Back to School Clothes on a Budget
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Back to School Clothes on a Budget
It's almost here again: time for the kids to head back to school. But before they set foot on that school bus, you'll most likely be heading to the local mall to outfit them for that first day. For moms on a budget, the back to school wardrobe can be a frightening prospect. Your kids are begging for Tommy, Ralph, and Doc Marten, but your wallet wants to head to Wal-Mart. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your back-to-school buck while still giving kids what they want:- Use this as an opportunity to teach budgeting skills. Tell your kids know how much money you have to spend, and let them participate in the decision-making process. Even young children understand the concept of money. Older kids can be given a clothing allowance for them to spend as they wish. Anything they want over and above their allowance should be paid for by babysitting, mowing lawns, etc.
- Buy only one outfit to start with, saving most of your money for later on. Chances are your kids will come home from school having seen all the new trends they missed out on and wished they had. With money left over, they can get what they really want. Plus, retailers will start marking down their fall clothes after all the back-to-school shopping has died down a little.
- Shop thrift stores. Jeans, jackets, shoes, and shirts can be found for $1-$5 per item at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Many times shops like these even have half-price or bag days where you can save even more. If you shop frequently, you most likely will be able to find the brand names your kids are looking for. No one will ever know that their ÒnewÓ Gap sweatshirt was second-hand!
- Check out e-Bay. The online auction service often has great deals on new or slightly worn clothing. You can name your price, with nothing to lose. Most sellers offer a photo of the items being sold, and have a seller's feedback rating indicating the number of positive comments they've received, which can increase the first-time bidder's comfort level. Search by size, brand name, or description. A recent search on 'Tommy Hilfiger' came up with 4,394 matches!
- Have your church or mom's group sponsor a clothing swap. Advertise in your local paper for moms to bring their outgrown children's clothing in good condition to your specified location. You can use a 'point' system; whereby you receive tokens in exchange for the items you donate. Leftover items can be donated to charity.
- Realize that brand names DO matter. Kids can be cruel, and wearing the 'wrong; labels can make your child the target of unwanted teasing and bullying. Teach your kids that their clothes do not define them, but do allow them to wear the brand names that are in demand.
Happy shopping!
Kim Danger is a wife and mother of a 10-month old daughter, Sydney. She has a degree in Marketing and works from the home. Visit her website, Mommysavers, at http://www.mommysavers.com and subscribe to the free weekly newsletter!
Have A Child's Clothes Swap
Get a few friends and/or church members to swap children's clothes. Children grow out of clothes so fast. You can also do clothes swaps if you are losing weight So you don't have to spend a fortune on in between fashions. By ValerieGoodwill
My daughter has three children in school and that can be so damaging to the wallet. She visited our local Goodwill Store, got 6 pair of boys jeans, 2 skirts, and 12 blouses for $100. That is some smart shopping!By elpasolady
Buy Clothing After School Starts
Sometimes older kids get their new clothes, then they go to school and the next week they say to mom or dad "I don't like these clothes". To avoid this, don't go shopping yet, go shopping in a week or two and let them see what's out there or what the fashion is. Then take them with you and let them pick out their own things (unless its hanging off of them). You also save money because the prices on clothes go up the first week in September while they always go on a sale a week or two later.By Tashface
Buy Clothing Your Kids Will Like
Before I went to boarding school, my mother was in a shopping mood and at the last minute, she decided not to buy most of the items as they might not have been in the style that the kids wore. She was absolute right.Unfortunately, she never did get around to buying me much after school started. Although we went shopping, she didn't approve of the items I'd selected (back in the 1960's). End of story.
By cookwie
Craig's List, Ebay and Consignment Shops
Put ads in the free section of Craig's List. Or put wanted ads in the for sale section. Check out eBay, which costs some more.Look through the phone book for all the consignment stores. The American Cancer Society is a good one. Look for ones in more expensive neighborhoods, and especially in resorts.
By the Oracle
Shopping Early
My daughter is becoming "Label conscience" and is only 10. We happened to visit one of her favorite stores (Limited Too) and came upon a huge clearance blowout (it was in April)- I spent about $30 and got her many outfits (I did not get anything that is too trendy) for school for this coming year, the only things we need to get now are shoes, socks and school supplies!Also, her school bookbag is a namebrand that has a lifetime gaurantee (remember to save the receipt). I requested one for her Birthday (close to when school starts) because I was tired of buying an $8 bookbag that only lasted a few months. My family member was able to pick it up on clearance and with coupons (Sometimes department stores are worth shopping in!).
By stevesgal
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