Saving Money on Kids' Clothes: Tips from Our Readers

Saving money on Kids' Clothes

I have found that sometimes “saving money” means spending money on the right things. For instance, I purchase good jeans and pants for my 12 year old and don't concentrate too much on the price. Since she wears these more often and is generally harder on them, it pays to get good quality so they'll last longer…sometimes even on to the next child! But, when it comes to T shirts and tops, I pick a dollar amount and see how many tops we can get for that amount. This is almost a game that my daughter and I play to see who can come up with the most! Also, watch for faddish types with fancy designs on the front. They usually cost much more than plain colored shirts and they can be worn with more clothes usually. And, always check the clearance racks before you leave the store. Many times you'll find something that has just gotten dirty and can easily be washed or repaired at a fraction of the cost! — Kelly, 35, from IN

I shop at the end of the season for the next year. I stock up on shirts, pants, shorts in bigger sizes for the next year. I get lots of great bargains this way. — Kim, 28, from MN

I subscribe to the newsletters of the clothing stores I like. They inform me of the sales (including clearance sales and 50% off) and often include offers of free shipping. Since I have three kids I buy on clearance and take advantage of the free shipping offers so I don't have to go to crowded stores. — Hilda, 34, from NY

OLD NAVY

I always buy out of season, now that its back-to-school season all summer stuff is on clearance so I am been buying all my sons clothes for next summer right now. Old Navy has the best clearance racks I have come across but all the department stores have pretty good end of season clearance sales. This way I get really good quality clothes for a fraction of the price. — Kari, 26, from AZ

I find a lot of clothes for 3.99 on clearance at Old Navy at the end of the season. By the time the next year comes up I already have enough shirts to get me through the season. I already have stocked up enough short sleeved shirts for next summer for my son. Lots of stores will have their clearance stuff marked down with additional markdowns. What a way to save. — Kim, 28, from MN

GAP

Well, I know that Gap final markdowns always end in 7. So if it marked 4.99 you know it will go down at least one more time. If it is 3.97 you know that is rock bottom and you better grab it. — Leslie, 33, from GA

At Gap when you see an item marked with .97 at the end (ex:$4.97) that is the lowest the item will go. if it is 6.99 it will be marked down again, so wait to buy it. — Traci, 40, from CA

My favorite place to shop for kids and adult clothing is Gap. This store moves clothes out often and really goes low on price. My strategy is to shop there each week after markdowns (my store marks down on Wednesdays). I buy only those items that have been marked down at least twice and preferably end in $.97. Those items are usually the lowest the store will go. If I do buy something that ends in $.99, I go back exactly two weeks later and ask for a price adjustment. It takes the clerk a second to check the computer for the new price and if it's gone down you get the difference back!! If there is an item I really like that's only been marked down once and there may only be one of my size left, I'll buy it and come back in two weeks for the adjustment also. — Veronica, 33, from FL

Watch the clearance racks and keep track of the Target Markdown Schedule. Wait until items go to 50 or 70% off, then stock up!

Thrift & Resale

Shop thrift stores. Jeans, jackets, shoes, and shirts can be found for $1-$5 per item at your local goodwill or Salvation Army. Many times shops like these even have half-price or bag days where you can save even more. If you shop frequently, you most likely will be able to find the brand names your kids are looking for.

Also never underestimate eBay.com. I buy brand name clothes for excellent prices. Just last week I bought 2 lots of designer clothes (54 pieces) for $23 plus shipping. — Vicki, 36, from NY

Shop resale and consignment. Stores like Plato's Closet are great to check. They specialize in the desired brand names tweens and teenagers are searching for. Plus, they offer customers a punch card valid for 20% off their purchase when filled. Save this for big shopping trips! My daughter recently found Miss Me Jeans at Plato's Closet for $60. We had saved our 20% loyalty card and got them for $48. Much better than the new price of $100! No one will ever know that their “new” jeans are secondhand!

Check out eBay and Craigslist. Search for groups or “lots” of gently used clothing in your kids' sizes. Or, use social media sites like Facebook that have local garage sale and trading groups. Post your “ISO” (In Search Of) lists and maybe another member will help you out.

Shop during rewards periods. Stores like Kohls, Gymboree and Justice offer rewards “bucks” for shopping certain times of the year. Shop during those times, but focus on the clearance racks. Then, make sure you don't forget to redeem the bucks you earn.

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