With the fiscal cliff causing smaller payments, frugal shopping is quickly becoming a bi-partisan affair. No matter where you stand on politics or the economy we all can stand on our desire to save money together. One area most parents are trying to save on is kids clothing. Keeping growing kids in clothes is an expensive endeavor. We need ideas to tighten up the purse strings and keep our clothing budget in check. Here are some ideas, some new and some old, for keeping your kids clothed while keeping your wallet happy.
Ways to Save on Kids Clothing
- Trading Circles: in my area we have a trading club on Facebook and a Yahoo group called Freecycle. You can score more than a skirt and Christmas outfit. Offer up something for trade and ask for the clothing items you desire. If there is not one in your area then start one. It is easy to start and your friends and neighbors will thank you.
- Sell back items. Go to second hand stores with old clothes and trade or sell them back. Second hand stores seem to be getting a bit more expensive than in years past but you can still find good deals. If you have items you will never use then it is worth a trade even if you won’t get top price.
- Goodwill. Yes, Goodwill. People get rid of great items all the time. Goodwill items are very cheap. The drawback is that you never know if you will find what you need. If you plan to utilize the good deals at a thrift store then your best bet is to stop in on a regular basis always prepared to buy.
- Buy end of season. Okay, I hate that advice. I hate it because it is great advice but I never seem to have the patience or money to invest in it. When I need something I need it and using funds to buy end of season does not always work. If you are like me then your best bet is to focus on certain items such as coats, dressy clothes, shoes, and other items that are fairly expensive during the season.