The following is a guest post…
Every year like clockwork it’s time once again to purchase a new wardrobe for your little one as he gets ready for the school year. Between uniforms, casual clothes, and school supplies, the cost can really add up and multiply with each child you have. Taking the time to plan a shopping strategy can help you save money throughout the year.
1. Plan Ahead
Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to sift through your child’s existing wardrobe. Some items may still fit, while others will be out of season and past their due date. A good working school wardrobe will consist of timeless basics or uniforms, with a few trendy pieces thrown in. Create an inventory of what separates your child will need, along with any supplies like school name tags to help prepare clothing for the school year. This can help you focus your shopping efforts and create a realistic budget.
2. Shop at Odd Times of Year
Most retailers will offer sales leading up to the start of the new school year. Yet children’s clothing is offered at an even greater discount a month after the academic year has started. If you wait to purchase clothing, you can take advantage of these lower prices. Keeping an eye out for end-of-season sales will keep your child’s wardrobe updated without the need to blow your budget all at once.
3. Shop Used
If used clothing makes you think of musty thrift stores and unidentifiable stains, think again. There’s a thriving market for gently used clothing, with great bargains available everywhere from consignment shops to yard sales. Because children grow so fast, they often outgrow high quality clothing in a matter of months, having worn it only a few times. All you need to do is wash it and put in new name labels for clothes to personalize it for your child. You can take advantage of the bevy of used clothing options for children by scouring eBay or your local used clothing shops and get name brands for less.
2 comments
Canadian Budget Binder
January 22, 2013 at 10:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know plenty of parents that shop at second hand shops but the best deals are off season. If one has the money in the budget to buy off season when the deals are splashed around at huge discounts that’s when I would swoop in and buy. Cheers Mr.CBB
John S @ Frugal Rules
January 23, 2013 at 12:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We shop almost exclusively second hand stores for the kids. They’re so rough on the clothes anyway and they’re in them for such a short time period…not to mention the huge savings.