Guides / The school year
Kids' clothes on a budget
Kids outgrow clothes, not the budget. Buy less, buy used, swap.
Growing kids need new sizes every year or two. The trick is to buy what they'll actually wear and let go of the rest.
Take stock first
- Sort what fits, what's too small and what's worn out
- Make a short list of real gaps
- Pass down or sell what's outgrown
Ways to save
- Secondhand shops and online resale for everyday clothes
- Clothing swaps with friends, school or church groups
- Buy shoes and coats for fit and quality; buy play clothes cheaply
- End-of-season sales for next year's size
General educational information. Costs and rules vary by family, school and state. Family Nickel Saver isn't paid by any bank, plan or brand.