It’s not just teenagers anymore – kids of all ages seem to be brand conscious and aware of the current clothing styles and trends. How do you survive back to school shopping without breaking the bank? Here are nine places where you can purchase the brand name clothes your kids want to wear – for pennies!
Before you start shopping, keep your expectations in check. You may or may not be successful. In fact, you will probably walk away empty handed more times than you will score the item you want. You have to be on the lookout all of the time and be open to purchasing gently used clothing items. In the end, is it worth it? That’s between you, your child, and your wallet.
Best Places to Purchase Brand Name Clothes on a Budget
1. Who is in your line?
Look no further than to your Mommy friends. Who has the kids who are about 2-3 sizes bigger AND who has the kids who are 2-3 sizes smaller than your kids? Hand-me-downs are awesome (AND FREE) as long as they are in good shape. Receive from one mom. Give to another. Karma makes the world a better place.
2. Neighborhood resources
Most neighborhoods have some kind of Nextdoor, email list serve, online community forum, FB group or the like. These are great places to find gently used clothing and purge your outgrown items.
3. Freecycle.org
From one single item to entire bags of clothing, freecycle.org is made up of people who want to get rid of their unwanted items… for free. Be sure to check your forum once or twice a day as clothing items tend to go quickly. Most freecycle traders will leave their items on the porch, since you do not need to meet in person to exchange money. (Always practice common sense and safety when exchanging items with a complete stranger!)
4. eBay
The beauty of eBay? You can search on EXACTLY what you want, and see pictures of the condition of the item. You will either bid on an item or “buy it now.” Our eBay store has many designer brand items – including designer jeans like 7 for all mankind, Lucky Brand, Abercrombie & Fitch, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity – all at affordable prices.
5. Craigslist
Similar to freecycle but having to pay for the items, be sure to practice safe trading. Meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going and who you are meeting. My standard Craigslist meeting place is in the parking lot of the police station. (Always practice common sense and safety when exchanging items with a complete stranger!)
6. Yard Sales
We are fortunate to live in a community which hosts yard sales almost year-round. Check your local community email list-serves, or newspapers to find ones close to you. Negotiate!
7. Thrift Stores
Not all thrift stores are charity based, but they will all offer pre-loved items at decent prices. Especially around back to school time, you may need to scour the racks a few times a week, but there are always some hidden gems in thrift stores.
8. Consignment Stores
Consignment stores may charge a little more than the first seven options, but they will also give you an opportunity to sell back and consign some of your out-grown items as well.
9. Work it off.
When I was a teenager, I wanted brand name clothes. My parents paid for my clothing necessities on their JC Penney budget. Any designer items I wanted above and beyond, I had to work (babysit) and earn my own money to pay for the difference. Awesome life lesson, and win-win for everyone.
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Love, hugs, and a penny saved is a penny earned.
Great post! I love designer clothes at bargain prices!
Hi Valerie – Thanks so much! Hugs, Holly
I have shared this with my penny pinching friends since we are about to do some back to school shopping!
Hi Jennifer – Thanks so much for sharing! Hugs, Holly
I had not thought of eBay as a resource for clothing — I will have to check it out! Also, love the idea of “working it off” for kids. I’ve been doing a version of that with my daughter for a while, and it is amazingly effective. Either she really wants it and is willing to work hard for it, or she realizes that she just doesn’t want it that badly and something else will work just as well. Either way, win/win!
Hi Wendy – Thank you so much for sharing! How wonderful that you are teaching your daughter these great life lessons! Hugs, Holly
Buying clothes for kids must be crazy. They grow so fast and it is indeed better to find them for good prices.
Thanks for sharing these tips on #TipTuesday.
Hi Debbie – Especially over the summer – add some sun and water and you blink and they are a foot taller! Hugs, Holly
Great tips! My oldest went to private school so his wardrobe was pretty limited and his younger brother “shops” in his closet. And one year one of my friends dropped off years worth of designer hand me downs for my daughter…it was awesome!
Hi Michelle – Private school makes the clothing options so much easier. And yes, hand-me-downs are awesome! I will not confirm nor deny if I may um… “borrow”… a few of Stepson’s hand-me-downs before he grows into them. Did I just say that outloud??? Hugs, Holly
Great list!
I don’t have kids but I was one and I know I grew so fast!
I don’t think I could ever wear my clothes for more than a couple of months.
So buying them for lower prices really is a must I think 🙂
Hi Sarah – Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello and share. We were all there at one time, weren’t we!!! Hugs, Holly
These are great tips! I’m a firm believer in hand me downs. That’s a great idea to use the neighborhood listserv too see if anyone is ready to donate theirs. I have a 13 yo who is growing like a week and is wearing a size 16 because he’s so tall! It’s hard to keep him clothed. I’m going to put an email out now! Visiting from Morning Cup of Joe Link up
Hi Angela – Thank you so much for stopping by to share! It is unreal how fast kids grow these days. But the good news is that it’s also very easy to score some great deals on clothes. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly