Thrifty Thursday - Children's Clothing

This week for my Thrifty Thursday post, I'm talking about shopping for kids clothing on a budget. With back to school season here, you've probably started shopping for that school wardrobe - even those with uniforms can tell you it can cost a lot!

We're coming to the tail end of garage sale season in most parts of the country, but this is a good thing! Many kids have tried on clothing from last year's wardrobe and are finding out they don't fit. Look for great deals on clothes at yard sales, as parents don't want to hang onto them until the start of next garage sale season. Go prepared: if you can't bring your child(ren) along, take measurements along and a measuring tape. Just because a garment says it's a 6X, doesn't mean it still fits like a 6x after several washings.

If garage sales aren't your thing, you can check your local Craigslist or Freecycle. Remember to share a good deed, by selling or giving your children's outgrown clothes to someone else - these things don't work without others sharing the love! Many thrift stores have great sales on children's clothing this time of year as well. You can call ahead to find out when sale dates might be if you don't frequently shop them.

This time of year is the best prices you'll see on clothing basics such as undershirts, underwear, and socks for kids at the big box stores. Stock up - and if your family seems to be on the edge of a growing spree, take advantage and buy up a size! For boys, be sure to purchase all of the socks the same brand and style - this will save you a lot of time when matching socks out of the dryer! ;)

Don't be afraid to buy summer clothing on clearance right now, either. Buy up the next size or two, depending on what size you think your child will be wearing come Spring and Summer - you'll save a bundle! You can do the same at the end of Winter with winter clothing. With winter coats, you can purchase ahead two sizes, and you'll be able to get two winters worth of use out of them - well, unless you have boys. Then all bets are off. ;)

If your child wears uniforms, check to see if someone has already organized a uniform swap. If not - what are you waiting for? Contact your school and set a swap up. Make sure that if you're in charge of printing up fliers, you mention that everyone should bring their clothing freshly laundered out of courtesy, and to please trade clothing in good, usable shape.