We live in a world built ‘of, by and for’ a linear economy, where daily habits involve ‘take, make, use, and throw away’. This approach to consumption is not only resource-intensive but also unsustainable, contributing to enormous amounts of waste and greenhouse gas emissions that are driving the climate crisis to a pinnacle. Here are some facts about the fashion industry, as an example, to think about:

• Up to 100 billion new garments are produced each year, yet 87% of materials end up in landfills, contributing to 92 million tons of textile waste annually.
• Each year, 23 billion pairs of shoes are manufactured, and 22 billion are thrown away, creating a staggering amount of waste.
• The fashion industry alone is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined.
• Textiles in landfills also release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, accelerating global warming.

Despite global commitments like the Paris Agreement, the climate crisis shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, projections indicate that temperatures could rise by more than 2°C if current trends continue.

But what is Circularity?

Imagine a forest. In nature, nothing goes to waste. When leaves fall, they decompose, enriching the soil for new plants to grow. Animals eat plants, and their waste becomes fertiliser. Everything in nature is reused or recycled, thus sustaining life without creating garbage.

What if we looked at our daily activities and products used in a similar fashion? Circularity offers us this opportunity, it is a refreshing alternative to the wasteful “take, make, and dispose” model. The idea is to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and harmful environmental impacts in the process. By maximising a product’s lifespan, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with both new production and end-of-life disposal while continuing to receive the same benefits.

The city of Amsterdam is at the forefront of adopting the circular economy, with a bold target to become 100% circular by 2050. As families in Amsterdam, we have the power to make this vision a reality in our everyday lives. Here are some practical ways your family can contribute to a circular economy and make a lasting impact:

• Buy Second-Hand: Before buying new items, consider second-hand options for children’s clothes, toys, and furniture. Platforms like Vinted, Marktplaats, or local thrift shops/kringloop winkles offer great alternatives. By choosing second-hand, you reduce demand for new resources and save money—making it a win for both your wallet and the environment.
• Repair Instead of Replace: Children outgrow things quickly, and items often break. Instead of discarding them, try repairing them. Amsterdam’s Repair Cafés provide spaces where you can fix everything from broken toys to strollers. These cafés also offer advice on DIY repairs, empowering you to extend the life of your belongings. Innovative products like the Fairphone (a smartphone designed for easy repair) are great examples of circular products designed to last.
• Buy Circular Products: Look for companies that prioritize circularity, such as Patagonia, known for its durable, repairable gear, or MUD Jeans, which offer jeans that you can lease, repair, or return for recycling.
• Swap and Share: Participate in community swap events or create your own swap groups with friends and neighbours. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides a great analogy: A drill is typically used for only a few seconds in its lifetime so why buy one when you can share it? Swapping baby clothes, toys, and household items reduces waste and creates opportunities for others to benefit from things you no longer need.
• Upcycle with Your Kids: Get creative and turn old items into something new through upcycling. Whether it’s transforming old clothes into tote bags or using packaging for craft projects, upcycling is a fun family activity that teaches kids the value of creativity and sustainability. It’s also a great way to reduce waste and give old items new life.

Let’s start with small, intentional changes — As families in Amsterdam, we have the chance to lead by example and support the city’s ambition to become fully circular by 2050.

The post The circular path to sustainability appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

One of my favorite things to do growing up was to go to yard sales, thrift stores, and flea markets with my mom, buzzing with excitement when we’d come home with a particularly good find (and recounting how I acquired said item to anyone who would listen). 

So one of the first things I did when I moved to Amsterdam was to set about finding my go-to vintage stores and second-hand shops; a search that, luckily, turned up a lot of results due to the fact that recycling and upcycling is embedded in the culture here. 

The list is not exhaustive but comprised of my personal favorites, recommendations, and places I know by reputation. There are always small second-hand shops popping up all over the city so please tell us your favorite if you don’t see it on the list. If you don’t first see a well-known store listed in a particular neighborhood below, check the Multiple Locations section. 

Centrum:

Antiekcentrum

Elandsgracht 109

Antique mall Antiekcentrum (formerly de Looier) deserves a spot on the list as it’s a must visit for its sheer size (it stretches over the entire block of buildings between Looiersgracht and Elandsgracht and boasts of having over 10.000 items in stock) and carefully curated collections. Great spot to take antique lovers who are visiting the city. 

Callas 43

Haarlemmerdijk 43-III

Vintage designer clothing, inspired second-hand pieces, like-new samples and a large assortment of new and used leather bags make up the selection at Callas 43. No website available. 

Laura Dols

Wolvenstraat 6 and 7

Specializing in clothing from the 1950’s, Laura Dols has a selection of dresses, women’s and men’s evening wear imported from Los Angeles, hats, shoes, purses, and accessories. The store also sells vintage costumes for children ages 0-10, various articles made of old linen and antique wedding dresses. 

Rumors Vintage & Design

Haarlemmerstraat 99 -A

With styles from the 1940’s and up, Rumors offers restyled vintage dresses, shorts, shirts, jewelry, and other accessories.

Second Best

Singel 281

Second Best buys and sells vintage second-hand men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.  

Wini Vintage

Haarlemmerstraat 29

Wini equates vintage with quality and style, offering a selection of well-made and designed clothing that won’t fall out of fashion.

De Pijp:

Carnaby Street

Albert Cuypstraat 99

Carnaby Street is very focused in sourcing the stock that it offers: pair after pair of boots, coats, scarves, ponchos, hats, and other accessories. It’s not cheap, but you are sure to find a unique vintage item (like the ski hat from the Innsbruck Winter Olympics I bought for my husband) that will inspire a lot of compliments and inquiries as to where you got it. No website available. 

Kwinkel

Albert Cuypstraat 161

I was very happy to discover Kwinkel years ago as the store offers a good mix of brands from the U.S., UK, France, Netherlands, and more. I find the prices to be mostly fair in terms of price/quality ratio. They also have a good selection of baby gear, vintage toys and books, and new items.  

Ladyland

Van Woustraat 99

I have passed by Ladyland many times but have never been in. As its name indicates and an online search confirms, they sell inexpensive women’s clothing. 

De Klederij

Van Woustraat 116

De Klederij is a small shop that sells women’s and children’s clothing. I consistently find cute jeans, sweaters, coats, and shoes for my sons here. Perhaps it’s a case of the grass is always greener, but I feel like the selection is even better for girls. I have also bought shoes and shirts for myself here over the years. 

Venten

Ceintuurbaan 400

Venten is a recent addition to de Pijp that sells a mix of new home accessories (their dishes are particularly cute) and second-hand clothes for women and children. 

Vintage Home

Daniel Stalpertstraat 97

If you are looking for high-quality, mid-century and beyond (1930’s-1980’s) design furniture and accessories, Vintage Home is worth a visit, or two or three, as its inventory frequently changes. The shop is meant to feel more like a gallery rather than a furniture store, and that comes through its cool vibe.  

Rivierenbuurt:

Bij Allerlei

Maastraat 174

Recommended by a mom from my sons’ school, Allerlei thrift shop sells toys, books, and home accessories. They are located close to De Ruilhoek (below) so you can visit both in one trip.  

Kringloop Trompenburgerstraat

Trompenburgerstraat 22

This small shop next to Praxis has a flea market feel, so if you’re looking for inexpensive dishes, books, games, toys, shoes, clothing, electronics, or small pieces of furniture, check it out. The right side of the store has a selection of paint and other building materials. No website available. 

De Ruilhoek

Maasstraat 146

Owned by a friend of a friend, De Ruilhoek is one of the largest second-hand clothing shops in Amsterdam and is known for its selection of women’s and men’s high-end clothing, shoes, accessories and bags. You can also sell items there on a consignment basis, provided they are authentic top brands, in great condition and are currently in style. If you can’t make it there in person, you can shop at their online store. 

Mooi

Scheldestraat 58

A consignment shop in the Scheldebuurt that sells name-brand women’s and children’s clothing. 

OVERENWEER

Rijnstraat 234

Size matters at OVERENWEER. The consignment shop accepts mid- to high-end brand women’s clothing in sizes 36 t/m 48 and men’s clothing in sizes 48 t/m 54.  

Noord:

Ij Hallen

NDSM Wharf, TT Neveritaweg 15

Billed as the largest fleamarket in Europe, Ij Hallen is a must visit for any thrifter. If you are looking for that something you have to have when you see it, you will likely find it there. There are two halls to walk through so allow for enough time to work your way through (and wear warm shoes if you go on a cold day). Entrance fee is 5,00EUR for visitors over the age of 12 and 2,00 for kids 11 and younger.  

If you have items to sell, you can rent a stand for 30,00EUR/day (35,00EUR/day for a corner stand). 

Neef Louis

Papaverweg 46

This is one of those places (along with its neighbor, Van Dijk & Ko, below) I have heard about for years and have yet to make it there, unfortunately (one day!). Neef Louis is a long-time destination for ‘liefhebbers’ and lovers of vintage and industrial design. 

Van Dijk & Ko

Papaverweg 46

Van Dijk & Ko’s 2500m2 is filled with dressers, couches, buffets and office furniture from around Europe. They also have a wide assortment of glassware, salvaged building materials, and garden furniture. 

West:

Ari

Overtoom 532

The first time I visited Ari the store, I was greeted by Ari the owner, a friendly and charismatic man who confidently told me, “this is the best store in Amsterdam”. I haven’t been to every store in Amsterdam to compare, but I do know it’s my favorite place to poke around in hopes of finding that next conversation piece (I was excited to give my children an old View Master I found there). Packed to the rafters with lighting fixtures, lamps, dishes, framed pictures, pottery, vintage children’s toys, small pieces of furniture, clothing, and sunglasses, Ari reflects Ari’s zest for life and is worth squeezing through. Some of my favorite accessories in my apartment are from Ari. He and his wife are a pleasure to talk to and always offer a good deal when you show up to pay with an armful of items. No website, call 06 527 111591 before you go to make sure they are open.

Wollepop

Bosboom Toussainstraat 49

Wollepop has a great reputation for children’s items and clothing. I like their selection but find their prices a bit high for second-hand (this is coming from a self-identified cheapskate). 

Zuid Oost:

Vintage Virus

Keienberweg 53

I follow Vintage Virus on their Facebook page. They have a nice selection of vintage design furniture from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Their physical store is in Zuid Oost. 

Multiple locations:

Episode

Spiegelstraat 61, Berenstraat 1, Waterlooplein 1, Spuistraat 96

With a presence in five European countries, Episode is on a mission to spread sustainable clothing production and purchasing practices. The company buys clothing that is donated to charities around the world, then washes, repairs, and even redesigns pieces, before selling them in their stores. 

Hutspot

Van Woustraat 4 and Rozengracht 204-210

The sister location of the original store in de Jordaan, Hutspot in de Pijp has a small selection of second-hand furniture, as well as beautiful new home accessories. I go there for inspiration as I find their prices to be exorbitant compared to what I know I can find with a little bit of searching on Marktplaats, but it’s fun to walk around or have a coffee with a friend on the comfortably arranged furniture.  

Juttersdok

Amsterdam: Postjeskade 23 en 25, Zeeburgerpad 90-99, Papaverweg 17-25, Kerkstraat 354  

This string of thrift shops has various-sized stores, with varying inventories, throughout Amsterdam. 

De Lokatie

1e Oosterparkstraat 236, Distelweg 85, Buikslotermeerplein 2 

This thrift shop is a regular spot on my rounds, as new inventory is constantly added. There is a good selection of English language books and I have found many board games here over the years, as well as an old Spirograph for my kids. I also buy a lot of flower pots, planters, and serving dishes here.

Marbles Vintage & Design

Haarlemmerdijk 64, Ferdinand Bolstraat 28, Staalstraat 30

With three locations around the city, Marbles bills itself as “the best hand-picked vintage items in town”. 

SAM SAM

Haarlemmerdijk 139-C, Bilderdijkstraat 90

At SAM SAM’s Haarlemmerdijk shop, you can find used and new women’s brand-name clothing, bags, jewelry, and other accessories. The Bilderdijkstraat location sells vintage clothing for men and women, furniture, and home accessories.

Online:

Marktplaats

When my family and I moved into the apartment that we purchased, we moved from a fully furnished rental to a nearly empty space as we left all of our furniture in our house in the States. We had a short amount of time to start filling the apartment and preparing for the arrival of our second child, as I was eight and a half months pregnant at the time. Since the majority of furniture stores have delivery times of three to six months (or longer), I finally took the plunge and started using Marktplaats to find things that were immediately available. This turned into a goal of buying nearly all second-hand items for the apartment, which I’ve accomplished, save for a few rugs, window treatments, and bedding. Over five painstaking years later, our apartment is nearly complete and the majority of the furniture in it is from Marktplaats, including the kitchen island, an almost new couch, a bunk bed for my sons (as well as their junior beds), and a set of beautiful Danish drawers.

I have read negative experiences about using Marktplaats, but this has not been the case for me. I can only think of one or two times when a seller backed out of a deal and I’ve always received any item I paid for in advance. Back in my very early days of using the site, I went to pick up an adorable orange-framed mirror for my bedroom and when I went to pay, the seller refused to take any money. I don’t know why he did that, but it makes me smile every time I look at the mirror.

A few quick tips for buying on Marktplaats: if you really want an item and are willing to pay the asking price or a bit more, email the seller directly. Sellers want to deal with motivated buyers, and a direct message usually saves time over going through the bidding process. If you are like me and do not have a car, negotiate the cost of delivery or postage into the price. As far as emailing in Dutch or English, either is fine, but I usually handle the correspondence in Dutch because I feel that gives me a better position from which to negotiate. Also, many antique dealers and shops are on Marktplaats so if you strike up a relationship, the dealers will look for items on your behalf and you can negotiate a one-time delivery fee of multiple items (I did this with a shop in Belgium when I bought our dining table, chairs and lighting fixtures.). 

Amsterdam Yard Sale!

AYS! is a popular Facebook group, with an array of clothing, shoes, furniture, electronics, caravans—you name it—and more than its share of cat photos. You have to be dedicated to checking the group as items are sold on a first in line basis, but I am wowed consistently by the uniqueness, quality, and design of some of the items being sold in the group. The desk and set of filing drawers in my office are from AYS! and I sold my sons’ beds there. My experiences with both buying and selling have been very positive.

Streets of Amsterdam:

King’s Day

A country-wide yard sale, King’s Day is the Super Bowl of thrifting. I set out early each year, scouring various neighborhoods for whatever I am in current need of (for me, it’s easier if I am focused on looking for one or two categories of items: either books for my children, clothes, toys, or items for the apartment). Apollolaan is a popular destination – I find it crowded and the prices more expensive than other parts of the city, BUT there are many antique dealers to be found there, so it’s worth a trip for that. This year, my big score was buying three framed paintings from a woman whose father-in-law was a prolific painter. For children’s toys and books, I prefer Sarphatipark as the prices are cheaper, and it feels more gezellig.

Curbs/Recycling Bins:

I liken the recycling bin near our house (on the west side of Sarphatipark by Cafe Sarphaat) to the give-a-penny-take-a-penny trays at convenience stores in the U.S. Often times when I drop off items, I find something I want to bring home, like the pristine German pottery vase that currently sits on our dining table or the cool metal shopping baskets that now hold toys. To make searching for such gems even easier, the TOFvuil Facebook group is dedicated to posting pictures and locations of curbside finds throughout the city. They also occasionally show before and after pictures of items that have been rescued and fixed up.

Ready to Get Used?!

And that’s it … for now, as we will continue to add to the list. If you’ve been inspired to give second-hand shopping a first look, or are already a fellow thrifter or lover of vintage, send your recommendations to editor@amsterdam-mamas.nl.

The post Vintage Shopping in Amsterdam appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Centrum:

Dutch Homemade
Haarlemmerstraat 122
Vijzelstraat 69
Oude  hoogstraat

Patisserie Kuyt
Utrechtsestraat 109-111

They make their own chocolates in an amazing variety and the size is smaller than a standard choc, so you can pick and eat more tastes! Quality is very high, Kuyt is a very famous patisserie and everything is made there.

Pompadour
Tearoom: Huidenstraat 12

Puccini
Staalstraat 17
Singel 184

There simply is NO other chocolate worth buying!

Puccini quality wise is top, his only complain is in the size. The chocs are so big that after 2 or 3 you cannot go on.

The chocolate covered mango slices are worth going back for.

Van Soest
Utrechtsestraat 143

Jordaan:

Chocolatl
Hazenstraat 25-A

Big selection and helpful people behind the counter.

A hidden gem with a wide collection of interesting chocolate types. Very friendly and well informed staff too.

I can really recommend amedei porcelana yumm!

Rivierenbuurt:

Tout Patisserie
Maasstraat 105

An amazing chocolate store with “different” flavours like sea-salt, rosemary, lavender.

Oost:

Chocstar
Mauritskade 55

Oud-West:

Candela Chocolaterie
Bilderdijkstraat 61

True heaven!

Oud-Zuid:

Arti Choc
Koninginneweg 141

The best chocolatier I know in Amsterdam. It’s expensive for the big stuff but the most amazing easter chocolates (and every time of year chocolates)

Oh my what a lovely shop!! So many wonderful moulded chocolates and so dangerously clise to my home!

Disclaimer: Recommendations on the list are in no particular order. The overall opinion of the Mamas on the Facebook group has been copied and pasted and only slightly adapted for the article.

photo credit: Kent Wang via Flickr cc

The post The Mamas Recommend: Chocolatiers in Amsterdam appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

After years of suffering the discomfort of Hema rain gear, I decided it was time to invest in some proper rain clothing suitable for cycling. I am a bakfiets Mama – I use it every day as my main form of transportation. So I need to stay dry and not arrive wherever we are going soaked to the bone or looking like a drowned rat. Over time, I developed the perfect outfit for me, and I want to pass it on to you. While the items cost more than the Hema set, I’ve also come up with some equally stylish alternatives if you want to shop around a bit.

Coat: I love my winter parka from Happy Rainy Days. I really do. It’s cosy, snug and completely waterproof. It takes me from autumn, through winter and into the early days of spring. Developed by two Dutch Mamas who wanted to survive the weather stylishly they created it to fit their busy lives.

Trousers: Also Happy Rainy Days. I love that they zip off down the side so that I am not dragging wet trousers on and off over my dry trousers underneath.

Hats: Another Happy Rainy Days essential, because you’ll need an alternative before you master the art of cycling with an umbrella.

Livvy Échapeau: Hoods are great, but when you are on the bike in low weather conditions you want to be able to see easily and quickly all around you. The Livvy Échapeau, while pricey, is perfect for this. Water resistant linen keeps the rain off you and the detachable scarf is invaluable on windy days.

Shabbies: An Amsterdam institution Shabbies are fab. I resisted for a long time but I genuinely find plastic rain boots very uncomfortable. So I wait until the sales and get a good chunky pair of Shabbies. Don’t forget to add extra waterproof protection to them and they will last for years.

Poncho: Amsterdam based Mme de Pe  designed a poncho to liberate cycling women and it is certainly more flattering than the plastic version.

Skirt: This great alternative to the trousers can be found here: rainmates

Gloves: I generally carry a pair of leather Hema gloves with me (a bargain at €12,95, especially if you tend to lose a pair or two a season, ahem…) but this year I am definitely investing in a pair of Sealskinz, which have been highly recommended by other Amsterdam Mamas.

I’m ready for the rainy season, are you?

Featured photo credit: What I Wore via photopin cc

The post Essential Rain Gear for Amsterdam Cycling appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Just before my son’s 3rd birthday, I noticed that the shirt he wore just a week earlier was now too small. The sleeves (which hadn’t I just stopped rolling up yesterday?) were now too short, and I thought to myself, “again?!” Children seem to grow amazingly fast; undoubtedly all parents notice how quickly we have to go for larger sized clothing for our children.

I have boxes and bags full of reusable baby & toddler clothing, even though I have already given some away. So what to do with all those clothes which are now too small? Fortunately, Amsterdam has many reliable charities and second-hand (tweedehands) shops where you can bring all those reusable clothes. 

Our community of Mamas and Papas have contributed to this list of recommended second-hand and consignment shops in Amsterdam. Different conditions apply to each shop, but all require that clothing be recently washed, ironed (if required), free from stains, and in good condition (no missing buttons or broken zippers).

Amsterdam West

Old West: Here you can bring a maximum 30 items of clothing at once, top brands are preferred. Toys & books are also welcome provided they are complete and in good condition.

Jun Jun: By appointment only, on weekdays.

Tutti Frutti: They prefer name brands. From March until June they accept summer clothing, and winter clothing from September to December. In July & January by appointment only.

Wollepop: You can bring max 20 pieces of clothing each time, and is only possible on Tuesday & Wednesdays between 10:00 to 14:00 (from March to June for summer clothing, and September to January winter clothing).

Amsterdam Zuid

De Ruilhoek: Clothing should not be older than two years. C&A, H&M and HEMA are not accepted.

Mooi: Clothing from HEMA, H&M, C&A, Vera Moda or anything similar are not accepted. Whatever is not sold can be picked up, or be donated to Faith-help.

Amsterdam Oost

Kids en Koters: Large shop selling goods for babies and children. They accept clothing, dressing-up outfits, footwear (including ice skates and rollerboots), toys, games and books. You can bring things in to them on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. For more details of their policies, click here.

Jordaan

Serendipity: Only takes brand names. Anything they do not sell can be collected, or will be donated to Wings of Hope.

De Pijp

Kwinkel: (no direct website) Donated clothing will be kept on their shelves for three months, after which they will be donated or you can collect what did not sell.

De Klederij: Childrens clothing up to size 140 are accepted.

These recommendations have been generated from responses on our Facebook page from multiple sources.The information is current as of the date of publication and has been updated by our editorial team.

photo credit: cherrypatter via photopin cc

The post Second-Hand Clothing Shops for Children appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

 1. Affiliate Cards

There are many affiliate cards out there which give you discounts on things you purchase. The Village Card is a great example for parents, thanks to the list of impressive family-friendly businesses it hosts. The card usually pays for itself within the first few uses. Always remember when shopping to ask the retailer if they are affiliated with any discount cards. You will be surprised where and how you can save money! A colleague of mine got her first physiotherapy session for free last month via the Village Card, a value of €35.

2. Shop Online, Get Cash Back

There are many websites that offer you ‘cashback’ if  you go through them for your final shopping destination. That’s right, cold cash goes back into your bank account, just because of an extra click on that browser. Buy children toys, reserve hotels or flights, order a book– the choices are limitless. Don’t worry, it’s safe and legal! A few examples: ShopBuddie, Lyoness and CashbackDeals. Recently, I received €28 cash back on hotels. 

3. Discount Codes

Look out for korting/discount codes and special offers on your shopping items. Whether it’s tickets to an amusement park, buying pampers online or ordering a new bed for your little one. A quick search can save you money. Try these websites: Kortingscode, Acties, and ActiePagina  Last month I saved €3.50 on tickets for an amusement park.

4. Points for Purchases

Many websites have point programs, where you accumulate points on purchases. An example is ippies.nl. You simply register with them, and each time you shop online, you go to the online store via ippies. Each purchase you make earns you points, which translate to direct cash, or credit to spend on ippies. You would be surprised how quickly these points accumulate for things you buy on a regular basis. You can even earn points while ordering a pizza! Also don’t forget to sign up to each store’s savings or spaarkart! Another tip: you can switch to a credit card which gives you points each time you use it. CreditCard-Vergelijk gives you a good overview of what is available. Last month’s pizza order accumulated €0.68 cents worth of points!

5. Comparison Websites

Before you buy anything, whether it’s for the kids of yourself, make use of comparison websites. These websites do the virtual ‘running around’ to find you the cheapest option. Whatever you are looking for, HAS a lowest price; It’s just a matter of finding it. There are a number of comparison apps and websites. Some apps have a built in code scanner, so you simply scan the barcode of the item you see, and voila!, the app gives you a list of stores nearby who are selling the same item for less. Try Vergelijk and Kelcoo. Last month, on purchasing an Air cooler, I saved €19 via a comparison website at the last minute.

6. Samples and Coupons

By signing up with websites such as Testmama, Gratisvoorvrouwen, and Proefmonsters, you can receive free sample products and coupons, everything from skin care products to Formula milk. Tip: create a separate email address specifically for this. It helps keep your personal email…well…personal. Also, keep an eye out for coupons in baby magazines you can sign up for. Last month we received 3 samples worth €18.50.

7. Children’s Savings Accounts 

Open up a savings account for your child! A lot of parents don’t think about doing this early enough, but it is a great way to save, and earn, money for your child. The four major banks in the Netherlands (ABN/ING/SNS/RABO) all provide different types of saving accounts for children. Let it sit for a few years with regular, small deposits and see how much you save without even realising. Try Consumentenbond for a comparison between different spaarrekening/bank accounts for children. On average I put in €10-15 in my kids Spaarrekkening account. He is 2.5 yrs old now. You do the math!

8. Toy Libraries

Recently, we bought a toy for our little one. He absolutely loved it; he was laughing, jumping, making cute baby faces and noises. He and the €20 caterpillar xylophone were inseparable… for a whole 3 minutes till he moved on to the next toy. Save money by borrowing toys and books at Speelotheeks! You can check out your local toy library or use their website to search for a speelotheek near you.

9. Buy, Sell, Share and Repeat

If you have your financial belt tightened, you can save a bundle by shopping second hand. Guess what? Kids don’t really care about the packaging, as long as it’s new to them. Try Marktplaats and Tweedehands. You can also swap amongst your community, friends and colleagues who have children. Last month, our friend donated their child’s hardly worn shoes to us. Retailing at €35, it was a no brainer.

10. Read the fine print

When doing your grocery shopping, don’t just look at the overall price of the item. Supermarkets are obliged to print the price per unit at the bottom of each price. This information tells you the actual cost of what you are going to buy. Also, almost all products come with a refund policy, so if you don’t like something you just bought, get a refund instead of throwing it in the bin. A refund may only cost you the price of a stamp! Put your bank account on a diet, and like most diets, the process will leave you better off and financially ‘healthier’. And remember, don’t shop cheaper, shop smarter. Happy saving!

The post 10 Ways to Shop Smart and Save Money appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

In a previous blog post not long ago, I talked about a woman in the Netherlands who wanted to return an article of clothing she had purchased and subsequently decided she didn’t want it. She was irate because the store would only offer her an exchange, and because she didn’t see anything else that interested her, she felt that she was entitled to a refund. I relayed how, in that situation, she was not entitled to a refund based on the laws that are in effect in the EU. It would have been a different story, had the garment been defective in some way. But it wasn’t, she simply had changed her mind.

I wanted to return to the subject of consumer rights because I was contacted by the director of the organization I had referred to in that blog, Europees Consumentem Centrum, who has graciously allowed me to link to the ECC Netherlands site for the answers to many questions a consumer may have regarding their rights in the EU. So, no matter where you live, if you are buying a product from a business established in an EU member country, you can find the answers to questions regarding your rights as a consumer with these links.

In this blog post, I’ll only focus on issues dealing with “distance shopping” (or buying online), since that really affects almost all of us, whether we live in the EU, US or elsewhere, if we happen to be buying online from a Dutch or European retailer. The following is a list of questions most consumers would ask and the appropriate link to the ECC website to see the answer.  I hope this helps any reader who comes into a situation where they need to know the rights they have.  And my thanks go out to Patricia de Bont, Director of the Dutch ECC.

• What does your “right to cancel” (“cooling off period”) entail?
• For which products do you have no right to cancel?
• Within what period must your order be delivered?
• What is the situation regarding products which are sent to you without having been ordered?
• How do you know whether you can trust a foreign trader?
• Who can you turn to, if you have a question or complaint?

* This article was originally published on Hollywood2Holland and has been reproduced on Amsterdam Mamas with full permission from the owner.

Photo credit: Jorge Franganillo via Flickr cc

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What is a consumenten koop (consumer purchase)?

We speak of a consumenten koop (consumer purchase) if a consumer buys a product from a seller, for example a shop. The consumenten koop is a verbal or written agreement between you and the seller, which brings rights and obligations to both parties.

For example, the agreed price has to be paid by you and the seller has to deliver a sound product. That means a product that meets certain requirements during a certain period of time when used as intended.

Regarding warranty there are a lot of misconceptions: Warranty means that the seller or manufacturer is able to deliver the quality of a product. Therefore, the legal right of a sound product always applies, also after the warranty period.

When do we speak of a koopovereenkomst?

A koopovereenkomst is an agreement to purchase, which can be done verbally or in writing. So verbally agreeing to purchase is as much an agreement as a signature for an order. You don’t have to pay for the product in order to agree to a koopovereenkomst.

What should I watch out for when I agree to a purchase?

When closing an agreement, make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions that apply (algemene voorwaarden). Read them or ask the seller what the most important clauses are.

If you agree to buy, general conditions usually apply – also referred to in Holland as de kleine lettertjes (small prints). These are drafted by the seller, sometimes in consultation with consumer organisations like the consumentenbond. The general conditions usually contain:

• Payment conditions
• Guarantee conditions
• The organization to which the seller maybe connected.
• How the company handles complaints.

What are my rights?

• Terms and conditions are only valid if you have accepted them.
• The seller must make the terms and conditions available to you without you asking for it. If this is not possible, the seller may send the conditions later.
• If you terminate the agreement, terms and conditions may also be provided via internet.
• If you have not been given terms and conditions then you are not bound to purchase.
• Terms and conditions must be reasonable. The law states a black and a grey list of examples of unreasonable conditions. If conditions are not reasonable, then you are not bound to purchase.
• Terms and conditions may not be modified by the seller, unless it is a change included in the agreement (amending clause).  Therefore terms and conditions have to indicate on what grounds changes can be made.
• The seller should deliver the amended terms to the customer in a timely manner. A general message or an entry in a newspaper is not enough.

I have regrets after having made a purchase. Can I undo the sale?

• If you buy a product in a shop you can undo the sale only if the seller agrees. Some resellers offer the possibility to cancel the purchase agreement under certain conditions, if the product is unused and undamaged. This is stated in the terms and conditions (algemene voorwaarden). For example: To exchange a product with refund within 7 days, one can pay a cancelation fee or get a voucher. To sum up: A sale is a sale; you can’t legally do much to undo it. Talk to the seller and see if you can come to a reasonable solution.
• If a product is defective, the seller cannot just give you a voucher in return: don’t accept it! Once you accept the voucher, you cannot claim anymore that your product is defective. (See “My purchase is broken (defective), what do I do?)

What are my rights?

• Exchanging goods is not a right but an extra service, for which terms apply. Make sure these terms apply and find out what they entail.
• When you buy a product at a distance, for example via internet or over the phone, a distance contract apply: you legally have 7 working days to change your mind (bedenktijd) and can send the product back. For products sold at the door (colportage) you have 8 days.

I bought a product that is defective. What can I do?

Go back to the seller. You are entitled to a replacement or reparation, unless the seller can prove that the product has been used in the wrong manner.

What are my rights?

If your purchase within six months of delivery (receiving the goods) has a defect that is not caused by wear and tear and was used as it was intended (according to manual), the law assumes the product is defective. You are entitled to a free replacement or reparation, unless the seller can prove that the product has been used in the wrong manner.  This should be done in a reasonable time, without too much disruption. If the reparation takes longer than 3 weeks, then you can request to borrow a replacement for the time being. If the seller cannot repair or replace it within a reasonable time, you can undo the sale and request a refund.

What should I do?

• Contact the seller and explain that you used the product according to instructions but it broke nevertheless. Ask for a solution (reparation or replacement).
• If the seller cannot repair or replace it within a reasonable time, you can request to borrow a replacement for the time being or undo the sale and request a refund.

If the defect of your product occurs outside of the guarantee period, you will have to prove that the defect was not caused by wear and tear or wrong usage. If this can be proven, the same as above applies. However, if the reparations makes the product last longer, the seller can ask you to contribute to the reparation.

Beware! You can only request a refund if:

• You have given the seller the opportunity to repair or replace the goods
• The seller cannot or will not repair or replace the goods in a reasonable term
• The goods are still defect after numerous repairs

I have a complaint, what can I do?

Have you not been treated well by the seller? Or doesn’t the seller keep to the agreement? First try to explain your complaint to the seller. What are you not satisfied about? What were your expectations and what have your received? Stay neutral and business-like. Threats, insults and anger will only work against you.

Wait for the seller to suggest a reasonable solution. If not, propose a solution. Always make sure you ask for the name of the person you are speaking to. This increases their engagement in coming to a solution and also gives you a name to fall back on. Also ensure you take notes of what was agreed and when the conversation took place, just in case the matter is not resolved. Important promises that were made should be put in writing.

What if the seller disregards my complaint?

Send the seller a letter with your complaint. Describe the solution and how you expect the seller to comply with it. Give the seller 3 weeks to reply. It is best to have the letter sent registered. The letter should also describe any suffered damages and what actions will follow if the matter is not resolved. Request a written answer to prevent the seller from calling you. Also it might be necessary to build up a case. If the seller has an official complaint procedure, make sure you follow this when sending your complaint. Do not use the online “contact form” as you will not get a confirmation of receipt.

If after four weeks you have not received an answer or the answer is not to your satisfaction, you can file a formal complaint via de geschillencommissie. Please note, you can only file a complaint if you have written a letter to the seller.

If the seller is not affiliated to de geschillencommissie, you can enable legal aid. You can check if the seller (or its branch organization) is affiliated with the geschillencommissie.

How do warranties work?

There are two types of warranty:

• Legal warranty
• Extended warranty

You always have legal warranty during the first 6 months. Extra guarantee can be offered by the shop or manufacturer at its discretion.

Sometimes a manufacturer offers an extended warranty, if you register the product. The extended warranty can comprise longer warranty period or warranty on more parts. Usually registration is online: you complete a form with details about yourself and your purchase.

If the purchase has a defect during the warranty period, then you can assume that the product is faulty. The seller or manufacturer will repair or replace it. However, this only applies if you have used the product as it is intended.

If the warranty period has expired, this doesn’t mean you don’t have any rights. Also after this period, you retain the right to a faultless product.

What are my rights?

• If a product shows a defect within 6 months, the law assumes the product is defective. The seller has to prove the opposite, by for example showing that the product was not used as intended.
• Also in case of extended warranty, the seller/manufacturer must prove that the product is flawless and that the defect does not fall under the warranty. If he cannot prove it, the problem must be resolved.
• Extended warranty is an addition to the legal warranty and none of the rights may be restricted or excluded.
• Outside the warranty period, you can always claim your product is defective, as the seller is legally bound to deliver a flawless product.
• When a product is defective, this doesn’t mean that you regret your purchase (even though you do!) so the seller cannot just give you a voucher.
• Make sure you inform the seller of the defect as soon as possible and within 2 months of discovering the problem. You are within time according to the law.

For more information about consumer rights in the Netherlands, please visit: www.consumenteninformatiepunt.nl and (in Dutch) www.consumentenbond.nl

photo credit: HikingArtist.com via photopin cc

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Centrum

Hebbes in Speelgoed In the busy Harlemmerdijk, Hebbes in Speelgoed stocks a good range of wooden toys, toy kitchen equipment, Sylvanian Famillies, puzzles and books. Brands include Brio, Djeco, Barbapapa, Happy Horse and Nijntje.

De Kleine Eland A packed-to-the-rafters store in the Jordaan carries a wide range of toys, from wooden ride-on toys hanging from the ceiling, miniatures for dolls houses, dress-up clothes, wooden toys for babies to train sets (and everything in between). A large draw-factor to the store is the railway set at the back which your children can play with while you shop.

Tinkerbell Toys Located in the famous Spiegelkwartier, one of the attractions of Tinkerbell Toys is the 2-foot bear in front of the store, who blows bubbles all day long! Tinkerbell’s collection includes a great range of Schleich toys, train sets and science and nature toys. There is a small train set inside for small children to play with.

Gone with the Wind The first thing you notice about Gone with the Wind is their beautiful selection of mobiles, but they also have a large range of wooden toys including Knikkerbaans, construction toys, train sets and puzzles and also ride ons and larger toys such as dolls houses and farms. Their brands include Djeco, Kapla, Brio and Pintoy. Located on the Vijzelstraat.

The Gamekeeper For the older child, check out the games specialist in the Centrum area which stocks a large range of board games.

Mechanisch Speelgoed Another packed-to-the-rafters toy store in the heart of Jordaan, this store stocks over 2,500 toys. It specialises in mechanical robots and vintage-style toys. Check out their large range of snow domes and wind up toys.

West

Goochem Goochem is quite a large store near the Overtoom, with a good range of ride-on toys, blocks and building toys. Their range also includes HABA, Steiff, Brio and Kapla.

Wijs West A concept store in the West along popular Bilderdijkstraat, this cute store stocks ride on toys, plush and clothes. Wijs West also has a cafe and toy area for mothers, prams and toddlers to enjoy a cuppa, browse the stores and have a moment to chat with other mothers!

Schinkelbuurt

Imagine A lovely little shop on the Amstelveenseweg that has been running for over 10 years. Toys are arranged by age range. There is also a clothing selection and a mama recommended children’s hairdresser in store.

De Pijp

Mikado On the Albert Cuypstraat, Mikado’s range is small but carefully chosen and includes wooden toys, puzzles, ride-ons, mobiles and room decorations. The owner is very accommodating and happy to order in any requests.

Spellenwinkel Friends and Foes On Roelof Hartstraat across the canal from De Pijp specialises in board games from the most classic to cutting edge and is ready to advise you on a game that will keep friends and family happy and involved.

Zuid

De Zaailing De Zaailing is an anthroposophic store on the Ruysdaelstraat, which offers, not only a great range of wooden toys (including Plan Toys, Pintoy and Selecta), but also natural craft supplies (for young and old), felting kits, Steiner-type dolls, puppets, and gorgeous clothing for children and adults made from natural materials. They also have a good range of Schleich animals, books for adults and children (in Dutch) and outdoor toys.

Cedille This spacious store at the Gelderlandplein is packed full of toys, furniture and costumes for children.

Rivierenbuurt

Oude Muis, Kleine Beer is located on the Scheldestraat and has attractively-displayed toys with an old-fashioned feel.

De Winkel van Ninjtje (The Miffy Shop) This store is also on the Scheldestraat and sells everything Nijntje.

Chain/Online Stores

De Bijenkorf Amsterdam’s largest department store overlooks Dam Square and has a decent range including Janod, Brio, EverEarth, Nijntje, Lego, Hasbro and Ravensburger.

Hema has its own selection of low-priced toys, both wooden and plastic, as well as a good range of craft supplies.

You can also find a large selection of toys at Intertoys, and most Blokker and Kruidvat stores offer a small range of inexpensive toys and games.

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