How to Save Money on Kid's Clothes

It's no fun to spend a fortune on children's clothes and watch them outgrow them overnight. It's a blow to your budget and your time! There are ways to make kids look terrific for very little with a little time and planning.

Instructions

Step 1

Check out the consignment stores for bargains. Don't miss their end of season sales to save your clothes budget! If you need party dresses or suits especially--the ones you use a few times that are real budget crunchers, look here first. Other kids don't wear these much either before they're outgrown so there's lots of stuff that looks brand new. Dress up shoes are also often like new. They often have toys and books as well. Be warned -- saving money this way can become a habit!

Step 2

Don't turn up your nose at yard sales - there are often really pricey items for amazing prices. Baby furniture, riding toys, and decorator bedroom sets also sell for peanuts. Don't forget to look for play clothes here. You can sometimes get tees and pants or shorts for a dime or a quarter that have lots of wear left in them.

Step 3

Try the thrift stores as well. Cheaper than consignment, but pricier than garage sales, there are still some super buys found at these. Ask if they have sale days. Most have one day a week where a certain color tag is reduced to one dollar and they sometimes have buy one get one free sales when they're overstocked. Books, toys, and other incidentals can also be picked up cheaply.

Step 4

Shop end of season sales for the best buys. Some clothes can be worn all year or nearly all year depending on where you live. Look for tee shirts and pants and sneakers and accessories. If you are pretty sure what size your little one will wear next year, stock up now, but don't go too crazy. Kids have a way of surprising us.

Step 5

Buy clothes that 'grow with' your kids. Tube socks can be worn longer than footed ones, and so can those made like women's trouser socks. Shoes with laces or velcro closures have more wiggle room generally than slip ons do. Buy smock type dresses or jumper styles which can later be worn over slacks. Buy two piece pajama sets a little big which can be worn longer than gowns.

Step 6

Buy the best you can get, wherever you get them. Buy boys pants in unisex colors for boys and girls to get sturdier clothing. Buy good quality undies and pajamas if they'll be passed on to others. Avoid plastic snaps which break easily, socks that only match one outfit, trendy clothes that will look dated too soon, and clothes with beads, baubles, and other items that usually fall or tear before the garment is worn out.

Step 7

Iron patches inside the knees and elbows of play clothes. Buy pants with long hems that can be let down if needed--lighter colors don't show hem marks as much. Cute patch pockets and appliqués and even some creative tie dying (you can still buy this now, too) can salvage clothes with small tears or stains. Think of these especially when buying second hand clothing. Many repairs can be made with just an iron or an iron and fusible fabric tape.

Step 8

Don't forget to swap out with friends and family members. If you have good clothing you can't use, bring it to a consignment store to help pay for newer clothes. They take books, shoes, belts, hats and toys as well as clothes.