How to Buy Kids Clothing on a Budget

Buying clothes for kids can seem like a no-brainer. You go to a store pick up some things in the right size and you are done. However, things are not that easy when you are on a budget. The key to buying kids clothing on a budget is knowing how to shop and what is a good deal. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out what sizes you need. Make a list of the clothing and shoe sizes you are going to need for the next year. If you child is still growing, add not only the current size, but possibly one or two sizes larger.

2. Create your budget. If you have $100 to spend, then you know that you need to be careful with how you spend that money so you can get the most from it. If you have $500 to spend, then you can be a little more flexible with your prices or with the quantity you buy,

3. Check eBay, other online auction sites, or Craigslist. People sell brand name clothing for a fraction of the cost. There are thousands of pieces of clothing online and you can buy individual items, or even large lots of clothing. Just watch the shipping costs so you don't end up paying more for shipping than buying the item brand new.

4. Go to thrift stores. Sometimes you can find excellent bargains at thrift stores. There are often brand name clothes, some with tags on them! You may have to go often to find the best deals; but if you live near a great store, you may be able to clothe your entire family for just a few hundred dollars a year.

5. Hit the clearance racks. All department stores have clearance racks. Check them out before proceeding to other areas. Kids pants can often be found for less than $5 and shirts can be found for less than $2.

6. When you find a great deal, stock up. Get a few different sizes if the deal is great. You child will grow and you will have to shop again, so you might as well get a few larger sizes when the deal is fantastic.

7. As you do your shopping, write down how much you are spending based on type of clothing. If you find a $5 pair of jeans, then you know that $15 for the same size is not a good deal. Keep a list while you shop so you know when you need to act on a great deal and buy extra.

8. If you come across a deal that can't be beat, buy extra and sell them! You can sell them online, at yard sales, in consignment shops, or some second hand stores. This also applies to clothing you no longer need. This will keep you from cluttering your house with unused clothing, and give you money for more clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for clothing off season. This will save you tons of money. Just be sure to buy a larger size if your child is growing so it will fit!

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/8/2008 All great tips! Be vigalent about checking the flyers and shopping/planning off season. I also hit a lot of rummages in Summer, but this gets more difficult once they are past size 8. Thanks for the tips!

[WriterGig]

on 11/30/2007 Thanks for the great tips! I love when our local thrift store offers a deal on kids' clothes--all you can fit in a grocery bag for $5. I even found Gymboree and Baby GAP clothes to add to my bag. Ask your thrift store employees if they ever have sales on clothes; you may be able to save even more $$.

[WriterGig]

on 11/30/2007 Thanks for the great tips! I love when our local thrift store offers a deal on kids' clothes--all you can fit in a grocery bag for $5. I even found Gymboree and Baby GAP clothes to add to my bag. Ask your thrift store employees if they ever have sales on clothes; you may be able to save even more $$.