Back to School Clothes Shopping

Many of the money saving tips regarding buying clothing for children are the same as for adults. Stick to the classics on the big pieces and the items worn on the lower half of the body. Keep them in neutrals, and you can mix and match all of the other items.

Here are some more tips, several of which are exclusive to children. Buy primary colors. Many times these items can be worn both by boys and girls. These items can often be handed down. Items like t-shirts can be given a fresh look with a little lace for girls, or an iron on sports emblem for boys. Give your children choices when it comes to color that they will wear near their face. When children reach the age of 5 or 6, they start wanting to make more choices for themselves. It is best when they are able to choose as many of their own clothes as possible.

You will save money if your children wear all their clothes with regularity, and not just the few they really like. Color is part of their preference. It can be very difficult for some parents to let their children have a say in what color clothes they wear. Often parents are influenced by the colors that they like.

A few years ago I was doing some shopping in the boys department of a major discount clothing store. Nearby a little boy around the age of six was shopping with his mother. He was very attracted to a particular item of clothing. It was a very warm, snuggly looking fleece vest. However it was in a very bright yellow color.

I saw the boy touching and feeling the vest. You could tell how much he liked it. His mother was having none of it. They little boy didn't want to move on, so finally the mother just started walking away.

When the child tried to express to his mother his liking for the item, his mother curtly responded that she didn't like the color yellow.

I looked at the mother and it was pretty obvious yellow wasn't her color. However, the boy's coloring was different than his mothers, and I could tell he would have looked great in that color. He tried once again, telling her that he liked yellow.

The mother was starting to get very aggravated. Her rebuttal to this was to tell him that it wasn't even his size, which I do not believe was the case.

I knew how much that boy wanted that article of clothing when he gave it a last shot and asked his mother if she could find out if they had another one that would fit him.

At this point, the mother had lost all patience, and basically yelled at the boy to do it himself if he liked it so much. Then she hurried on, leaving the little boy to follow after her.

This was not an expensive store I was in. That mother was going to buy clothing for her son,and it wouldn't be any cheaper. By forcing her own preferences on her son, she denied him the pleasure of wearing something he really liked.

I would not be at all surprised if some of the clothing she bought for this child eventually gets "lost" at a friend's house or left at a sports field if only out of spite. I can't say I'd blame the child either!

I think you devalue your child in their own eyes when you do now allow them to make choices or listen to them. One of the most important things that a parent does is to build the self-esteem of their child. I wasn't the only one who witnessed this scene, and I am sure that it was hurtful to the little boy.

To continue with the money saving tips:

• Buy socks all the same color. It will be less aggravating when your washing machine eats one, and you can't find a mate.

• Buy socks and under garments in a color other than white (like light gray), and you won't have to spend money on bleach.

• Buy items in solid colors that can be layered and worn with a variety of other pieces.

• When buying knitted items, look for strength and durability. The fabric should be more dense than loose, and the stretch should be limited.

• Keep away from trendy items if you want the piece of clothing to last several years and be passed down to another child.

• Look for clothes that can be enlarged as your child grows. Generous hems can be let down. Creases in the hemline can be removed with a little vinegar and a warm iron. Sleeve lengths can be adjusted.

• Pants with elastic in the waistband are worn for a longer time. Jumpers and overalls also last longer.

• If you can, buy clothes slightly larger than your child and let them grow into them for longer wear.

• Don't go shopping without a list. Go through your children's clothes and see what they need. Write it down, and keep to it.

• Consider sewing some pieces. While you wouldn't want to tackle a pair of jeans, but t-shirts, shorts, and pajamas are beginner projects. You can make simple suits for boys and dresses for girls with just a little more skill.

Before you go shopping, take the time to sit down with your children and talk about the kind of clothes they would like to wear and what they need. Keep your shopping experience more pleasant, focused, and dollar wise.