Deals on kids clothing..........

New to the forum and I am really getting a ton of info on where to shave money on food costs, etc... So now I am wondering where do you find the best deals on kids clothing? I have 4 boys and my older two are so hard on clothes, very little makes it down to the next two. I have used second hand stores alot but it is so hit or miss, and some of it is more expensive than finding things on a good sale brand new at a regular store. I do Goodwill and Salvation Army too, but as my older two are 6 and 7 I know that is only going to last so much longer. We live pretty simply already- my boys were Walmart, Target, Kohl's etc and look quite handsome doing so. Any tips ot suggestions to shave a little off the clothing budget is much appreciated!!

The biggest thing I've realized as far as kids clothes go is they really don't need SO MANY outfits. I'm the first to go to the consignment shops, etc...but as you stated, sometimes even the second hand shops are too pricey. Finding stuff that our little one has never even worn, or worse yet, with the tags still on made me realize that she really doesn't need as much as she has in her closet and dresser. And boys are even easier, I think. A couple pair of jeans and a couple pair of khakis with shirts that match both, you're all set. I've started doing that with our almost 5yo girl (who REFUSES to wear pants/jeans most days!)....couple of jean skirts, a brown corduroy skirt and a khaki skirt....6 or 7 tops that match all the skirts...woo hoo...a whole weeks worth of outfits!

Sounds like you're already on the right track!!!

I don't know what else you could do, sounds like you've got it down already. I shop Salvation Army for my 2 girls. (4 and 1). I always find the nicest clothes. I also shop Walmart and Target because their kids clothes are SO much cheaper than other places.

Sorry I couldn't help much :( But keep up the good work. OH, I also shop yard sales during the summer for nice clothes that will fit the kids for the next couple years - that way I'm ready when they hit a new age. :)

Check out WWW.CRAIGSLIST.COM its a big on line "garage sale," as I view it. You click on the state where your at and the closest city. Many people sell their stuff at very reasonable "garage sale," prices. Unlike ebay, you can post the item you want to get rid of. Or you can search for items you need that others are trying to sell. I've sold quiet a few things there, no fees! The only risk is having a stranger meet you to pick it up. But of course I haven't experienced any horror stories myself. But I had great success in selling a brand new bird cage, used tires, used racing exhaust. etc etc etc. (within my local area) and I always meet them at a designated public place near my residence!

Good Luck, Catchmeifyoucan

I will definitely check out Craig's list. I always forget about that site. I have used ebay before- both to buy and sell- but sometimes the effort and shipping costs outweigh the benefits. Garage sales were pitiful here last year- but maybe with the economic downslide more people will be trying to get some fast cash this spring. Thanks so much for your suggestions- right now every penny counts!

While Walmart does have fabulous prices on clothing, the majority of their clothing is made in China and I have had kids and adult clothing not make it past the first machine washing. Shop wisely there if you need clothing to make it past a few wearings. Goodwill over the past year has raised it prices on clothing but is still one of the best to find good, decent used childrens' clothing at a good price. I love Old Navy clothing for kids. Watch for markdowns at end of season and they also have a large sale area for adult clothing marked down 30 to 50% or higher. They usually also have a childrens' sale area with the same markdowns.

I have seen people on eBay sell "lots" of adults' and childrens' clothing, new and used (example - a group of, say, maybe 10 pants or 10 tops). If you check that out, check out the sellers' rating with past buyers and watch the shipping costs. Many sellers will keep the price of the article(s) down while inflating shipping costs. If you become eBay savvy, you will learn how sellers operate and which type to avoid. There are the sellers' who are just cleaning out their closets and are trying to make some money on unused clothing and then you have the businesses on there. You will probably make out better going with the seller cleaning out the closets than with the business because the businesses know how to make the most off of eBay and many sell for clients so need to inflate the prices and/or shipping.

We shop garage sales in the summer and find tons of kids clothes. At christmas and birthdays I make sure everyone knows the kids sizes and what they need. I also make sure everyone knows that they already have a whole basement full of toys. I also let friends and coworkers know that I love hand-me-downs. So many people are anxious to get rid of the totes of clothes taking up room in their basement, garage, or closets. Most are thrilled at the chance to give them to someone who actually wants them.

Yeah.
Sometimes buying the cheapest, is not the most cost effective way to go.
Sure, the initial costs are less, but if something a little more expensive will last twice as long, then it would be a better deal in the long run.

T-shirts are a prime example.
The really cheap ones usually end up all stretched out and worthless after a few washings. Not a good value.
Especially since a reasonably priced one can last a couple years easily.

Old navy is awesome when they are having sales. Often if you know their growth patterns well enough to can buy end of season sales for next year and scoop up huge deals. Their clearance racks are awesome. I never buy anything there full price, but you can find stuff there for less than second hand prices. And, I think it holds up fairly well.

I also have great luck with Kohls. And again, while they are having a sale it's a fantastic deal. Other than that I don't know what else you can do.

Khol's is always having good sales.

Children's Place also puts out great sales with coupon codes, just google. I pay the same for CP as I would going to wal mart and CP is much better quality.

I got a great deal on some things at Children's Place for next winter, I spent $15 and I got a fleece jacket, fleece pants and 2 long sleeved shirts and a turtleneck. They had 50% off their clearance and I had a 20% off coupon I got offline.

For kids in your age group it might be to your advantage to shop at sears and enroll in their kids advantage program I believe JC penney's has something similar any way the way it works is if your wears it out before they outgrow it they will replace for free. Hence great way to get clothes for younger two without spending any money. I see my neighbor do this her 10 yr old son always tears a hole in knees or breaks a belt loop she takes it back and gets the same size that her 8 yr old will be wearing the next school year. So really she only shops for one a school yr. It cost her $5 to be a member

Here a some places Steve and Berries clothing store at one time every thing in the store was like $ 7.99 but they change since they have gotten bigger, but still all brand new clothes, made in other countries,

and Rugged Warehouse they have brand new clothes as well and some brand names clothes at 50 % less, just check ther clothes, might have small hole, or no zipper on jeans it but most of the stuff is great shape,,,

I am new to the forum too I shop for my daughters clothes at Gymboree, I use there coupons & take advantage of there sales. Most of the stuff i buy her averages at 5.00 each then when she out grows them I ebay it for 2x the amount I paid.

making sure everything is color coordinated also allows you to buy less clothes. Being able to mix and match will spread the clothes out better. Just thought I'd add that.

Thank you all for the added suggestions. I have to say Craigs List is my new best friend. I have made friends with a woman who has twin boys that are 2 years older than my oldest. She is very reasonable and is going to come to me first when she is getting rid of stuff. The best part is- she doesnt do the whole matching thing so there is a huge variety of stuff. Very cool.

Has anyone been to Target lately? They had some amazing sales a few weeks ago. I got two heavy winter coats for next year for 5 bucks each. I walked out of there with 2 huge bags full (including new flannel sheet sets for everyone that were needed so badly) and I spent less than 100! I think I am going to have to shop end of season sales to stock up for the following year- it is definitely worth it.

Old Navy has great deals. Most of my kids' clothes come from there.

I just wanted to note that most thrift stores spray clothing with pesticides!!! It's not safe to wear the clothing from those stores. Isn't that sad?

JC Penney's often has the buy-one-get-another-half off deals, which could be a good deal on some things.
I also have a JC Penney Outlet that is even better (all the stuff that didn't sell at retail, or have slight imperfections)
Consignment shops for smaller kids, Ross or TJ Maxx. Craigslist, Sears.
Friends with kids older/younger than mine.
I don't tend to buy Walmart or Target, they seem to shrink/fall apart at first or second washing.
Shoes....see my post on 'Shopping with Kids".

Old Navy has great deals. Most of my kids' clothes come from there.

I just wanted to note that most thrift stores spray clothing with pesticides!!! It's not safe to wear the clothing from those stores. Isn't that sad?

State your source please! I buy from goodwill all the time and have never noticed any pesticide odor on the clothes. Mothball occasionally, but one of my neighbors smells like that all the time.

And no one should wear clothing from a store without washing it. Brand new clothing has enough chemical in it to make you sick.

Are baby clothes at $22.99 too expensive or is the price just on average margin?

Sounds kind of expensive to me. I don't pay that for an outfit for my 8 year old daughter.

Sounds kind of expensive to me. I don't pay that for an outfit for my 8 year old daughter.

My bad...I didn't notice the date of the post.:blink:

I am new to the forum too I shop for my daughters clothes at Gymboree, I use there coupons & take advantage of there sales. Most of the stuff i buy her averages at 5.00 each then when she out grows them I ebay it for 2x the amount I paid.


I do this too (notice the name? :) but BE CAREFUL. I got so roped in to Gymboree. I started with just the sales (and they do have great sales - I've gotten shoes and boots for 99 cents) but for me - it was a slippery slope - since they sell all of their clothes in matching lines - I would get a deal on a shirt or pants and then overspend on the matching, jacket, hair clip, sweater, skirt, etc. I would even call people in other areas and say "Can you go to Gymboree and see if they have this or that - they're sold out in my store..." I was obsessed. Still kind of am so I don't go in there :)

I justified it because "I can just resell it on ebay!" Which worked when my daughter was an infant but now she "wears" her clothes.

I will say no one beats Gymboree quality. But if you go in there, especially if you have a little girl, shop smart and don't get overbuy! (Like me :) Learn from my mistakes)

I think this thread got spammed- 2 links to kids clothes from people with one post. Like I would ever pay 22 dollars for an outfit for my baby he wears once, pukes on and then outgrows before I get it on him again. Dont think so!

I normally go to Kohl's Dept Store for clothes. I have a 2 year old little boy and when Kohl's has their clearance sales, I buy ahead for next year. I can get tops for $2 or $3 and shorts for $4.

As for my daughter, she's almost 7 and a little harder to buy for. She's in an 8/10 and I shop at Gymboree for her. I've searched far and wide for clothes for her that aren't "Hilary Duff" or "Hannah Montana", but to no avail. Everything at Kohls, Sears, Target, even Wal Mart is too grown up in my opinion. I can't send her to school (Catholic) with low cut jeans and low cut tops. So, I watch out for sales at Gymboree and wait for coupons to show up in the mail.

I normally go to Kohl's Dept Store for clothes. I have a 2 year old little boy and when Kohl's has their clearance sales, I buy ahead for next year. I can get tops for $2 or $3 and shorts for $4.

As for my daughter, she's almost 7 and a little harder to buy for. She's in an 8/10 and I shop at Gymboree for her. I've searched far and wide for clothes for her that aren't "Hilary Duff" or "Hannah Montana", but to no avail. Everything at Kohls, Sears, Target, even Wal Mart is too grown up in my opinion. I can't send her to school (Catholic) with low cut jeans and low cut tops. So, I watch out for sales at Gymboree and wait for coupons to show up in the mail.

Ummm...it's the Jonas Bros and Camp Rock now...

Nothing like contributing to Disney's bottom line!:blink:

The Children's Place still seems to have clothes geared for kids, not hootchie mama wannabe's (my constant argument with DD, she's only 8).

And my son is so skinny, they have the jeans with the adjustable waist, and I buy them on sale, too. Coupons in the mail.

I plan on going to Once Upon A Child and Kid-To-Kid before school starts. I can usually find some good stuff. I will start there and then buy a couple outfits from Wal Mart/ Target. I like Target's clothes.

My 16 year old, however, wants some Hot Topic stuff peppered into his wardrobe. Luckily he had a birthday and got some money from the grandmas. He's also job hunting. LOL

Ummm...it's the Jonas Bros and Camp Rock now...

Nothing like contributing to Disney's bottom line!:blink:

:D My brother works for Disney, so I already contribute to their bottom line when we go on our yearly vacations there.

Regardless, I get the whole "hoocie mama" thing. Drives me crazy...my daughter is only going into 2nd grade...she can't wear the things that are on those shelves!!! It's ridiculous!

Consignment, consignment, consignment all the way. Most of the time I don't even spend any money out of pocket, because we also consign his old clothes and the toys he no longer wants to play with, so we have a credit at the store. (That's the way most of those shops work -- if you consign something, when they sell it you get a % of the sales price as a store credit.) At the one where we shop it's usually between $2 and $3.50 for shirts, shorts and pants. The only thing we buy new is socks and undies, and those we get at Target.

*atlan*