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Clothes can be expensive, especially kid’s clothes since they grow so quickly. When my first son was a baby, I think there were a few outfits that he only got to wear once because he grew so fast during the first year! Here are a few ways to help the cost of clothes for children:
1. Check 2nd Hand Shops. This of course includes Goodwill or the Salvation Army, but there are many 2nd Hand Shops that specialize in Children’s clothing and/or toys. One of my favorites in Phoenix is called Small Change (which is affiliated with My Sister’s Closet). It has used maternity, baby, and toddler clothes, as well as toys.
Another plus is that many of these places let you sell your used clothes there, so you can make a little extra money, or at least help pay for the new stuff you are buying.
2. Buy Off Season. Many department stores and other clothing stores have big sales on the off season merchandise (or after a holiday). Old Navy is a good example of this (many of the after holiday shirts will be only $1-$2). Always check the clearance sections first to find the best deals.
3. Host An Exchange Party. A friend gave me this idea: Throw a gently used clothing and/or toys party exchange with friends and family. More than likely, you have plenty of friends with kids and as they grow out of their clothes/toys, set them aside for your exchange. Then once or twice a year, you can have a party with your friends, who will bring their gently used items. Everyone can have a chance to give away the items they brought, and get new ones for their own children. If there are items that no one can use, you can donate them to goodwill or try to sell them at a 2nd-hand shop.
4. Get Hand Me Downs. Of course this is an easy option that you probably already do. If you have children that are close in age, it is easy to save clothes for the younger one. Since I have 2 boys only 2 years apart, I didn’t need to buy very many new clothes for #2. This is also a great option for families that have cousins that are close in age.
5. Use Swagbucks for Amazon $. This involves 2 things I love: Amazon and Swagbucks. Amazon has many items that are deeply discounted each day, including kid’s clothes. Up until a few months ago, I thought Amazon only had books-but I have learned that they really carry everything and anything that you could want. This is why I love Swagbucks- just redeem the swagbucks for Amazon gift cards and get even cheaper (or FREE) items.
How do you save on kid’s clothing? I’d love to hear your ideas!
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Melissa, a mom of 2 boys in Arizona, understands the importance of watching a family budget. After leaving the business world, she dedicated herself to working at home and pursued her passion of helping people.
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Join me with a Thrifty Thought on “Thrifty Thursday” with Mr. Linky’s widget at
http://chattykathyw-s.blogspot.com
Don’t leave out garage sales! Starting in May there are tons of garage sales with all seasons to stock up on!
Courtney
http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com
Oh dear, what are swagbucks and how do I earn it?
I’ll definitely check Thrifty Thursday out!
Courtney-Great tip!!
Mom Time, you can click on the link ("redeem the swagbucks for Amazon gift cards") above in the post, which takes you to a post where I describe how I am saving for Christmas.
If you just want to go to swagbucks and register, follow this link: http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=305985
I buy my kids’ clothes at Gymboree on major clearance (at least 60%) and usually combined with additional discounts/gymbucks. I don’t really love their clothes, but other mamas do, so I spend less than I would at Target and get my money back the next year from reselling on ebay.
Great idea about ebay-not only can you sell clothes, but it is a great place to find name brand used clothes, too!
Great tips! I like the swap idea. Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
I didn’t think about posting an exchange, we just did one at our church two Sunday’s ago, it is a neat idea. Thanks for taking time to comment on my blog.
Great ideas! I haven’t totally checked out Swagbucks even though I have an account. I need to take a 2nd look.
Great idea on the Amazon/Swagbucks. I’ve never bought clothes on Amazon.
Great post. I love 2nd hand stores and think I might have to try the exchange party. I love dressing Brea in cute clothes and I am definitely guilty of buying way too much!
Great post. I love 2nd hand stores and think I might have to try the exchange party. I love dressing Brea in cute clothes and I am definitely guilty of buying way too much!
Great post. I love 2nd hand stores and think I might have to try the exchange party. I love dressing Brea in cute clothes and I am definitely guilty of buying way too much!
Great post. I love 2nd hand stores and think I might have to try the exchange party. I love dressing Brea in cute clothes and I am definitely guilty of buying way too much!
Exhange party huh? I LIKE that idea. There are many of us who have been having kids every year for the last 8 years .. we could definitely do a swap!
Thanks for the idea!
I had no idea Amazon sold clothes! Another site to my “look at” list today!
good tips!! i am going to talk to my friends about these exchange parties
You forgot about Grandma
She just loves to buy baby clothes! Seriously though, I love thrifting because I can’t see paying full price for something he’s going to outgrow in a few weeks. My son is only 11 weeks old, but I’ve already got his wardrobe finished through 2T. I like to shop the thrift stores when they’re having their special half off sales. I got lots of clothes for a quarter a piece 
I agree with sewingchick. My son is right behind yours at 10wks. Both my husband and I told his parents that we are really looking at hand-me-downs until he stops growing. But this is the first grandchild they both actually get to see on a pretty regular basis, so probably going to get a lot of new clothes from them.
We only spent I think $9 on maternity clothes for me. I just needed pants, because I wasn’t working and I just stayed home. I had a couple pairs of nice pants and shirts (that were given to me).
A great place to buy second hand clothes – and sell them – is at a Just Between Friends sale. They have franchises that are owned by local individuals all around the country, and usually host a Spring/Summer sale and a Fall/Winter sale. Check out their website to find out more and locate a local sale near you: http://www.jbfsale.com!
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