It's back to school time and that means for most parents and tweens, it's time to hit the mall and buy not just notebooks but clothes. And while a notebook or two probably won't kill your budget, those designer threads your daughter wants just might? So how can you save on back to school clothes shopping? Use these tips how to budget groceries.
Check out the second hand and consignment shops, especially ones that cater to children. While you may not find the latest styles, you may find some perennial classics like jean jackets, shoes, or even items that have never been worn. And of course they will all be at a fraction of their original price.
Go Basic - Invest in a few simple basics like colored t-shirts or tanks or jeans that can be mixed and matched to create a number of outfits. Or the basics can be jazzed up with one or more special pieces. Remember that not every item of clothing needs to be purchased before school starts. Start a wish list of items your tween wants and then you can purchase them slowly over the weeks ahead. Better yet, you can have your child earn money for the clothes through her allowance or helping with chores.
Love those Hand Me Downs - Think outside your own family - look to cousins, nieces, nephews and other moms with kids slightly older than your own. See if you can inherit some of the gently used hand-me downs to use with your own family.
Go Online - Use the internet to comparison and bargain shop. If your tween finds a must have item in a magazine or a store, try to locate it, or a similar piece online. You may be able to find it on sale, or with other incentives to make buying it on the internet the best deal.
Stock Up - Kids all need basics like tees, tanks, and socks. When there's a great deal on basic clothing, try to stock up so that when it comes time for back to school clothes shopping, you have the simple items covered. That way you can allocate your clothing budget for more of the items your children really want.
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