by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: April 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2011

As any parent can tell you, kids clothing is expensive.  Finding a bargain on childrens clothing takes more time and effort . One rule to follow is,  never pay full price, period.  Set a budget and stick to it religiously.  Once you know the absolute dollar amount you have to spend,  you can design a strategy for getting what you need within these limits. Be creative, think outside the box and be strong, there will be temptations along the way.

Watch for sales

This seems obvious but many people just don't take the time to check sales brochures. In many areas  Kohl's and Macy's offer weekly sales, often with coupons and sometimes with additional bonus' like $10 free gift cards with every $50 purchased. JCPenney also offers good deals especially at seasons end.

Check out the websites of the major retailers

This week Kohl's is offering the same sales on line as in the store with free shipping on orders of $75 or more. JCPenney's is offering the same deal for orders of $69. The benefit of on line shopping is that it cuts down on impulse buying which even the strongest of us have been known to succumb to.

Auction sites

eBay is a great place to look for kids clothing. You can find designer duds with the tags still on for a fraction of their retail price. For example  a friend recently purchased three little dress suits for her three youngest sons for under $50. This included the jackets, pants, vests, ties and shirts., try finding that in a department store.

Off price retailers

Marshalls and TJ Maxx all offer top brands at sharply discounted prices. This will be the best brands so it may be a little more expensive than say a big box store like Walmart but these are top designer quality clothing .

Big box retailers

When it comes to jeans you can shop Walmart, lets face it Levis are Levis and if Walmart has the best price that is where you should get them. There are times when you have to buy something right now today and when it is a name brand that Walmart carries they will probably have one of the best prices just because of the volume of business they do.

Consignment shops

This is a great way to find new or nearly clothes for your children. Prices won't be as low as at a thrift shop but the items will for the most part be in better condition.

Thrift stores

Goodwill and Salvation Army just to name two are great places to poke around and you can find amazing bargains. You won't usually find brand new clothes but for play clothes this is the way to go. Children are so tough on their play clothes that being a little warn to begin with is a non issue.

Swap clothes

Hand me downs are a god send to any mother. If you haven't done so already, start talking it up with friends who also have children. Make a day of it, have all the mothers bring the clothes to one location, have coffee, tea, snacks, let the kids play and the adults can swap clothes, It is a great help to all the families. You can even do it on a bigger scale getting the whole school involved for school aged children. Most parents are in the same boat. 

Tag and rummage sales

Pack up the kids and hit the road on a Saturday morning and you will find loads of tag sales. For the occasional rummage sale,  check around,  churches especially have seasonal rummage sales.

You now have the tools to stretch the money in your budget to its maximum limits. A good budget shopper may even end up with a little left over for a splurge.

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