Winter is in full swing in many parts of the country already, and for many, this means it might have come a bit earlier than you had hoped or expected. With that comes the inner panic,”Oh no! I don’t have gloves or a hat or anything for my kids because everything from last year is missing a glove or doesn’t fit anymore!
Fear not! Here are some tips for saving money on your children’s winter clothing:
1. Organize a swap with other parents. Since winter gear tends to stay in pretty decent shape from year to year, get together with other moms or dads and swap for the sizes needed. This can be done with just a small group or make it a big deal with many people. Make it fair by only allowing each swapper to get as many pieces as they bring.
2. Find amazing deals at thrift stores. Second hand stores are getting all their winter coats and gear out now and some even offer special sale days on these items now. You can find brand name clothing and coats at 75-90% off. Just be smart about your shopping. Make sure the zippers work and that there is no holes.
3. Watch your Sunday ads for sales. With Christmas coming, many stores put winter gear and clothing on sale to urge buyers to get these for gifts. This is a good time to use any rewards programs you have been saving up.
4. Shop drugstores. You would be surprised at what many drugstores carry as far as winter clothing. Find hats, gloves and scarves for less than $5.
5. Check online for hot deals. eBay and online stores like thredUP have good deals on name-brand used and new winter clothing. Just be sure to check if the shipping costs are worth it before you buy. Sign up for thredUP here and save 20% off your first order.
6. Hand-me-downs. It may seem obvious, but hand-me-downs are a great way to save on winter clothing. If your child balks at the idea of getting used clothing from siblings or cousins, try adding a little personalization to the items with new buttons, trim or even dyes.
7. Make sure to set a budget. This way, you will not buy more than is necessary and you will get exactly what you are looking for.
8. Consignment shops are great places to get good winter gear bargains. Be sure to especially check out consignment shops that sell used sports equipment as they may have some amazing deals on that expensive brand of snowboarding clothing your teen has been eying.
9. Try making summer clothing stretch further by getting items you can layer. Long sleeve t-shirts and leggings are usually cheap and can turn a skirt and t-shirt into a warm layered outfit.
10. Remember to buy off season when it comes around again. Sometime around January or February, winter clothing and outerwear will go on sale. Use your best guess and estimate what size your child will be next year and buy for them at these sales. If you are lucky enough, you may even find expensive coats at 90% in March. Depending on where you live, when these sales start happening, you may even have plenty of winter left to get some use out of them now!
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