Who is not interested in saving money? If you usually shop at consignment shops for your children's needs you can take bargain shopping a step further and investigate yard/garage sales.
I can imagine my friends shaking their heads at this but I have been doing it now for 17 years and it is the only way I really like to shop, especially for children's clothes. Investing a great deal of money in something that may only be worn once or twice seems ludicrous to me. I can purchase several more outfits for the price one may cost me in a retail store. That not only gives me more of a selection but saves wear and tear on the clothes.
I have been an advocate of garage sales for several years now and am so appreciative of my friend Judy, who taught me the proper way to shop. First, you check out the area's sales and choose only those that have what it is you are seeking. Then, being familiar with the town is a great asset because you want to choose places that are a bit more upscale. This insures a better quality of clothing and usually better care. Then, mark which sales should be a priority and set out a route that is most advantageous (saving gas is essential in the cost effectiveness). I usually mark the sales according to priority and then follow that route.
I have made purchases that are not only amazing, but then benefit others once my child has outgrown them. Because I purchase a substantial amount for considerably less than any store's sales, my child never wore anything out. I then passed those items along to friends or charity. Garage sales have appeal because they can be so cost-effective. New parents can actually outfit a whole nursery by shopping at sales that offer anything from cribs, to changing tables to car seats (always be sure the seats are up to inspection standards).
When I had my own private daycare I purchased all the toys, books, Little Tyke cars and vans and even a swing set by checking out all the garage sales that were selling children's items. When I closed my daycare, I passed on those savings to friends who were in the childcare business. I have a good friend who went to a garage sale and returned home with a box full of clothes for the next 2 years of her son's life. The clothes were gently worn and all sorts of brand name items. The price tag for all of this was just $100.00. Now that is bargain shopping at its best.
This is an awesome way to shop, especially for children. My child was considered one of the best dressed kids around. Now, my granddaughter will benefit from this technique as she has all the clothes she will need for the first year of her life, for under $200.00. And not just any clothes, designer labels and beautiful items that make her wardrobe varied and amazing.
The season for garage sales usually runs March through October (in Central New York), weather permitting. So if you have not tired it yet, I recommend you go to a local garage sale and discover a wonderful world of bargains for all your child's needs and most importantly save money for more important and lasting purchases.
Times are tough for many Americans and this way of shopping makes it possible to afford items that may have previously been out of their budget. Dressing for less sounds like a sales pitch, but in this household, we not only do it for less, we do it with style.
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