Back to school clothing is often the best part of going back to school for kids, especially fashion-conscious kids. And as parents, we do want our kids to look their best in clothes that they love. But whether you’ve got one child, two or five, back to school clothing can certainly cause a budget crunch. When just one pair of jeans can cost $20, $40, $50 or more, it’s no wonder that some parents dread back to school clothes shopping time. But you can satisfy the kids with some clothes that are at least new to them without emptying your wallet.
When getting ready to shop for back to school clothing, prepare early. A few weeks before you need to actually make the purchases, budget some time to go through each child’s drawers and closet. Have the child handy to try on clothes you’re unsure about, so you know exactly what fits and what doesn’t. Now’s the time, too, to ask about that shirt or skirt you love but you never see your child wear. If he or she really doesn’t like it and doesn’t want to wear it, get rid of it to make room for clothes that will be worth the money spent on them.
Once you’ve determined the clothes that the child has to start school with, you can make a list of the item each child needs. Chances are it will be very different for each child. Not all of them will need several pairs of jeans or shoes, for instance. Just knowing where the gaps in their wardrobes are can make shopping feel less overwhelming. And it’ll make it easier to stick to a plan if you know what you need.
Watch back to school clothing sales that are everywhere at the end of summer, and shop those extensively. Be prepared to have less choice in your child’s clothing as they age. While it’s your prerogative as a parent to choose the clothes your child wears, allowing a teenager the freedom to choose clothes within reason is a good thing to do. In fact, a child that age can be given a budget. Tell them how much you are going to spend, maximum, on back to school clothes, and let them make choices that will fit within that budget. It’s a good lesson in money management.
If your budget’s really tight or you just can’t see spending what it appears you’ll need to spend, try yard sales and places like the Salvation Army thrift store where you can find gently used back to school clothing. If you’ve never been to a yard sale before, it’s not as bad as you’re thinking. And very often you can find great clothes, especially for younger children, at prices you’ll never find even in a thrift store. While yard sales are great for smaller children’s clothes, older kids can be set free to discover finds for themselves, and may even have a great time.
