Are you tired of constantly having to update your child's wardrobe as they outgrow their clothes faster than you can keep up? You're not alone! The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that it costs $233,610 to raise a child from birth to age 17, with 6% of that spent on clothing. That's an average of $824 per child per year on clothes ! But don't worry, you don't have to break the bank to keep your child looking trendy and seasonal. Here are 20 simple tips on how to save money on kids' clothes:
- Buy gender-neutral clothes: This means clothes that are not specifically designed for boys or girls. For example, a white t-shirt or a pair of blue jeans can be worn by any child. This makes it much easier for your child to wear hand-me-downs from friends and family, or for you to hand down clothes to others. It also means you can avoid buying clothes that your child might only wear for a short time before they outgrow them. And remember, it's totally fine for boys to wear pink and girls to wear blue!
Look for clothing with these features:
- Elastic or drawstring waistbands: These types of waistbands can be adjusted as your child grows, so the pants will still fit even if they get taller or wider.
- Adjustable waistband straps : These are buttons or snaps on the inside of pants that allow you to make the waistband tighter or looser. This means the pants will still fit even if your child grows.
- Toeless sleepers: These are one-piece pajamas that don't have separate toes, so your child's feet can grow without the sleeper becoming too small.
- Flowy dresses and shirts for girls: Dresses and shirts that have a bias or A-line cut are more forgiving when it comes to growth spurts. They allow more room to move around and to grow
- Stretchy fabrics: Clothes made from stretchy fabrics like cotton and spandex are more comfortable to wear and will last longer as your child grows.
2. Don’t be shy about asking friends and families for hand-me-downs: Most parents have piles of clothes that their kids have outgrown and they would be happy to give away. If you have friends or family with children who are slightly older than yours, don't be afraid to ask if they have any clothes that they no longer need. They might be happy to give them to you and it's a great way to save money.
3. Shop for clothes at the end of a season: Stores often want to get rid of their seasonal clothes to make room for new styles. This means you can find great deals on clothes that are perfect for the current season. For example, at the end of summer, you can find great deals on summer clothes like shorts, dresses, and tank tops.
4. Check out consignment stores: These are stores that specialize in selling gently used clothes at a fraction of the retail price. You can often find great deals on clothes that are like new and you'll be saving money while also being environmentally friendly .
5. Take advantage of clearance sales: Many stores have a clearance section where they sell clothes at deep discounts. It's a great way to save money on clothes, but make sure to check the size and condition before you buy.
6. Look for coupon codes: Before you buy clothes online, check to see if there are any coupon codes or discounts available. Websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com have a list of current codes that you can use to save money.
7. Shop at discount stores: Stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls offer brand-name clothes at discounted prices. You can often find great deals on clothes that are perfect for your child. Find out more in this article: Get the Best Deals: A Step-by-Step Guide to Effectively Using Coupons and Promo Codes HERE
8. Don’t be swayed by brand names: Just because a shirt is from a designer label doesn't mean it's the best quality or even the best value. Sometimes you can find clothes that are just as good at a lower price
9. Go for basics: Instead of buying trendy items that will only be worn a few times opt for basic pieces like plain t-shirts, jeans, and solid-colored shorts that can be easily mixed and matched. These types of clothes are versatile and will last longer as your child grows .
10. Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free deals: Many stores offer these types of deals, which can be a great way to stock up on essentials. For example, if you buy one pair of jeans, you might get a second pair for free. This is a great way to save money on clothes and get more bang for your buck . Have a look at these.
11. Invest in durable and high-quality clothes: While it may be tempting to buy cheaper clothes, they often don't hold up as well and will need to be replaced sooner. So spending a little more on higher-quality clothes can actually save you money in the long run.
12. Check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Kijiji: You can often find great deals on clothes that are gently used or even new with tags . You can save a lot of money by buying clothes secondhand instead of brand new. Learn More;
13. Wait for holiday sales: Many retailers offer big discounts during holiday sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season sales , so it can be a great time to stock up on clothes for the coming year . Check these 10 tips to get the best of holiday sales
14. Sign up for store email lists: Many stores send out emails with exclusive deals and coupons to their email subscribers. Signing up for the email lists of your favorite stores can help you save money on clothes .
15. Host a clothing swap with friends: Invite friends and family to bring their outgrown clothes and exchange them with others. This is a great way to get new-to-you clothes for your child without spending any money.
16. Get creative with DIY: Instead of buying new clothes, try customizing or altering clothes your child already has. Add patches, paint, or embroidery to give clothes a fresh new look. This can be a fun way to save money and make clothes unique .
17. Use apps and websites to find deals: There are a variety of apps and websites, such as RetailMeNot, Honey, and Rakuten, that can help you find coupons and deals on clothes. These apps can save you money on clothes and are worth checking out . Learn more here and here.
18. Don't be afraid to shop secondhand: Many people shy away from buying secondhand clothes, but it's a great way to save money and reduce waste. You can often find great deals on clothes that are gently used or even new with tags . Shopping secondhand is a great way to save money and be environmentally friendly. Learn here how to get the best of secondhand item; here are some websites to get used deals.
By following these tips , we hope you'll be able to keep your child looking trendy and seasonal without breaking the bank. Remember to shop smart, invest in durable and high-quality clothes, and don't be afraid to get creative with DIY and secondhand shopping. Happy saving !
0 Comments: