Hi there! It's time to for back-to-school clothes shopping! Yes, it's that time of year. August is literally knocking on our doors, and if your kiddos are sprouting faster than wildflowers, then it’s time to refresh those wardrobes without setting your wallet on fire. 🎒👕👗
Get my top tips for spending less and getting more when it comes to building your child's back-to-school wardrobe by tuning in to the full episode!👇🏻
LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Any Player
The Reality of School Clothes
Okay, real talk. Kids are fashion disasters waiting to happen. That adorable designer outfit you just splurged on? Guaranteed spaghetti stain magnet. Remember that top you bought last month that made you feel super mom chic? Yeah, that’s the one that’s now covered in non-washable paint thanks to a surprise art session. Been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (with stains). 😅
Hack #1: Consignment Stores Are Your BFFs
When it comes to stretching that dollar, two of my faves are Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child. These fabulous children's consignment shops are where gently used clothes find a new lease on life at a fraction of the cost.
- Kid to Kid has over 110 locations in the US, Canada, and Europe. Their stores are organized by gender and age, making it a breeze to shop. Plus, they’ve got seasonal sections, so summer swimsuits and winter coats are easy to find. Bonus: They’ve got toys, gear, and even maternity wear! 🙌
- Once Upon a Child boasts over 400 stores across the US and Canada. You'll love their organized aisles and fabulous finds like Nike, Adidas, and Matilda Jane, all for prices that won’t make you gulp. I’ve scored items so cute, it feels almost like stealing! 🎉
Prefer to listen to this episode on YouTube?
Hack #2: Sell to Save
Want to save even more? Sell your kids’ outgrown clothes back to these stores. Every three to four months, I do a closet purge and sell what doesn’t fit anymore but is still in great shape. The cash I get back is perfect for picking up new pieces! Trust me, that extra $15 to $20 here and there add up quick.
Hack #3: Community Clothing Swaps and Pop-Ups
Keep an eye out for local clothing swaps or consignment sales. For my Middle Tennessee mommas, RuCo Kids is a fabulous consignment sale event. Just Google kids’ consignment sales in your region. You never know what gems are waiting to be found.
Hack #4: Try Online Marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace and VarageSale can be handy, but let's be real. Chasing down flaky sellers can be a drag. Plus, meeting strangers for pickups isn’t exactly ideal in today’s world. Proceed with caution, mamas.
Hack #5: Don't Sleep on Walmart
Check out the website Whoa, Wait. Walmart? for inspo, and then hit your local store for great deals. Brands like 365 Kids and Granimals are perfect for thrifty moms, and trust me, their athletic wear via Avia is top-notch. You'll be amazed what you can find without breaking the bank.
Listen to this episode on Spotify.
Budgeting 101 with Qube Money
If the start of the school year has snuck up on you and you’re not quite budget-ready, no worries. Jump on the Qube Money App train. Our family has been using Qube for over a year now, and it’s revolutionized how we budget, save, and spend. You can set specific savings goals for school clothes and more. And hey, you can try Qube for free with my discount code secrethomhacks at QubeMoney.com.
Final Thoughts
That’s the scoop on keeping those back-to-school outfits cute and affordable. Remember, the key is to plan, shop smart, and not sweat the small stuff. If a shirt gets trashed on day one, so what? We've got backups on a budget.
Want more tips? Make sure you’re following us on your favorite podcast platform and stop by secretmomhacks.com for all the goodies and updates.
Stay fabulous, and you've got this, mama!
Hugs,
Krista
Listen to these episodes next:
Member discussion: