tickets will sell for half price. For more information visit tcmottc.org or call (630) 375-7111.

Admission to both sales is $1.

If you go

What: Two mothers of multiples clubs are holding their annual fall sales of children's clothing, toys and accessories

When: Both sales are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

Where: Miraculous Multiples Mothers of Twins sale, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, at the corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road; Tri-Cities Mothers of Twins and Triplets sale, Mooseheart Fieldhouse on Route 31 and Mooseheart Road, between Batavia and North Aurora.

Need to know: No strollers will be allowed on the sales floor at either sale; bring a laundry basket to hold your finds. At the Batavia sale, yellow ticket items will sell for half price from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission: $1 at both sales

Info: Crystal Lake: DoubleDilemma@aol.com; Batavia: tcmottc.org or (630) 375-7111