With the school year coming up, there’s a good chance that your child is begging for new clothes. If they are into new styles, then you probably already know that you may be bankrupt at the end of your shopping spree. Well, instead of spending hundreds on clothes that they may only wear once, here are five creative ways you can save on school clothes.
Start clipping
Before you start shopping, search for online specials and coupons. By spending time online, you can save up to 25 percent. You will even be at an advantage if you can combine free shipping offers with promotional codes. If possible, you can make it fun by involving the kids in collecting coupons. While your child may want to shop in the store, let them shop on the Internet as well.
Educate yourself
As a parent, avoid buying clothes your teens will refuse to wear. Again, if you are not well informed, you will purchase things that the school will not allow. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with school dress codes. Today, many schools have strict codes. The last thing that you want to do is purchase shorts that are too short for them to wear.
Cash for clothes and organize swapping
Chances are that your children have outgrown some clothes in good condition. They are considered to be in good condition when they are reasonably fashionable and with no stains or rips. You can usually get money on the spot from the clothes they have outgrown at places such as Plato’s Closet. Here, they will take name brand clothes and either give you cash or store credit. These stores have gently used name brand goods that cost 90% less than what they do in the store new.
Aside from the brick and mortar store, there are reliable swap websites that will prevent you from having to spend money on uniforms. You may even organize swaps with your friends, but you need to be having kids of different age-groups so that you can swap appropriately.
Get excited about the hand-me-downs
If you are positive about hand-me downs, the younger siblings will have no problem taking school clothing that belonged to the older brother or sister. You can get them excited by telling them that the clothes were once worn by the brother or sister. As you shop, since you value hand-me-downs for your kids, avoid too trendy and gender specific items. This works well with t-shirts, sweatshirt, and sweatpants.
Search for sales, outlets and overstock
High-end clothing stores conduct sales to clear old stock so that there is space for new stock. The advantage with shopping during such times is that you will find quality clothing, shoes, and backpacks at affordable prices. Quality items can last throughout the year. In the outlets, you will find merchandise of top quality at a reasonable price. You will also find everything including leftovers of last year, at a discount.
Creativity can help you save money on school clothes. This leaves you with more money to buy other items that the kids need, especially when you are on a budget. However, even with creative ways, you need to plan properly before you utilize them. You need to be well aware of what you need and what is not needed.
