Every parent knows that buying children’s clothing can easily break your budget. Children’s clothing is expensive especially considering that they grow out of them almost faster than you can buy new ones. Buying children’s clothes doesn’t have to be draining to you or to your bank account. It’s easy to learn tips and tricks that will help you spend less money on children’s clothing and still have them looking their best.

Clean Out Those Closets!

Get organized! By taking an inventory of the clothing your children already have you can get a better idea of what they can still wear and what items they’ve outgrown. You may even find items your children never wear that are sitting there taking up closet space. Be mindful of items your children currently need and will need in the months to come and make a list so that all this stays fresh in your memory.

Sell Those Old Clothes

By selling your quality used clothing you can obtain store credit or cash to invest in new clothing. This will stretch your clothing dollars further.

Don’t Knock Those Hand-Me-Downs

Friends, neighbors, and relatives can be a huge resource for those wishing to obtain gently used clothing. These items aren’t simply cast-offs, they’re a great source of quality clothing for your children with absolutely no cash investment required. Take advantage of those hand-me-downs.

Secondhand Stores are Super

Why should you invest in brand new clothing when children outgrow clothing so quickly? You can find lots of great reasonably priced second hand clothing items for your children from flea markets, thrift stores, and other secondhand venues. Most children go through clothing so rapidly that you can easily find items that are in excellent condition.

Will They Wear It?

If you find the cutest or slickest outfit imaginable but your child refuses to wear it you’ve gained nothing. In fact, you’ve just wasted your money and your time. It doesn’t matter if the item was on sale or half price, if the item isn’t worn its garbage.

Say No to Impulse Buys

If you were diligent about getting organized before shopping you’ll have a good idea of what clothing items are needed and what items are not needed. You should never make a quick purchase decision just because your child decides he or she has to have a certain item. This is how you spend more than your budget allows.

Also avoid shopping if you’re tired or overwhelmed. It’s better to leave early than try to purchase every item on your list if you’re about to fall over. A few bad decisions made while you’re not feeling your best can ruin even the best purchase plans.

Old Clothes Can Look Almost New

There are many ways to give your old children’s clothing a new lease on life. Adding or replacing buttons, lace trim, and embellishments can make older items pass for new. Customizing old clothing with fabric paints or crayons can turn even the most boring outfits into something your child will be thrilled to wear.

Finally, no matter what, remember that you as a parent have the final say on all clothing purchases. Never give into temper tantrums no matter how persistent your child may be. Once you start giving in the problem becomes worse and you’ll lose control over your budget planning. Buying clothing with your child is a treasured teachable moment perfect for showing your child the value of a dollar and how to make responsible purchases.

Trevor Richards writes for Accessoryo (www.accessoryo.com), UK retailers of childrens fashion accessories.

Trevor Richards writes for Accessoryo (http://www.accessoryo.com), UK retailers of childrens fashion accessories.

Author Bio: Trevor Richards writes for Accessoryo (www.accessoryo.com), UK retailers of childrens fashion accessories.

Category: Advice
Keywords: fashion, clothing, children, parenting, childrens clothes, shopping, style