When I first heard about the IBU Family Resource Group, it was from a veteran bargain hunter who spoke in hushed and awed tones about their famous Charity Jumble Sale. Not wanting to be overheard in case someone else might benefit from this nugget of information, she whispered conspiratorially about the barely worn branded baby clothes and baby gear she found at the Jumble Sale – all bought for a fraction of their retail price! At the time, I was heavily pregnant and within days of giving birth. Plus, I had already spent what felt like enough money to fund a small nation on baby necessities. I was sorely tempted to go but practicality (and my sore, swollen feet) prevailed. Little did I know what I would be missing.
Who is IBU?
IBU has been around since 1989. That makes it 33 years old this year! It is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation and it was the first parenting support network in Malaysia and remains popular with expats and locals till today. Their main goal is and has always been to support mothers with young children. They run playgroups, support groups, workshops and events – all fun, family-oriented. 
The beneficiaries of this year’s unsold donations at the IBU Family Bazaar 2022 IBU booth will go to Toy Libraries Malaysia, a non-profit organisation which strives to provide underprivileged children in Malaysia better access to toys, and Jumble Station, a community outreach initiative by the NGO Parents Without Borders to help raise funds for single parents. As a token of appreciation, every box/bag of goods donated to the IBU booth will receive a voucher from Bo Avocado, and a voucher to be used at the IBU Jumble Sale section. Time to start decluttering your house and and giving your kids’ pre loved toys a new home!
In 2018, I missed out on several good buys by mere minutes, which included a selection of well-made toddler clothes that were exactly my son’s size and a gently loved Hape kitchen playset! I’m still heartbroken and am determined not to make the same mistake. So I went directly to the source the year after and asked IBU for some insider jumble sale shopping tips.Â
1. Get there early
Most of the hot items (strollers, car seats, safety gates, play kitchens, dollhouses, etc.) will go within the first hour- so do get there early.
If you are planning on signing up as an IBU members at the Bazaar, being early will also ensure that you will be able to get your hands on a free goodie bag (limited to the first 50 sign ups) that’s worth at least RM120- the same cost as an annual IBU membership!
2.Make a wish list
Write down/visualise/pray for what you want and keep a keen eye out for them. There will be a lot of things on display, so the list will help to keep you focused (this works 50% of the time as there are sure to be many attractive bargains).
3. Scavenge
Be prepared to look carefully through boxes and baskets, around and under tables – sellers may have kept some things out of harm’s way.
4. Rinse, Repeat
Make repeat rounds of the tables – new things may be uncovered by other shoppers’ browsing.
5. Bargain with a smile
If you are buying multiple items, ask for a discount with a smile – you never know. But don’t be unreasonable as sellers deserve a decent price for good quality items.
6. Fuel up
Grab some yummy refreshments available at the bazaar or at many of the cafes found at The School, Jaya One.
7. Playtime for the kids
There will be lots of fun activities to keep your children busy, so schedule and strategise how you can use this to your benefit. Bring along your partner and have him bring the kids around, keep a specific play area as a reward after your kids have followed you around bargain hunting, or head there early (remember point 1?) to ensure you can get hold of a free babysitter from Kiddocare (you read that right, Kiddocarers will be available for free on site)!
8. Divide and conquer
Shop with a friend and share your wish list so you can cover the tables in half the time. Or take turns minding the kids, while the other hunts for bargains.
9. Be prepared
Bring small change and enough cash.
10.Be a bag lady
Bring bags (the IKEA ones are great) or a trolley-bag so you can cart back your haul comfortably. I’ve personally seen shoppers make multiple trips back to their car with their hoard.
IBU will be selling reusable shopping bags at RM5 if you end up buying more than you can carry!
Happy bargain hunting #makchicmumsquad!
