You find such great bargains while shopping that you can't pass up. Only you come home to the box of clothes you have from hand-me-downs only to realize your child now has 6 pink shirts, etc. I have vowed that I'm not going to do that for this spring clothing shopping. I'm going to go through the boxes of her sister's clothes and see if she really needs any new clothes or what we are short of.
I might even make a list of what I have already for them, or what article of clothing they do need. This way I'm less likely to spend money on something they really don't need, but bought because it was such a great deal.

Yes, I have done exactly that! My son has three garbage bags full of clothes from his older cousins in the back of his closet, sorted by size. Don't know what my excuse was, but I totally blocked it out, and bought him some new clothes. Funny thing, he likes the hand-me-downs better than the stuff I paid for!

This happen to me when my youngest was an infant. Then I went through the totes of older DDs hand-me-downs (and various yard sale finds, etc) and made a notebook. I designated a page for each size and listed EVERYTHING I had for that size. Then on another page I listed the things I really still need for each size.

I put the notebook in the diaper bag so that it's with me wherever I go. It has saved me a lot already. I often find good sales on the clearance racks or 1/2 off Goodwill sale or a really good yard sale. It's nice to pull out the little notebook and know that I don't need anymore jeans for size 3T but I could really use a sweatshirt or swimsuit, etc.

I bought a lot of things for their next size up when I hit the Old Navy sale this year, then I bought several items I needed for the bigger sizes too. It was so nice to have a reference for everything we already had.

I was actually shocked at how many things I already have for younger DD in her next 3 sizes. My frugal side just won't let me get rid of things I think I might use. I am decluttering, but those 2 totes in younger DDs closet don't take up much room for the amount of money they save me

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It has happened to me before. I found nightgowns after I bought my oldest new PJs from the Disney store.

I have an inventory in Excel of their clothing. It helps me from duplicating or buying things because they are cute!

This has happened to me before too. I have vowed this year it won't happen again. I just went through the kids closets and they only thing they need are new shoes. I couldn't believe that was all they needed. I had this large list ready to go and it was quickly scratched down to shoes!! The kids loved it they got to have a fasion show and it was very nice to know they don't need new stuff.

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Yes, unfortunately I have. I'm trying to do better by checking to see what the kids have before buying something else, but I don't always succeed...

That is why i have 15 different shades of kahai pants

I have so done that. With the kids clothes, especially, I started making a list of everything I purchased for next year so that I don't repeat anything just because it's a good deal. DH and I don't buy clothes unless they're a necessity, so we don't have the same dilemma.

MIchelle

I think I have done that every year since my daughter was born. I saved all of her salvagable clothes from last summer and put them into one of those giant ziplock bags and put it under her bed. I pulled it out last week and we tried everything on. She doesn't need much at all! Yay! There are some consignment sales coming up, so I will get what I can there and then get the rest at the department stores.

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SAHM to a beautiful 3 year old princess!
Wife of 6 years to a great husband!

You say that money isn't everything, but I would like to see you live without it.- Silverchair Tomorrow

good ideas