How to Save Money on Kids' Clothes: A-L

Keeping a kid in clothes can be an expensive undertaking. Whether it’s a pair of pants that gets destroyed at recess or a shirt that is outgrown after just a few uses, it seems like there’s always something that needs to be replaced. If your wallet is having a hard time keeping up with your dizzying shopping pace, it may be time to find a way to cut back on the cost of clothing your child. Read on for 26 money-saving tips that are sure to do the trick.
 
A- Anticipate needs. Waiting until the last minute to make a purchase is one of the quickest ways to waste money. To prevent unnecessary spending, just get in the habit of anticipating what clothing items your child will need in the future, and purchase those items in advance.
 
B- Borrow. Special events often call for special clothing. Whether it’s a fancy dress for your child to wear to a wedding or a costume to wear for Halloween, these one-time-wear clothing items can take a serious bite out of a budget. Before you head to the store, check to see if any of your friends or family has a suitable item that your child can borrow.
 
C- Consign. How many times has your child outgrown an outfit before getting much wear out of it? Probably too many times to count. To get your money’s worth out of these items, sell them to a children’s consignment shop, and use the money you recoup to replenish your child’s wardrobe.
 
D- Donate. Thrift stores can be a great source for bargain priced children’s clothing. To maximize your thrift store dollars, check to see if your local thrift stores offer any discounts for donating items. Many thrift stores will take an additional 10-15 percent off of your total purchase if you bring in a donation.
 
E- End-of-season sales. Post-season sales are the perfect place to pick up brand new clothing at second-hand clothing prices, so forget about trying to find bargains at the beginning of a season. The real deals go to those who wait.
 
F- Forgo items that require special care. That wool sweater or silk blouse may be pretty, but it probably won’t get worn much if you have to go to the trouble of dry cleaning or hand washing it after each use. To make the most of your shopping dollars, only purchase wash-and-wear clothing that you can be sure your child will wear again and again.
 
G- Go for basics. Trends are great, but they never stick around for long—especially in a child’s closet. To avoid the expense of frequent wardrobe updates, fill your child’s closet with timeless classics such as jeans and solid colored shirts. Then keep things current with one or two trendy items.
 
H- Haggle. If you want a good deal, just ask for it. Whether you’re shopping at a thrift store, consignment shop, flea market or yard sale there’s always a little room for negotiation, so make the seller an offer; and you may just find yourself going home with a bargain.
 
I- Internet auctions. Say goodbye to traditional stores, and hello to savings. Internet auction sites are the perfect source for bargains on new and slightly used kids’ clothing. Just type in the item you’re looking for, and then let the bidding begin!
 
J- Join sale notification lists. Sign-up to receive e-mails from your favorite stores, and you’ll be the first to know about upcoming sales. Some stores even offer special sales for their list subscribers!
 
K- Keep a list of needs. Bring focus to your shopping trips by making a list of your child’s current clothing needs. Then, once you’ve got your list, stick to it. This means that if that fabulous bargain of a sweater isn’t on your list, you don’t buy it.
 
L- Let your child pick the clothes. You may think those pants are a great bargain, but if your child won’t wear them, they’re not a great deal. To avoid spending on the wrong things, take your child shopping, and let him pick out the clothes he wants.
 

-Erin Huffstetler