Back to Basics: Recession Remedy: Save on Kids’ Clothing

My Yankee grandma had some good ideas when it came saving money and getting great milage out of just about everything, especially dressing the kids. These ideas are not new but many may have been forgotten, or just not passed along, mom to daughter, so to speak.

Today’s fast paced and throw away, instant access mind set is costing everyone more that they need to spend on just about everything. But don’t take my word for it, just check your e-amail. How many offers do you have to shop online? But it now, have it sent and charge it? Well, many of us can no longer afford that shopping mindset and we will be better off getting beyond it.

Kids grow and they outgrow their clothes at a remarkable rate for the first ten years of their lives. They need to be clothed comfortably and appropriately for their activities and for the climate. Their clothes are best when made of durable material that will wash well. It is worth it to find the best quality clothing available and acquire it for your growing children. A lot of people are finding themselves short on cash and longer on time. This is an opprotunity to get back to basics. Notice I am saying “acquire” and not necessarily “purchase” clothing.

Grandmas today who are old enough to remember World War Two or the Great Depression were probably children themselves at that time, but they have stories to tell. These older women are a wealth of information. Ask them how their families managed. They will tell you they had less but they valued it more and they took care of what they had. There was no throwing out. Children’s clothing was mended, revamped with new trim or buttons, or a band or ruffle to add a little length. One child’s outgrown better outfit became the next child’s serviceable playwear. Much loved clothing was worn as long as possible and siblings traded to expand their wardrobes.

Ask your family, relatives or anyone you who know knits and ask them if they would make a sweater for your child or children. You can offer to get the yarn, but chances are a lot of knitters have yarn just waiting for a project. You don’t have to buy expensive yarn. a good acrylic fiber will last a long time and will be machine washable and dryable. If you have even beginning sewing skills and access to a machine, start making your kid’s pyjamas. They will love that you have done this for them and you can save a lot of money.

Offer to trade time, time talent or services. Offer to shop for your knitter, or do some gardening for a person who will mend if you are not a sewer for instance. This builds community. which can be very comforting in hard economic times.

Organize a neighborhood, church community, playgroup, classroom, etc. clothing swap.

Avoid purchasing “three for”, “Buy 2 get 1ne free”, “buy 1 get 1 50% off” sales at the high volumn, low quality chain stores. If you have multiple kids in different sizes you might get a deal, but this really invites waste and over buying. Better to go to the higher end store clearance sales and find items that will wear well and last long enough to pass along to the next in line. Quality is really better than quantity. If you buy, awlays buy the best quailty and only on sale.

Save money by washing kid’s clothes and letting them line dry rather than use the clothes dryer. The older models are not so efficient and the clothes wear out faster, are more apt to shrink, and fade. Plus the heat will set a stains that might otherwise wash out the next time around.