High Fashion for Kids on a Low Budget

Keeping your kids dressed in the latest fashions can take its toll on your bank account. Over the years I have found several ways to save money while keeping my kiddos fashionable and leaving me enough cash to keep myself in style as well.

Kids by the dozen.

During the summer months when rummage sales are at their peak you will often find special sales advertised. There is a group out there known as "Mothers of Multiples" and you can get great deals on kids clothes, equipment, shoes, toys and so much more at their annual sales. They are parents with twins, triplets and other "multiples" and they price their items reasonably as a service to you. I went to their sale last year that was held in a soccer complex and by midday there was still plenty of good things to choose from and the prices were just right.

Reruns R Fun.

In the Omaha area, one of my favorite times of year is in the fall and spring when St. Columbkille Church of Papillion hosts their biannual consignment sale. The event is held in an empty warehouse and is a great opportunity to purchase quality children's items at a much lower price. There is a large array of clothing for all ages and sizes ranging from your department store clothing, to homemade items, to clothes bought in boutiques in New York and even specially made items. I have had luck over the years buying my Halloween costumes, winter coats and even baby equipment at reasonable prices.

The people in charge of Reruns take great pride in making sure all items are good quality and free of stains, tears and that they are in working order. Consigners are allowed to shop the sale early, as do first time mothers which can be quite an advantage as the good deals are gone quickly. If you sign up for their mailing list you will receive reminders in the mail of their upcoming sales and also of the adult clothing sale they hold as well. People drive from as far as South Dakota to check out this sale, so everyone is sure to find something to their liking.

Rummage through the goodies.

Families are always getting rid of children's items as kids grow out of clothing, toys and equipment so fast they need to make room for more. Rummage sales and garage sales are a great place to find bargains on name brand clothing and if you watch the newspapers they often have neighborhood sales so you can shop multiple sales in a short amount of time. In smaller communities they will have citywide sales making it worth driving a few extra miles to find good deals.

Consignment shops.

This is by far my personal favorite way of shopping for kids clothes at reasonable prices. New items are put out frequently as people are always bringing in more and you can even bring some of your kids clothing in for store credit. If expensive name brands are your thing you can find shops that specifically carry them at a discounted price. All shops are unique, one shop reduces the prices of items if they didn't sell by 30, 60 and 90 days and another store always keeps their prices under $5 for clothing. I have found items in shops that still have the tags on them and boutique items that I would never have found on my own.

Clearance.

If you are a super shopper always be on the lookout for sales. Department stores clear out their departments and have racks of clothing on sale at a wide range of discounts. At the end of the seasons you can get children's coats, hats, gloves and winter jammies for next to nothing. One year I picked up a winter coat at Target for $4. It is a great time to put things away for next year as well. It's hard to pass up a shirt or pants for $1.24.

With these ideas you will have a good start on getting your kids into some new (or at least new to you) clothes at low prices. And with all the money you will be saving, go out and buy yourself something nice...you've worked hard for it.