Dress Kids for Less:
Clothes to Fit Your Budget When Nothing Fits Your Kids
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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. Appliqué 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.
Want more great budget ideas or to share your own? Chat with other Moms now!
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