How to Buy Inexpensive School Clothes

When back to school season looms parents are faced with the inevitable shopping trips for new school clothes. However, buying school clothes doesn't have to break the bank. Knowing when and where to look for cheap kids clothes can help you have a lot of money and still send your kids off to school in style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

End of Season Clearance

1. Shop for the year ahead, beginning with end of season clearance sales.

2. Pick up bathing suites, shorts and sandals at the end of August.

3. Buy pants, sweaters, hats, mittens and jackets in mid- to late-February and store items in a dry place until the weather grows cold.

Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

4. Read the local paper to find out when and where people are holding garage sales. Look for ads that specify children's clothes.

5. Arrive early to get the best pick of the clothes.

6. Ask the person in charge of the sale if they will reduce the prices if you are buying several items.

7. Check out local thrift stores and consignment shops for gently worn clothing.

Clothing Swaps

8. Organize a kid's clothing swap with friends who have children around the same age as your own.

9. Lay all clothing out on a large table (or tables) by size.

10. Let everyone pick and choose "new" clothes from the pile. Leftovers, if there are any, can be donated to a local shelter or Goodwill Store.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying clothes several months in advance, buy a size or two larger than your child's current size.
• Store out of season clothing in large rubber bins with snap-on lids. They are easy to stack and keep mice and other pests from ruining clothes.

Resources

• Ebay has tons of new and gently used name-brand clothing