Is Your Kid's Clothing Budget Breaking the Bank?

Kids clothing budgets can get out of control very easily. First, they grow so fast, that nothing fits for long. Second, they are little destroyers of anything fabric. Grass stains, holes, juice, spaghetti sauce, etc. are all drawn like magnets to children's clothing. The other pitfall is that kids clothes are just so darn cute! I know moms for whom Gymboree is a little like crack. They simply must have every item that they see that is cute. A lot of people spend emotionally when it comes to clothing for their kids, and buy them much more than they need- or higher quality items that will just get trashed or outgrown after a couple of wears.

The good thing about kids clothes is that there are a LOT of them available. Yard sales are my number one way of finding good kids clothes cheap. I usually pay from .25 to $1 a piece, more for things like dresses, coats, snow pants, boots, etc. Neighborhood sales in newly established neighborhoods are usually gold mines for kids clothing and baby items. If someone has a lot of good quality clothes in your child's size, give them your phone number or email address- and ask them to contact you next time they are having a sale. You will often get a preview of their next sale, or can make arrangements to buy clothing on a regular basis as their child grows out of them.

Thrift stores are also good sources. Go on half price days or "fill a bag" days to get the most value for your money. (Please also see my articles about How to maximize your bargains at "fill a bag" deals, and maximizing your dollar at thrift stores) Don't wait until the few weeks before school starts to do your back to school shopping, as stores will be crowded and merchandise will be picked over. A thrift store the week before school starts is a hectic place.