With summer fast approaching, I frequently find myself preparing my children’s wardrobes, replacing out-of-season attire with the right set for the coming weather. As any parent with growing kids knows, the cost of clothing can quickly mount. I’m always on a hunt for cost-effective strategies to shop for kids’ clothes while ensuring sufficient quantity and variety to roll over the season.
If, like me, you’re dreading the constant expense on summer, winter or back-to-school clothes only to witness your child outgrow them within months, I have got you some useful tips.
1. TAKE STOCK OF WHAT YOU HAVE
Before you splurge on a shopping spree, a wise move would be to take note of what you already have. Go through last season’s wardrobe to see if some clothes fit your child. Retain clothes that still fit to maximize their utility.
This could include multipurpose items, such as my son’s winter tees that can be used during spring or summertime. Clothes forgotten about already hanging in the closets, can prove useful too. This process can pave the way for passing down clothes from an older child to a younger one.
2. DEFINE YOUR GOAL
As you gear up to arrange your kids’ seasonal apparel, setting clear targets is key. The goals could regard limits on spending or the number of outfits you intend to assemble.
I myself aim to prepare around 14 outfits per season. This helps in creating a variety of clothing combinations so that there’s something new for every day.
admittedly, kids tend to have an all-time favorite outfit or shirt they’d don if permitted. To circumvent this, I ensure an array of options. Setting clear targets lets you effectively allocate your resources.
3. THRIFT STORES ARE YOUR FRIEND
Thrift stores offer a cost-effective solution for the entire family’s clothing needs. Opting for thrift stores as the seasons transition can offer a wider selection due to increased donations.
Start with Goodwill, but don’t limit your options. There is a range of local thrift stores that might even have better deals.
4. GARAGE SALES
Proactively look out for garage and yard sales as the weather mellows down. They are an ideal venue for scoring everything from clothes and shoes for kids, to toys and household goods.
Kids’ clothing at garage sales can be quite a bargain. You might score several outfits for as low as $5 or a pair of shoes for just $1. Moreover, some churches host massive garage sales offering massive collections of cheap attire.
Scanning garage sale sites for listings in your area is a smart move. Some people list obviously attractive items on sale to lure more customers. This minimal research can save you both time and money.
5. ABLE USE OF COUPONS FOR PHYSICAL AND ONLINE PURCHASES
Coupons are the ultimate tool for saving on kid’s clothes. They can find the balance between the economic thrift store options, and overpriced department store attire.
I, myself, am partial to Old Navy and Target coupons given their fantastic deals. You can even try stacking coupons at specific stores to squeeze out more savings. In tandem with a Rakuten discount code while shopping online, you can also earn cashback on your purchase.
Shop strategically: use store coupons to buy from the clearance section. I remember the joy of finding a $5 pair of Levi jeans for my son at Kohls. The thrill of a good deal is in itself a fun hunt!
6. DON’T HESITATE TO ACCEPT FREE ITEMS
While I wouldn’t ask anyone to offer me anything for free, I’ve received a fair share of free clothes over the years. An old coworker once posted on Facebook about her son’s clothes up for a giveaway. I benefited from her kind gesture and got some nice items from reputed brands.
Similarly, hand-me-downs from relatives or a church giveaway can also yield useful items. So keep a lookout for freebies.
7. SWAP GIFT CARDS
If you have gift cards lying around for restaurants or other stores that you never intend to cash, consider swapping them for clothing store gift cards. Websites like Gift Card Granny help resell unused gift cards. They provide an avenue to either trade for a different card or cash in for a lower value.
In terms of tips for saving on children’s clothing, it’s about strategic planning and outside-the-box tactics. If kid’s clothing expenses overwhelm you, recall these tips for the next season. Start with what you already have, don’t fear pre-used clothes, and remain vigilant for sales and offers from quality clothing stores.
