Fruit picking in Geneva is one of the most fun, nature-in-the-city activities you can offer your kids. From Spring to early autumn, you can pick up different kinds of fruits, veggies, and even flowers all around Geneva and Vaud.
Buying second hand, you can save money, save the planet, help people in need, and change your kids toys often. Sounds attractive enough? Well, to top that let me also tel you there is nothing you can’t buy second hand, so, here’s a guide to second hand shopping places in Geneva (and online).
And there’s something very special in second-hand market in Geneva – it’s international, multicultural, and very diverse, so just be patient, dig well, and you’ll find pearls for a penny. But be careful: it’s addictive.
Facebook groups: Baby&Child (over 8k members), New&Never Used, Buy and Sell in the Greater Geneva Region, Buy & sell Items for kids Switzerland, and many more. (English spoken)
ricardo.ch – think of it as a trilingual e-bay (French, Italian, German). On Ricardo you can shop both second hand and brand new, and there’s probably nothing you can’t find there.
anibis.ch – using this site will surely one day be one of the musts to check to obtain the red passport, it’s THAT local.
ONLINE ADDRESSES
videdressing.ch – good brands, secure selling process, no pick up – all straight to your inbox. Also check out the equivalent in France, and have it deliver to any Point Relais close to the border.
Mon Vide Dressing – have just found it now while googling for something else, but it looks good!
CSP – Le Centre Social Protestante. They have 2 big shops with furniture, toys, carpets, china, appliances, and more in Plan les Ouates, and in Meyrin (this one is the biggest in the canton). There also 4 CSP boutiques in the city offering clothes, and porcelaine but at a higher price than the “brocantes”. And when you’re finally get to uncluttering your house, they will happily come and collect, or with smaller items, drove over and donate.
Caritas: 9 second hand boutiques in Geneva, and a big shop with furniture etc. in Plan les Ouates.
Emmaus – like CSP, Emmaus is a charity shop. Located in Carouge it usually has a very nice selection of antique (and modern) furniture, pianos, carpets, porcelain, appliances, toys, clothes, and art.
Vet’Shop – these are Red Cross’ shops in Geneva. This list explains what you can find in every one of them.
Vide Grenier – this local flea markets are a mine gold. Check this website for an vide grenier agenda in Geneva, Vaud, the rest of Switzerland, and the neighboring France.
Plainpalais flea market on Wednesdays, and Sundays. It’s big and rich, and a must to visit every now and then.
OFFLINE ADDRESSES
Emmaus – like CSP, Emmaus is a charity shop. Located in Carouge it usually has a very nice selection of antique (and modern) furniture, pianos, carpets, porcelain, appliances, toys, clothes, and art.
Vet’Shop – these are Red Cross’ shops in Geneva. This list explains what you can find in every one of them.
International Children’s Clothing and Toys Sale – happens two times a year and is a must place if you’re up for second hand.
Salvation Army (Arme de Salut) – a very good brocante in Eaux Vives.
Carte Blanche – another charity with a brocante in Meyrin. They have everything, including a restaurant 2 streets away from the brocante.
The question about family friendly restaurants in Geneva came up so frequently on Facebook, that it would be a shame not to make a list of what’s out there.
One of the first realizations of new parents in Geneva is the pricing of activities for kids. From softplay to baby swimming everything seems expensive. But if you dig deep enough, you’ll also find kids activities for free in Geneva! (more…)
You planned a walk by the lake but it’s raining cats and dogs? Parentville to the rescue! Here’s some simple propositions to ensure you have fun on a rainy Sunday in Geneva with kids! If you’d like us to add a place to that list, so we could share it with other parents, let us know! (more…)
After seeing questions about where to cut kids hair in Geneva, come up so frequently in so many parenting groups, I decided it’s time for a list. I’m glad I am not the only one not being able/having guts to cut my child’s hair with my own hands.
You’ve visited all the parks and playgrounds and paddling pools already? You need a new place, an adventure? This list should is meant to be an inspiration. I hope you’ll discover more than I came up with. Here’s your list for great kids’ summer in Geneva (tots & preschoolers). (more…)
Weather for fashion, because of allergies, or other health-related issues, many families are switching for vegan, or close to vegan, diets. People go vegan all the way, or start to avoid everything cow’s milk related, or find other combinations. For all these reasons, and all these types of diets, vegan restaurants are very useful! (more…)
When they are born, we, the parents, need to be with adults from time to time, to prevent our speech turning completely into baby’s gaga gugu. Later, when they are older, we have to find places for them to burn the energy, and to spend times with their peers. In an offline city like Geneva, finding playgroups, classes, course, is not an easy task. This list will help you out. (more…)