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There are a few things many of us know will happen with our children when we become parents: there will be moments of joy, tons of tantrums, fun times, and memories to cherish. We also know they will grow – and grow! So, whether you are a first-time parent, or you have a trio of teenagers, you will spend a lot of cash on clothes over the next few years.
As a prudent parent, though, you’ll want to make sure those clothing purchases will be worthwhile and won’t find themselves in the discard pile after just a few weeks. Here’s what you can do to maintain your kids’ clothing budget.
1. Swap Those Unwanted Items
There aren’t many things that are more fun than seeing a group of friends for a chat and a clothing swap. This way of getting clothes will work best if your group has children of different ages, because there’s a better chance of there being something for everyone.
If you don’t know many people with children, then there’s swapping you can do online. There are websites available that let you buy clothes from parents anywhere for either cash or to swap with an item. You could even be lucky and get items listed for free.
2. Buy Used
You won’t buy damaged or torn items for your child – but there are online outlets that offer plenty of secondhand baby clothes from which you can pick. They can include clothes from popular brands as well.
You can also purchase from your local thrift store. These stores sell used items and normally ensure that only undamaged clothing is put up for sale. Buying used clothes is a great way to save money.
3. Use Coupons
Don’t shop without a coupon again – or even without comparing prices online. There are websites and apps that will help you find the best deals available on children’s clothing. For instance, you can use a Macys coupon if you’re looking to purchase any items for your child from their online store.
You can find online coupons for almost any major store.
4. Sell Old Clothes
If you know you’ll be spending a lot on that upcoming back-to-school shopping spree, then try to fund it without using your savings. There are numerous ways you can do this, including going to a nearby garage sale with your child’s clothes. If the person running it is fine with it, then you can sell items that are in good condition – such as shirts, pants, and shoes – for a few dollars each. You could even try online sites, too. You can then use any money that you earn from this to put towards getting new clothes.
5. Plan Ahead
When a store’s spring stock comes in, they will start to close out their cold-weather items – but your winter season doesn’t have to be over. End-of-season sales can start a month or two before your child may switch their seasonal wardrobes, so you could buy these items slightly too large for them. It means that they get the chance to wear them for a few weeks, then the items are stored away from the following year – and it means there’s room for your children to grow into these clothes, too.
I'm an aspiring writer from Santa Monica, CA who writes about a little bit of everything. I love paranormal stuff, working out, nature, wildlife, and general humor.