Ten Ways To Reduce Your Spending On Children's
Clothing
by Marie-Helen Goyetche
Back to school time can mean break the bank time when it comes to new
clothes for your child. Before you buy, check out this list of ideas to
help you save money on your child's wardrobe!
- Before buying new clothes, go through your child's closet and
drawers and take an inventory. Since kids have a tendency to grow like weeds
during
summertime, check the fit of the clothes -- don't assume they still fit.
Write down down the good ones and what color they are on list #1. Once
you have a list written out, it will be easier to see what items are
missing.
Do you have clothes that still fit but need a new look? Put
those aside. Pass along the ones that are too small or that the child never
wears.
List #2 will be items you'll need to revive.
- List #3 will be clothing that would help complete each set.
This is where you can discuss the list with your children. Determine what's
needed and wanted (especially with fashion-conscious kids who might
desperately
want those expensive shoes).
- Establish a budget for each child. The budget should be how
much you can afford to spend, not how much you would like to spend for each
child.
- Can you make any of the clothes yourself? Summer fabric is
usually on sale during the fall and the heavier fabric is on sale during the
spring.
- Summer is a good time to carry your list with you as you shop
at store sales, garage sales, thrift shops and consignment stores.
Anticipate
growth and buy a size (or two) bigger.
- Ask other parents, relative and friends to exchange
"hand-me-down" clothes.
For socks and underwear, shop at discount stores or factory
outlets, where they sell their irregulars at good prices. Be vigilant, as
the
prices are not always better at the outlet mall. It's wise to shop
around.
- Use fabric paints on stained clothes or to decorate plain
T-shirts. Appliqués and badges will also give a new look to a piece of
clothing,
especially the jeans with worn knees.
- To give a face lift to a blouse, change the buttons. On girls'
jeans or pants that are getting shorter, sew on a lace trim at the bottom
for an
additional length.
About the Author: Marie-Helen Goyetche is an iParenting contributing writer.
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families. 