Toddler Clothing Budget? - How much do you spend?

anothershopper2 · 01-04-2010, 03:09:49 PM

I'm sorta new to this whole thing in terms of buying kids clothing. I have a 14 month old and she's getting closer to the point where clothing gets dirty from play. I have been buying sales but I haven't been able to anticipate quite how to save money. And just how many outfits I need.

Any thoughts in regards to how much you spend on your child's clothing per season/year? I do try to buy ahead 1 year/one season (we do have all 4 seasons here) - I have a small kiddo for her age but she mostly fits into clothing at the right month marker - 12 month, 18 months (still a little big) even though she's far below average weight.

For example - footie pjs (100% cotton) from TPC, I got them at $8 each (which I originally thought was a good deal). Well, I didn't anticipate too well as 2 days later they were $7! Thanks!

jenrose · 01-04-2010, 03:14:40 PM

I buy most of my kids cloths at Target on Clearance. I usually don't spend more than $3 per piece and often get it even cheaper than that (except things like coats and such). My eldest is just hitting the 'boys' section instead of the toddlers and now it is harder to find things quite as cheap.

Jenna26 · 01-04-2010, 03:28:30 PM

I shop from Target and Kohl's clearance racks, as well as Once Upon A Child, a secondhand store. It's nationwide ~ check if you have one! It is an awesome store. They often run specials at the end of a season, B2G1 Free, off the clearance racks. So I will go stock up on all the $1-$2 items!!

I try not to spend more than $30-$40, per child (we have 3), per season. It's really not too hard!

ladywaterwind · 01-04-2010, 04:19:13 PM

I'm a lot like Jenna26, I buy every seasonish and usually only $40ish, with a few random buys in between. I tend to watch the clearance sections, and get things for her current size and if it's a seasonal piece what size she should be by the next year. For instance WM usually lowers it's Garanimals pieces to $1. I stocked up awhile ago on sweatshirts and jeans for $1 a piece the she's currently wearing.

On things like coats and such I usually buy a size or two above, depending on the current fit, and only the Columbia Sportswear make, if I can help it. I've been able to get nice Columbia jackets from Gander Mountain for $20 and we have one fleece one that she was wearing at 1 year and she's now 3. Though last year we did buy her one from Walmart that was reversible for like $15ish I think it was and it's lasted through this year too, way it's going should last next as well.

bonniebabies · 01-04-2010, 04:56:45 PM

This weekend JC Penny had Okie Dokie brand tops and bottoms for $2.39 and I had a store coupon. When you check out you also get info on your receipt for an online survey-that gives you a printable 15% off coupon so you can return and buy more if needed. Last year I bought a bunch of tops, bottoms and jeans for only $1.18 so the prices may drop more. Other places I've found items at or below $2 are Target and the Childrens Place outlet. To save on PJ's consider buying holiday PJ's when they are clearanced. After Halloween this year I found a set of 2 pairs of long sleeve girls 4T pajamas for only a few dollars. Children's Place online and outlet had some for only 3.99.

mrsjschultz · 01-04-2010, 05:03:24 PM

I tend to only buy clearance stuff when ig goes on sale for next season. I mainly shop @: TCP, ON, Kohls (especially combined with sales and the $5/5 emails), sometimes Meijer....we're really rural so I don't have a lot of options.

And, even though I try to stay within certain range I always go way past my budget. I'm a sucker for clothes and my LO's.

zamzoom05 · 01-04-2010, 05:05:20 PM

I love The Children's Place outlet store, that's where i stock up for my son. At the end of the season, all the stores send their extras to the outlet and they have this huge sale. It starts at $2.99/piece and goes as low as .99 cents. That's when i stock up on clothing I get several sizes bigger as well thye come in handy. My son is on the tall side so his pants usually don't last for long. Other than Children's place, JC Penny and Target clearance but not as good as CP. Every now and then something from Sears, but Sears should work well with u OP since ur daughter is really young. I used to get things from there for $2.49 or less

taylordvd · 01-04-2010, 07:23:34 PM

I think girls are lot different to shop for than boys. I have found that the key to lowering my costs on my dd's clothes is to make sure EVERYTHING is mix and match. I don't have to worry if the one shirt is in the laundry. My dd is 4, almost 5, but I find that 5 dresses/jumpers, 4 pairs of tights, three pairs of leggings (mine won't wear pants) and 4 or 5 shirts to be all that she really needs. Oh and at least one sweater and one sweatshirt. That's what she has for the winter. In the summer, I find that my kids really go through two batches of clothes. About July, their clothes really start to look beat up. I'm sure my budget is higher than a lot of others here, but I buy all of her clothes for an entire season in about 2 shopping trips - typically at Gymboree. Of course I use lots of coupons!

enginerd · 01-04-2010, 07:24:03 PM

I was lucky and got lots of hand me downs for my DS. What I did buy, my goal was to get it at 75% off - I shopped mainly at Target, TCP, and Old Navy. If I wouldn't have gotten so many hand me downs, I would have been picking stuff up at yard sales. Especially little girl clothes - they are very plentiful and much of it looks like new. I tried to spend as little as possible when my DS was small and I am glad that I did. Save your money for when they are older and have an opinion because it will get more expensive.