Back-To-School Shopping - Saving Big on Children's Clothing

The end of summer is near and so starts many families back-to-school checklists and shopping. Our back-to-school checklist always involves clothing purchases and these make up most of the expense. New sneakers, jeans, long shirts and sweaters are just some of the items on our back to school list this year. According to research firm Morpace, households with school age children spent on average $404 on back-to-school items in 2010! But there are so many ways to "save green" and "be green" while tackling back-to-school shopping.

Whether your kids have grown out of their clothes or just want to update their current wardrobe, shopping for used kids clothing at stores that feature gently-used, brand name items can help you get more for less and build amazing wardrobes for a fraction of retail cost. I started shopping at a local consignment stores for my little ones years ago and now I loathe paying full price.  Especially great are the unique items you find that are not 'cookie-cutter’. I'll never forget the unique sparkly printed jeans that I found for my little girl for $2. They were her favorite jeans until she outgrew them!

If you haven’t been to a consignment store in the past few years go and check out a few or just ask some friends where the best ones are.  Most consignment stores of today are nothing like they were years ago.  Most consignment store owners are very picky about what they select for their store.  Items may have been worn but they have to look new as if they haven't been. In several cities even teens are interested and getting involved. I noticed in my local city a store named "Just Between Teens Consignment Store".

What are some other Benefits to You and The Environment:

• Support Local - Money spent in a consignment store is money spent locally and supporting small business within your community. Supporting jobs in the local community is always important in my book!
• Budget Friendly - allows you to save money for other fun activities for your kids and family rather than spending money on expensive clothes that they will outgrow or stain in less than a year.
• Environmentally Friendly - Everything you buy is just one more recycled jacket, pair of jeans, skates, snow suit that’s not in a landfill.  It also reduces our carbon foot print by not buying clothing that has been delivered all over the country either.

My Back-To-School Shopping Tips to "Turn Green" & "Save Green":

• Firstly swap/pass down/ask for clothes from/to kids of friends and family. For years we have benefited from this practice and we pay it forward as well. At the very least donate your old clothing. Please don't be lazy and throw them out. So many can benefit from them!
• Take a peek at yard sales for children's clothing.
• Shop at consignment stores and do so early and often. Shop when you have time so you don't feel rushed. 
• Find out when the best sales are on clothing. The consignment store near my house has a special on Wednesday's where all clothes are 50% off. A couple of weeks ago I was able to purchase a like new Old Navy dress shirt, splash pants and Gap jeans for my little guy for $3.98!
• Ask the staff for assistance.  This saves time by having them show you where specific items are and let them know if there is a particular item you’re looking for. Many consignment stores have wish lists and they’ll contact customers on that list when the items they’re looking for come in.
• When you find a consignment store that you like, ask to be put on their mailing list so that you’ll receive updates of unique new items in the store, advance notice of sales and promotions.
• Check online! There are tons of swaps online. For Canadian's don't forget kijiji.ca. There are tons of posts there for swaps or to purchase.
• Check off whatever items you can off your back-to-school list before you move to department stores.
• Please post any tips you have!

Cost Savings: Our family saves at least $300 every year by following the above tips all year round. Last year alone I saved $200 on snow suits. Two were handed down and one I bought for $20 at a consignment store. Unfortunately, I did have to buy one at retail price mid-way through the winter because my little guy had a growth spurt and it cost me $110 at Sears. Big difference in price!

Links:
Organize a Clothing Swap
http://www.walletpop.ca/2010/07/27/try-a-back-to-school-clothing-swap/

Thanks to Panpote for the image.