There is nothing I love more than going shopping, especially when it comes to kids wear. As a mother of three I'm constantly on the prowl for outfitting my kids. Whether they are off to school, a play date, or just the back yard they need to have the proper attire. But how do you find great clothes for kids when dollars need to be stretched thin?
Here are just a few tips on how to get a bigger bang for your buck when it comes to kids clothes.
1. Start a clothing fund. Most of us already have them savings accounts. Stash a few dollars here and a few dollars there away in savings. By creating a clothing fund you are not only putting cash back for future purchases but allowing the bank to contribute in interest every month to your cause. Next time you run by that really great deal on coats at the mall you'll be prepared.
2. Stick to the essentials. Little Joey doesn't need twelve pairs of shoes two or three is best. Little girls might need a few more than boys, but you get the idea. Kids' closets are like our own, they tend to fill up fast with clothes they never wear. Every few months go through your child clothes and weed out items unworn or too small. This is a great time to determine what needs replaced. By replacing only a few items at a time it saves money and space in your closet.
3. Children grow out of clothes too fast to get your money's worth out of buying a brand new outfit. Browse the clearance racks, and think ahead. Sometimes I purchase larger sizes if I find a great deal and keep it in a plastic tub for when my child moves up to the next size.
4. Co-signment shops are great! Take in the clothing your child has out grown for credit and pick out new clothes they can wear. If you stop in regularly, once a week or so, there are a lot of wonderful finds for you children's attire. My son's favorite jacket and most of his jeans have come from such a type of shop.
5. Ebay. Yep, that's right! You can tons of kids clothes, new with tags, for a fraction of the cost. You can also sell out grown clothes of your own on here to finance new purchases.
6. Yard Sales and Thrift shops are loaded with kids' clothes. Some things like faded jeans never go out of style, even for a toddler. If you like to sew bring home your new finds and dress them up with ribbon, buttons, and other accessories to create a whole new piece to meet your child's style.
7. Let's not forget those hand-me-downs. Take them! If they don't fit now, they will later. If there's a stain somewhere on them, toss them in the play clothes pile. And if there is absolutely no way your kid will wear them; you can sell them or drop them off at the co-signment shop in exchange for ones they will.
8. You don't hear of them very often, but Clothing circles or swaps are another good way to get your kids dressed up. If you're a member of a group like MOPS or another children's playgroup you can organize a day and time where every one brings in discarded clothing to trade. This is not usually a even trade, you'll find one mom with an arm full of clothes and another with one or two pieces. The left over clothes are usually donated to a local organization or thrift shop.
9. If you have more than one child the same gender then save the older child's clothes for the younger one to wear. This will save you a TON of cash in the long run. Especially if you still intended to increase your family size.
10. It never fails when birthdays and Christmas roll around for relatives to be asking what your child needs or wants. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of it. Make a list of what clothing items your child needs and what his/her sizes are to give to those who ask. If they receive cash, put the money towards that pair of Nikes they've been wanting.
Use the tips above and start stretching your dollars for their value. Your kids will thank you when they are older.