How to Afford Clothing for Growing Children

When I became a mother, my casual days of “thrifting” for fun became ones of determination to find the best deals on clothing for my growing children. We all know children can be expensive, but that does not mean it has to apply to their clothing too. Learning how to afford clothing for growing children can be a challenge.

HHM How to Afford Clothing for Growing Children

My oldest son led the “cat-walk” life for the first six months of his life, as I rushed to make sure he wore every single new piece of clothing he received as a gift. After the frenzy of getting at least one use out of all of the clothes before the next season, I was left with many outfits he wore only once. That was the beginning of the piles of out-of-season and outgrown clothing that eventually took over my home. The clothes were followed by toys and accessories, but that is another story by itself.

My search for bargains led me to some alternatives to spending big bucks on clothes my children would quickly outgrow. Some of them allowed me to help others and also tap into that creative side of me. Before you plop down more money on your child’s next outfit, consider one of these options so your dollar goes a little further.

Consigning
You may turn your excess into cash by consigning at second-hand stores or at seasonal sales. Items accepted and the amount earned varies depending upon where you choose to consign. Typically, consignment stores determine the value of your items and are limited to the amount of items they accept due to floor space.

Consignment sales allow you to determine your own pricing and give you an opportunity for a greater return on profit. You are also able to consign more items and have them seen by a larger shopping audience. Whether you opt to consign (and shop) at a more traditional consignment store or at a seasonal sale, there are great deals to be found at both.

Swapping/Gifting
Connect with your mom friends in your playgroup, co-op or neighborhood. You trade mothering advice, why not trade clothing (and toys) that your children are no longer using? Yes, it is totally appropriate to swap with the understanding that an item should be returned after use, or consider giving it to a mom to pass on to another mom who can use the item later.

Repurpose/Repair
Adding some lace, sewing on a missing button, or adding a patch can give an outfit new life. You do not have to be an experienced seamstress to enhance or make repairs. I have easily turned a few old pillowcases into play dresses and added another year of wear onto jeans, dresses, and skirts with the addition of lace or a decorative fabric ruffle. My daughter enjoyed choosing the fabric for the ruffle and helping me redesign her outfit, which could be done with a needle and thread, sewing machine, or a glue gun. If you have boys, then patches go a long way for repairing worn holes in pockets, on knees, etc.

Donation
There are many opportunities in communities to help satisfy the needs of others with items you no longer use. A quick online search can assist you in finding a location, or you may want to check with local churches. Your donations may even qualify as tax deductions.

Sewing
This is a skill that has slowly lost an audience but has lately been revived out of necessity. In some instances, sewing can be just as expensive as buying an item considering the time and money spent making it. Despite that, it is the creativity it promotes and skill acquired that should not be overlooked.
With summer not far away, make some items that do not require a lot of time or cost a lot of money to make. Simple skirts for girls and shorts for both boys and girls will keep your children dressed all summer long.

What are some of the ways you afford clothing for your growing children?

Image credit: Microsoft Clipart.

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2 Comments

  1. Those are great ideas! We live on a military base overseas and definitely rely on hand-me-downs from other families (and we make a point of passing on outgrown clothes as well). Another one is to watch for the end of season sales at your favorite stores and buy clothes ahead. You can get some great deals that way. We have my oldest son’s whole next size of clothes just waiting in a box for him to grow into.
    Found you through the Little Bird Told Me link up,
    Amber at OurCharmedLife.net

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