The expense of raising children is frequently discussed and oftentimes appears to be as expensive as statistics suggest—almost reaching a staggering quarter of a million dollars by the time they turn seventeen. On average, parents are shown to spend between $600-850 annually, just on their children’s clothing. That’s a considerable amount, even for adolescents. Let’s explore three simple strategies to lessen the impact on your wallet when it comes to your child’s clothing.
Trim Down the Wardrobe: This advice feels counterintuitive but what if everyone, not only children, had fewer clothes? It’s especially feasible for young children under 8, home-schooled, or uniform-wearing kids. Social pressures to dress fashionably commonly kick in around ages 8 or 9. However, for younger ones, consider downsizing their wardrobe to consist of eight outfits, a few pajamas, and a special occasion outfit. Reducing clothing quantity means saving on laundry time, freeing up more space in kids’ rooms, and cutting costs. It may seem radical to some, but minimizing the size of your child’s wardrobe by half could lead to better organization and a quicker laundry day.
Go for Pre-loved Items: A majority of my toddler’s clothes are either hand-me-downs or secondhand purchases. They offer an opportunity to bag high-quality brands such as Baby Gap, Gymboree, and Converse at a fraction of the retail price. If you’re discerning with your secondhand purchases, you can secure good-as-new pieces that will last even after your child outgrows them. Children’s clothes can take a beating; therefore, opting for quality brands at pre-owned prices is a savvy move. Dealing with inevitable damage is easier when you know it didn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Seasonal Shopping and Planning: If you’re not a fan of used clothes, or struggle to find suitable secondhand items in the right size, you can still snag bargains on new clothing. The trick is to shop out of season. This method may not work for everyone, as children’s growth isn’t always predictable. For instance, my summer-born daughter, now at 21 months, is still using her 12-month-old clothing, leading to some outfits never being worn. However, this strategy works perfectly for gifting. Shopping end-of-year clearance sales with discount codes, free shipping, and cashback deals makes for a relaxed and wallet-friendly Christmas. For instance, last year, I managed to buy gifts for ten children for just $50 in total—a stress-free Christmas indeed.
Children grow quickly, making it feel like you’re perpetually shopping for their ever-changing sizes. But by utilizing these three tips, you can save on your children’s clothing budget. This extra money can then be put towards their future needs when they become more conscious of their fashion preferences.
