The following guest post is from Dianna at The Kennedy Adventures.
(Photo credit: THOR)
1. Seasonal Consignment Sales
In our area, every spring and fall means it’s time to hit the consignment sales. For about 6 weeks straight, twice a year, mothers can hit these sales to find the best deals on clothing, baby gear, maternity wear, toys and more. Never been to a consignment sale? Here are some tips to get you started.
Bonus of the consignment sale? If you decide to participate in the sale, you can shop early, as well as clean out your closets and make some cash to go toward your children’s clothing budget!
2. Get thee to a Goodwill
Have a spare moment? Check out your local thrift stores for deals on children’s clothes and gear. You may find things out of season, or 2 sizes too big, but it’s worth spending $5 on a London Fog coat and storing it for a few years. I like to pick up jeans for the children here when I can. My greatest score at the Goodwill? A Little Tikes cube climber for $10, as well as a basketball goal for $7.50. Tip: if you see something you like, buy it right then. It won’t be there when you come back!
3. Pass it Around
For my boys, I’m very lucky to have some older cousins who pass down clothes to us. If things are too big, I just store them away until it’s time. You’ll save money and be green, all at the same time! If you have things your children have outgrown, ask around at your church or work for people in need to whom you can pass your things . It feels good to help others out, too!
4. Buy a Little Bigger
I tend to buy dresses, leggings, tights, turtlenecks, pajamas and T shirts about a size larger than needed, in order to get another season of wear. Long sleeves and leggings can be rolled up, and your child will be able to wear the item for 2 years. About half the dresses my daughter is wearing this year were from last summer. The other half, she’ll be able to wear next year as well.
5. Ever Thought About Ebay?
I’m a sucker for boutique shoes for my children, like See Kai Run, Umi, and Naturino. The quality and comfort can’t be beat. Instead of paying $45 for a pair of shoes, I scour Ebay until I find what I need. I’ve picked up many Gymboree pieces here as well. Watch your shipping costs, keep an eye on the bottom line, and you’ll pick up some deals.
6. For Everything, There is a Season
My husband thinks I’m crazy for this, but I buy a lot of things for the children at the end of the season, for wearing next year. It takes a little practice, but it makes more sense to buy a shorts for 2.99 and pack them away, than to pay full price next year. Children’s Place is my favorite place to shop ahead during their Monster Sale. Don’t forget to check out Retail Me Not, for coupon codes before you push the ‘purchase’ button.
I’d love to hear more tips from you, so don’t forget to leave a comment!
Dianna is the 2010 version of the Well-Brought-Up-Southern-Girl. She knows she shouldn’t give the children Twinkies for breakfast, drink hard liquor before 5 p.m., or scream obscenities at the top of her lungs, unless there are extenuating circumstances. You can read more about her life with a teenage Sybil, a pre-school Pampered Princess, and the Twin Toddler Tornadoes at The Kennedy Adventures!
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