How to Save on Winter Clothes for Kids

By contributing writer Alea Milham

Unless you bought winter clothes last year during the after season sales, you are going to have to start thinking about buying winter clothes very soon. These tips will help you learn how to save money on winter clothes for your kids.

Before You Buy

Before you buy anything, look through last year’s winter clothes to see what can be reused, what can be passed down, and what can potentially be sold or swapped.

Then look through the summer clothes to see if there any items that can be repurposed. Short sleeve shirts can be layered over thermals. Tank tops can be used to add warmth under a sweater. Dresses can be paired with a sweater and worn with leggings or tights.

Once you know what you can reuse, make a list by child of what items you need and put it in your purse so you have it handy when you are out shopping.

How to Save on Winter Clothes for Kids

Organize a Clothing Swap

If you have clothes that cannot be reused or passed down, you may want to consider organizing a clothing swap. Get together with friends from your church or play group and combine a mom’s night out with a clothing swap. Bring your clothes to give away and the list of items that you need, and check off as many of the needed items as possible before hitting the mall.

Thrift Stores

The winter season is short, so winter clothing doesn’t get much wear before it is donated. You can find great deals on almost-new winter coats, cords, turtlenecks, snow pants, and boots.

Consignment Shops

You can take the clothing that your child has outgrown into a consignment shop and receive cash or credit to use to buy clothes for this year. You will find great deals on quality name brand clothing at consignment stores.

Outlet Stores

Each year I buy my kids flannel-lined jeans at the outlet. Sign up for emails from your local outlet stores so you know when the sales are and can save even more.

Ebay

You can find both new and used winter clothing on Ebay. Ebay makes it easy for you to search by brand, size, and style to find exactly what you are looking for. Be careful not to get in a bidding war and be sure to factor in shipping costs before you make a purchase.

ThredUp

If you don’t have a consignment shop near by, ThredUp might be a good solution for you. You can sell your kids’ old winter clothing and earn credit to buy them clothing in the next size up.

More Tips

If you have both boys and girls, buy coats, hats, gloves, and boots in unisex colors. That way they can easily be passed down.

Look for items that have cuffs that can be rolled down like the sleeves of turtleneck tops and leggings. Your child may be able to wear those items for two winters.

Buy clothing that can easily be mixed and matched. Also buy items that go with the items already in your child’s wardrobe. This will minimize the number of articles of clothing you have to buy.

Invest in long underwear! Not only can thermal underwear be worn under clothes for an extra layer of warmth, they can double as pajamas. Target and Walmart often have cute patterns, but to get the most out of long johns I suggest buying solid colors. Solid colored thermals can be worn under short sleeve shirts or paired with a flannel shirt.

How do you save money on winter clothes?

More frugal ideas from Alea

You might also enjoy:

• Ways to Save on Winter Gear
• 5 Frugal Women’s Winter Wardrobe Tips
• Winter Gear Organization