10 Ways to Save on Back to School Clothes
It is time for back to school once again. It is expected that the average family will end up spending around $635 this season (according to the National Retail Federation). That includes the much needed supplies, electronics and clothing.
You can actually spend less than this amount by taking steps to ensure you save as much as possible. You can easily save on your supplies by finding the best deals (see our Back to School Database). You can also save on your kids’ clothes by following a few money saving tips! Below you will find ten:
1. Shop Your Closets. Before you head out to shop, take a look in your kids’ closets and dressers. Have them try things on so you can see what fits and what does not. Then, make a list of the things you will need.
2. Shop Thrift Stores. Second hand stores often have items which have little wear. If you look at how quickly your kids grow and the cost of clothes, this is an easy way to pick up new threads which they will wear for only a few months.
3. Stay at Home. Oftentimes, you can find online codes to save on your purchase. If you happen to also get free shipping, that makes for an even better deal. This will allow you to shop from the comfort of home without fighting crowds. You can also save time by not driving around as well as fuel costs.
4. Put your Phone to Work. There are many great apps you can download to help you find coupons and discounts. One of my favorites is CouponSherpa. They have retail coupons which you can pull up right at checkout. The cashier will scan your phone and you can save – without having to clip a thing before you leave!
5. Shop The Sales Tax Holiday. Many states offer a sale’s tax holiday to help reduce the burden to families. We pay nearly 9% for sales tax where I live, so that can add up to significant savings when we shop over that weekend. Find out if your state is participating by reviewing our 2014 Sales Tax Holiday List.
6. Clothing Swap. Find friends who have kids who might be a size larger or smaller than your kids and do a swap! You can give them the clothes your kids can no longer wear nd and get new items as well.
7. Recycle Clothes. Just because you have a short sleeved shirt doesn’t mean you can’t wear it in the winter. Just add a long sleeved tee underneath and you’ve got something new for fall and winter!
8. Shop clearance. It is still warm outside (and will be for a few more months). You can find clearance deals on shorts and tees, which is what your kids will start out wearing initially anyhow. This is a great way to pick up a few items to start off the school year. That also allows you time to see discounts and deals on the other items they might need later in the season.
9. Always shop off-season. This is one you might not be able to do right at this moment, however, when you shop ahead for the next season you can save. For example, winter items are always put on clearance in January (which never makes any sense to me). If you can find jeans, coats or other items, pick them up one or two sizes larger for your kids and hold onto them for the following winter.
10. Keep your budget in check. Sure, your kids might want the $150 sneakers, but if your budget is set at a $50, stick to it. They might think it is the end of the world if they don’t have the best, but you need to make sure you don’t overspend. If your child want something at a higher price than what you are willing to pay, you can always allow them to cover the difference. They might just learn that they really don’t want that item as badly as they thought, when they have to cough up the cash for it.
What tips do you have to save on back to school clothes?
Mikala says
There are also great local consignment sales like Just Between friends and Rhea Lana that are great for name brand items for upto 70% off. Look them up online for a local one near you. Both sales happen in late August and early September here in the KC area
Leslie says
Once Upon A Child and Plato’s Closet have a nice selection of name brands as well.
Lisa says
Savers in KC, benefits Big brothers/Big Sisters has 50% off days approximately once a month o. Holidays, with presale 50% off the day before with their free shopper card. This week, they have a 30% off day on Wednesday.
Kaye barlow says
I feel that uniforms would be perfect. A perfect way to solve a whole lot of problems. Save parents money and a lot of other issues.
Emily says
I also like Kindermint for my son. They also buy your kids’ old clothes (in mint condition). When I send his to them, I usually just use the money I make from them and buy him clothes from them. For the most part, I always shop clearance for everyone in my house!
Stephanie says
I buy end of season clearance, so I’m already stocked up for this fall/winter. Bought a few summer clearance items to cover the first few weeks of school when it will still be hot. I also find second-hand clothes at garage sales, usually cheaper than consignment/thrift stores and similar, if not better, quality. I bought a quality backpack for my daughter last year, and it’s in such good shape it will last her another year. I buy quality tennis shoes when I find a good online deal and stock up for the next size up.
The time is now to shop clearance for next spring/summer. Some great deals right now!