Getting your kids ready to return to school can be challenging.
Getting your kids back to school on time and appropriately dressed can be challenging, particularly if your budget is limited. Try to shop as early as possible to get the best choice of options and to ensure that you are not rushing at the last minute to find key elements. While your boys may not be enthusiastic about accompanying you on your shopping trip, your girls will probably want to have input into what they will be wearing.
Uniform
If the school has a uniform dress code, your job will be easier. Many schools sell the individual elements of the uniform at a discounted rate. Since kids often grow out of their clothes while there is still plenty of wear in them, some schools buy back gently-used clothing to sell to other families at an even further discounted rate. You may find buying directly from the school a cheaper option than buying from local school outfitters.
Discount Sources
As recycling and environmental consciousness has gained popularity, so have thrift stores and flea markets. There is no shame in buying clothing and accessories secondhand, saving money and doing your bit to help the environment at the same time. Online auction sites, such as eBay, can also be a good source for discounted new and used clothing.
Swap Parties
Chances are that your friends and neighbors have kids, and they are probably all of different sizes. There is no doubt that everyone has closets full of clothing that the kids no longer wear or have grown out of. Organize a coffee morning and clothes swap. Give each donor a token for each piece of unwanted clothing they bring to swap. They can redeem these tokens for clothing from other donors. Leftover clothing can be donated to a local thrift store.
The Mall
Your local shopping mall should be your last resort, since you will probably spend more here than other clothing sources. This will also provide more choices and, consequently, more chance that you and your kids may not agree on what is suitable school clothing. The popularity of fashion trends and expensive brand names can sweep through schools, and those kids that do not wear these items can find themselves the victims of bullying and ostracism. While there is merit in teaching kids the superficiality of brand name trends, the fact is that kids judge other kids by their clothing, among other things. If you can afford it, you may bolster their self-esteem, if you let your kids choose one or two must-have items. You may be able to find these items cheaper at outlet malls or online.
Tags: your kids, discounted rate, Getting your, Getting your kids, that kids
