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 Hurst, the founder of SavingCentsWithSense.net, is a married mom of three young children, so she understands the importance of stretching a family's budget to maximize savings. After working full-time in higher education for seven years, she pursued a passion of teaching both in the classroom and through her articles to help others. Her money-saving tips have been featured on Arizona Midday, and she is a regular columnist for LifetimeMoms.com and Times Publications in Arizona.
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