After hearing about this place for months I decided to stop in on a weekday in search of some sun hats for my little one. Wow! Does this place have the baby stuff! Floor to ceiling, you're sure to not leave empty handed. As a consignment store, several patrons were selling their children items and there were a few shopping. The swim selection is HUGE! There was a large wire basket of sun hats that required some digging on my end, but it paid off with two hats by the brand, RuffleButts that retail for $28 online and I scored them for $2.50 each. Definitely pack your patience because there is a lot to go through, but it is organized by category and size and you'll leave with great savings! read more

Love this spot! Amazing selection and prices, especially the toys and games. I make it a point to visit whenever I am in the area- I've found many gems here and it's always so fun to shop, especially with my toddler, she has a ball! The cashiers have always been very sweet and helpful as well. read more

Staff is always nice and helpful. Never had a bad experience in my many years of frequenting this location!

Big store. Nice variety on everything! Will come back to buy but never ever again to sell. Sadly I drove a chunk of miles and gave the store an opportunity (considering the reviews). With a couple bags of clean, almost new clothes and they just did a mess with the clothes and gave me back almost all clothes. Me being pregnant I have to take the mess that they did and put it back on the floor on the bags. They had the bags. What they told me they are right now full on those sizes and have no space for it. AT LEAST put them back on the bag if you didn't take anything. read more

Staff is kind and helpful! Prices are fair with so many beautiful options. My kids even love going! One of our all time favorites is Once Upon a Child! read more

0 star. The owner is a liar! Heavy build with dirty blonde hair shoulder length and eye glasses. She approached my fiancé and I about backpacks not being allowed in store after showing her it's was a transparent pet carrier she then stayed no pets are allowed in the store. I stayed in the store to check out the purchase with the store cashier. I received a call from my fiancé who stated that police officers in 3 suv's were approaching the store and he found that odd. So I tell the cashier give me a second while I step out to see what's going on. When I stepped out the officer approached us and said he received a complaint from the store that we were shop lifting. We explained that the owner had approached us about a backpack policy but showed the officer our transparent pet carrier and informed him of the entire interaction with the owner. He asked for for our license and told us we were free to go. How do you assume someone is shoplifting with a clear netted pet carrier? Why lie to police dispatch to get officers to arrive to the store as if someone is shoplifting when in fact you knew we weren't? The whole situation was pointless and a total embarrassment. I left all the items on the counter because I refuse to spend a dime in that place when you're lying and treating people in such a manner. If I can sue them I would! This incident occurred on 10/13/2025. I wonder if the owner name is Karen hmmm read more

So very thankful for the change in ownership. Jess and her family have completely changed the environment of Once upon a child. You can feel the change in atmosphere when you walk in, no longer are the days of employees who seem to dislike their job. Now you walk in and you can tell by the atmosphere that the employees enjoy their job. The selection is great and there is so much more stuff to shop through now that they have expanded. Which has made a huge difference in the shopping experience as well. Not only is the shopping experience so much better, Jess really does a lot for the community. She gathers stuff for the Milwaukee diaper mission, and does a lot for the foster community. If you haven't shopped here since the new ownership took over, I highly recommend taking a chance and ignoring the reviews from past ownership. read more

It's a second hand store and we tried to give them some old gems, and they said it wouldn't sell well.... like what?! They tried to keep it in a 3 year style range and we brought cute crop tops, crewneck and a ton of other stuff. It isn't supposed to boutique clothes...this worker said there was stains and maybe there were a couple but there we're not stains on ALL the clothes we brought. We didn't even need money for these clothes we just wanted to donate them. Welp, now we are donating all of it to our fav thrift store Goodwill! read more

Wanted to update my review now that the store is under new ownership. The store is twice the size now and there is so much to choose from. Clothes and shoes are in good/great condition. If I have a specific need for my kids (black dress pants, snow boots, etc.) I always go here first! read more

I'm so thankful for this store! We have a fast -growing boy, who seemingly needs new clothes every couple months! Everything is priced reasonably, and there is a great selection. Whenever I ask for help, someone is happily willing to answer my questions. I haven't sold to them yet, but I see people coming in all the time with big baskets of items! There are often sales and promotions that make some items even more affordable! My kid would never be wearing names brands like Polo and Tommy Bahama, if they weren't deeply discounted here! And I feel good knowing that we're giving these clothes and toys a new life with us! read more

I am shocked that they only have 2 stars, I've been a patron at Once Upon a Child for a few months- although I have yet to see their expanded space- and I gotta say, I love them. They run these stuff the bag sales/clear the rack sales and because of those, I'm a fan, although I have stopped in on other days as well. Their selection is pretty great, although there have been some items that have seen better days- but that's the territory of shopping secondhand. The place can get busy but their staff have always been attentive and kind and I always recommend them when looking for stuff for your kiddos on a budget. read more

Excellent selection, wonderful staff--this is a fantastic business. I truly appreciate the low prices.

I love shopping at Once Upon a Child since they changed ownership. The new owner has expanded the physical space, completely organized the merchandise (making it much easier to find what I'm looking for). The staff is friendly, helpful and apparently well-trained. The new owner stocks items that are in very good to excellent condition. I buy clothing for children sizes 2T to size 10....they do carry all children's sizes. The prices are very fair for used clothing, and their frequent sales make the items even more affordable. I highly recommend Once Upon a Child. read more

The updated space is large and there is a lot of inventory. Unfortunately, the last 3 times we've made a purchase we found holes, tears or stains on our items. The last time we were in, my daughter had her heart set on a pair of shoes and when I inspected them, the side of the sole was separated from the shoe. I pointed it out and we were given a large discount on the shoes, which was appropriate. I just can't bring myself to continue to shop in this store because it doesn't seem that items are being adequately inspected before being put on the sales floor. Given the prices, I expect items to be in better condition. read more

We went to this store my daughter, granddaughter, & hubby. We were in line waiting to pay while in line a large sized woman with glasses on who worked for the store carrying a large blue tote/bin & just rudely ran into my granddaughter in the cart, ran into me holding my purchases. read more

I love this store for gently used kids clothes and shoes. Now that the store has doubled in size (!) there is so much more selection and room to shop. Whenever my son needs baseball cleats we always go here first (and we always find a good pair here!). I also loved this store for party dresses for my daughter when she was in elementary school - many of the dresses were like new! The staff I have interacted with are friendly and helpful. read more

First of all, when I called to ask if they were taking drop offs...the answer was yes, with no stipulations. When I got there with a carload of barely used items, I was told we could have a limit of 2-18 gallon containers. I went to my car, rearranged my dropoff to 3 small containers (less than the specified size in total). When I carried my items in...the older lady (owner, supervisor...?) looked at my things and snorted. She said "First of all we don't take this, that & that", then..."you are only allowed 2 containers". So VERY RUDE!!!!!!!!! I felt like I was bothering HER! In the end, they took 2 items. Seriously?! I have sold to OUAC for YEARS!!!!!!! I will be donating my items to charity in the future. Never going back to this one! read more

I remember the first time I came into the store after Jess took over, and it was a night and day difference. She went out of her way to help me find the car seat adapters I needed for our foster babes stroller, and made sure they were right up front for me when I came to grab them. The atmosphere from the previous owner was terrible, it was depressing, cold and didn't give off the vibe that people enjoyed working there. Now walking in, it's a warm and inviting place and it seems as though the employees are happy to be working there. With three kids under 4, thankful for a place I can go and stock up on clothes for the kids. read more

Nice , clean, newly remodeled and expanded store. The new management has done a great job with the store. Always has new trendy, name brand items for a fraction of the price. Anything I don't want to pay for full price I can guarantee to find in store. Nice selection of Nike/Jordan and other top brands. I've been shopping at this establishment for years and understand people frustration with the previous owner, but the owner is awesome. If you had a bad experience the past, I would definitely give them a second chance with the new management. read more

Very impressed with the new management that has taken over the store. They have a great selection of everything you need for young kids. There is an endless amount of clothes of all styles and sizes! Plus, there is everything you need as a new parent from strollers to high chairs to toys. This is my go to place for all friends and families to get stuff for the new little ones. The prices can't be beat! Highly recommend!! read more

I was so pleasantly surprised with my experience today, especially after some reviews I've seen. I was greeted pleasantly when I first walked in and helped immediately. Ultimately not all of the items I brought in were bought but considering the amount they took I was surprised when they offered me $60. Everyone was extremely professional and polite. read more

Nice and clean and the new management has done a great job with the store. Always has new trendy, and name brand item for a fraction of the price. Anything I don't want to pay for full price I can guarantee to find in store. Nice selection of Nike/Jordan and other top brands. read more

I enjoy shopping here. I like how organized everything is, super easy to find whatever you're looking for. I haven't sold anything to them before though read more

Total rip-off. Buys items at ridiculously low price. Wouldn't supply a detailed breakdown of items.

I've been to this store a couple of times now. I drive an hour and let me tell you it's worth it! I have found so many great items at reasonable prices and the staff is wonderful! If you haven't stopped by...you should! read more

Owner is uninformed on compassion and well being of customers and employees. She is outright racist and is back and forth on her own words about what people can come and bring their items in to sell in, some days bags are okay other days bags are denied and most of the time the bags that are denied are of POC. As the days of Covid restrictions continue to be in place at her store she could go about it in a more friendly way and not bark orders at people. Beware of your surroundings while shopping at the brookfield once upon a child, as the owner talks behind customer and employees backs while they're are either working or shopping. It's not a shock to why the owner is trying to sell the store, please take your business elsewhere until the new owner takes over, save yourself from discriminatory behavior. read more

I normally love shopping and selling at this store, but unfortunately this evening (8/6) was the worst customer service experience I have ever had at a store. I decided to do some shopping while I waited for my items and heard the employees make very rude comments about some of my things. I understand if something is not the style you are looking for but saying "eww" and "no that's not cute" etc is not necessary. Also the amount of customer bashing on customers who had left the store was unacceptable. When it was time to purchase I was asked to "put the items on the counter" with zero eye contact or friendliness. Please do some customer service training because otherwise I normally love shopping here. read more

Total waste of time. Despite the mixed reviews we traveled over an hour to sell to this store. I sorted out all spring and summer with plans to come back in the fall with fall and winter. There are a bunch of young teenage girls working that didnt really seem to be fully trained. They passed on a lot of items, when I asked why they blurted a generic line of "due to age and stains". I promise nothing in that basket was stained. We had these items packed for another potential child. Why would I save items that are stained? Plus half the basket was purchased last summer, so it was gently worn by one child and less than a year old. Our two girls did not line up season wise so all the items were like new and name brand. read more

Everything is so organized. It makes it incredibly easy to shop. There is a huge selection for all sizes. I've found brand name clothes for very cheap and I've made money selling there multiple times. They get through the lines quickly. 10/10 would recommend. read more

I love this store! I have four grandkids and I always find something for them to wear or play with. This store also has great deals on gently used baby equipment! One of my favorite stores! read more

As a seller: They don't pay out very well and have appalling customer service/employees. While it was slightly better last time I was there nothing will undo the damage the employee who flat out insulted and degraded my kids toys in front of her did. Meanwhile, I took the biggest item elsewhere and it sold before they even finished my buy. My "old" (pro tip wooden = Montessori not old), "ugly" and "no one wants" item. They have told me to fix something and bring it back, which I've done, only to have them then reject the item saying they never wanted it. As a buyer: you have to work hard to find good quality stuff worth the higher than average resale prices they change. Buyer and seller beware. read more

The store is well organized and has tons of clothes for children of all ages! The clothes are in good condition and can find lots of seasonal items. read more

Overpriced used children's clothing! I could buy the same clothes new and on-sale from the original retail store. Manager was argumentative and unwilling to reconsider the price when I pointed this out. FYI: Children's clothing at Goodwill are 1/2 the price. read more

Definitely a complete turn around with the new owners! I decided to come back and give it a try and I was not disappointed! Very friendly and welcoming, which is a big change! Fair prices. I'm happy we can feel comfortable coming here again for both selling and shopping. read more

Trigger warning Racism and verbal abuse I don't typically write bad reviews unless faced with a awful experience. My experience at once apon a child was nothing short of Outstandingly horrific. The store as a whole was decent. Fairly big but a little pricey considering everything is used. It was my experience at the cheek out line where my experience went from average to horrible. When I got in line I noticed the owner of the store raising her voice at another employee. The poor girl looked shocked and embarrassed. The owner continued to yell at her for taking a card that wasn't allowed. The employee being yelled at tried to explain she was new and didn't know. She was frantically trying to apologize to the owner while the owner continued to yell and belittle her. I found it incredibly unprofessional that she would yell at an employee at all but much less in front of customers. To make matters worse the owner said something that left me Appalled and Dumbfoundead. The owner proceeded to ask the employee If it was "that black family that was in here a minute ago". Hesitantly the employee said yes witch then the owner followed by saying "you can't just take that kind of money from those kinds of people you never know with them" . She then left her shaking and almost crying employee to check out the rest of the people in line. I left without buying anything. I will never go back again. read more

I was very much looking forward to visiting this place given that our second child, a boy, is due in a few weeks. Unfortunately, I was completely underwhelmed by this place. The previous yelper mentioned how picky they are here which indicated excellent quality. I couldn't disagree more. Most everything was overpriced and in average condition. I saw very little good to excellent shape. I picked up a car seat cover to find quite a bit if hair attached to the inside -gross! The shoe bins are filled with overpriced crappy shoes. The strollers and other baby gear quality varied greatly but were all overpriced. They have a walker that currently retails at Walmart for about $29.99 that they're selling at $20 - that's hardly a deal. Many of their toys are filthy and most - like everything else - are overpriced. I'm bummed. Truly, I was looking forward to this being a go-to place . It's just not worth it when I can shop sales and come at or slightly above their prices. I'd much rather go that route than navigate through this over cramped and over priced mess of a place. read more

It is a waste of My time and energy. Had a horrible experience from the rudeness and snotty staff. Telling me it would b a few hours then went all the way home and it was less than a Hour. They didn't take any of my barely worn gap and other name brand clothes cause they were apparently more than two seasons old? I have seen some of the crap and it's not name brand and looks crappy. 3 bins of great cloths and only got $10!!! WASTE of my gas and time and energy read more

As a buyer, I find the store to be reasonable. As a seller I went in today to sell some items and was chastised by a saleslady. Her tone was rude and I felt unnecessary. I really do think the store needs a management overhaul. read more

Bought a baby gate and when I took it out of the box (2 weeks later) it was broken and they won't let me return it, because it's been two weeks. I said it was never used but they are still being difficult. I told them to look over what they are selling before they charge $30 for something that's unable to be used! read more

Once Upon a Child - Thrift Stores Near Me - Brookfield, Wisconsin

Extremely disappointed in my experience selling at Once Upon a Child in Brookfield. Dropped off a bin today full of Umi shoes and some clothes just before 1pm. Waiting for a call all afternoon and had to go to and event at 6:30. Missed the voicemail at 6:55 saying "they're sorry it's so late but everything needs to be picked up by 8 or they'll donate the items, including the bin." Called before closing and explained that with such short notice before closing, I couldn't get there tonight. The person who answered refused to work with me, saying "it's our policy." I found it very surprising they'd call so close to closing and the employee claims she tried to call me at 3:30 but my phone just rang. Given that I gave my cell phone, which goes to voicemail if I can't answer, coupled with the fact that there i have no missed call from them before 6:55, this is a highly unlikely claim. Really surprised that this is how they do business. read more