Years ago back to school shopping trips with Mom to update my wardrobe was a favorite rite of passage. Just because you're watching your wallet this year doesn't mean that you can't find great clothing for your kids - and have fun in the process. Before hitting the stores or loading up on-line shopping carts, keep these five helpful tips in mind to help maximize the savings. First, comb through your kid's closets and weed out any items that don't fit or they refuse to wear - like the bright green sweater with rabbits and matching green corduroy pants my grandparents had given to me. "Do as much mix and match as you can," suggests Eileen Roth, speaker and author of "Organizing For Dummies"(R). "Are there items you can wear from last year? Did a top get ruined but the pants or skirt are fine? Then take the good piece with you and buy a new matching top. Remember, you can save money by buying two or three different tops to go with the same skirt or pants."
Second, brighten up clothes you already have at home. Nyssa Green suggests, "Head to the craft store to get crystals and monograms for sneakers, jeans and backpacks. Even if they're left over from last year, this will give them new life." She adds, "If you splurge on one major thing [I'd suggest] a great pair of sneakers for boys, a great purse for girls."
Third, think before you buy. Clarky Davis, The Debt Diva, says, "students in most climates are still able to wear their summer wardrobe as they head back to school, so avoid purchasing the full-price, fall clothing items. You may want to invest in a sweater or light jacket that can be layered with summer capris and pants as the weather cools. If you must purchase a few back to school clothing items, start your shopping trip at an off-price retailer like Steinmart or TJ Maxx, where you can find in style, on-trend clothing already discounted off retail price."
Fourth, think about changing where you buy. Be sure to check out local consignment stores and Goodwill for selections of reasonably priced clothing instead of going to the mall to pay full price. You might find your kids' favorite brands in those stores. Suzanne Kay-Pittman, public relations & communications manager, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc, comments, "I worked with two TV stations in Nashville in the last few days on back-to-school stories and searched our stores and found Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Seven brand jeans, Old Navy, Gap, Abercrombie, American Eagle and numerous other brands that kids will want to wear."
Fifth, don't try to buy everything now. You can always add as more sales crop up later in the season. Hopefully when you reflect back on the experience years later, you'll think about how much fun you had getting ready for the new school year with your kids.
Photo Credit © Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
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