Shopping for Back to School Clothing

Dressing our children can be expensive. When they’re heading back to school, clothes shopping options for saving money is something many parents think about. Parents want their children to be dressed well, but don’t want to break the family budget in the process.

It helps to determine what items can be used this year, what items need to be replaced, and what items need to be bought totally new. Of course, clothing styles change quickly, but that doesn’t mean that some clothing can’t be used this year as well. Set a budget for what items you need to buy and stick to it.

Determine ahead of time what you will spend on clothing for each child. Allow them to pick out some popular items as long as they remain within the amount you’ve set aside. If they earn money by doing extra chores or odd jobs around the house, that money can be used to buy items that are not in the budget.

One way to avoid spending so much at the beginning of the new school year is to purchase items throughout the year. When you see a sale for items your child needs, buy those items when they’re available to save money. Buying needed items as they become available will help your budget in the long run.

It will still be warm outside for the start of the school year, so stock up on warm-weather clothing at the end of the summer sales. You’d be amazed at the amount of money you can save by waiting until after July 4th to buy summer clothing. If you have extra money in your budget, buy some classic items that will be usable despite changes in style.

. They may have unadvertised sales available only at their website. They may also have printable coupons that you can use online or at their store. Auction sites are another option when looking for clothing online. Often name-brand, gently used clothing can be purchased for a fraction of the original cost.

If you have consignment stores in your area, have your child go with you to look for clothing. Many of the clothes at consignment stores still have the original tags on them but will cost you much less. Salvation Army and Goodwill are other used clothing stores you can visit.

Don’t forget to look at yard sales during the summer. If your child is uncomfortable doing this because someone might recognize clothing bought at a yard sale, go to areas of the city that aren’t in the same school district. When you do buy clothing at yard sales, thoroughly check each item out to be sure all buttons are there, the zippers work, and there are no stains.

Take advantage of the designated “tax free” days before school starts. You can stock up on clothing and supplies your child will need. Check with your child’s school to find out when “tax free” days are scheduled.

Soon it will be time for the children to go back to school. Clothes shopping options are on parents’ minds as they look for a way to dress their children without breaking the bank. By using some of these suggestions, you may find the clothes your child needs, and still have money for school supplies.

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