Calling all cheapskates and paupers!!!

[Judegirl]

Are there people out there who don't buy your baby's clothes at Hanna Andersson, Gymboree, Baby Gap & Old Navy? Where do you go to get clothes at good (i.e. better!) prices?

I'll admit I've taken advantage of the recent sales on Gymboree and OshKosh for a couple of things...but generally speaking, those things just cost way too much for me to regularly outfit a child in them, even on principle alone. $15 for an outfit that'll be outgrown in three months...yikes!

I know it's all relative; a $9 onesie at OshKosh is a great deal. But, if you'll excuse me, where are the hardcore penny-pinchers? Where are the moms and dads who don't want to buy brand-name stuff, for whatever reason? Are you out there? Any tips, advice, direction?

I've found good deals on basic Carter's stuff at my local BJ's, but other than that, ebay (where I'm buying the bulk of my baby's clothing) and thrift shops, I'm all out of ideas. Yard sales don't start up around here for quite some time.

Just wondering whether there are other people like me out there...I don't even buy MYSELF brand-name clothing! *laugh*

Best,
Jude

[toomanystrollers]

I like shopping the clearance racks at Kohl's, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, but honestly I stock up on Hanna sale items (through the outlet mainly) because I know I'll just sell the stuff on Ebay for an almost guaranteed higher price than what I paid for it - same goes for all the Lands end stuff on clearance at Sears.

HTH

[heidi_timms]

I find that if you buy stuff on sale at Gymbo, Hanna, Gap, etc, things are the same price or cheaper than places like Sears, Target, etc. I get Gymboree and Hanna dresses for $10-12 and to me that's a deal!!!

~Heidi
Mom to Kailey Ashlin
4/27/03

[lisams]

I like Target, but I can get sale items at Gymboree and Gap for the regular price at Target. For example, a pair of leggings at regular price will run for about $7 at Target. That is the price at Gymboree on sale (and the resale value of Gymboree is good - so I can turn around and get money back after DD has worn them - can't do that with Target stuff). So when I buy at Target, I wait for the sales or clearance rack. I'd love to hear where others get good deals though!

Lisa

[shishamo]

Hi,

I also buy tons of Hanna's, wear them for 2-3 seasons per child, and we really do wear them all the time. and after we are done I sell them on ebay. you really do get your money back.
The other thing is I do a lot of garage sale in the summer. It's the cheapest way, most stuff is 25 cents-2 dollars. I ONLY buy brand names at the garage sales (hanna's and baby gap, gymboree, and other boutique-y stuff ) and I resell them on ebay after I'm done. You actually make money that way (minus your trouble of listing the stuff plus ebay fee).
I do admit that I really like nice clothes for my kids and this is the only way for me to make the ends meet.

[Momof3Labs]

I'm a huge cheapskate!! But when I can get Baby Gap, Hanna and Lands End clothes at Wal-Mart prices, I buy them. Marshall's and TJ Maxx are great places for cute kids clothes too; you can easily get an entire outfit for $9.99. Value City is another source, though that usually requires more patience than I have when I'm there.

I've also done well at consignment stores, but lately it seems like everything around here is more expensive and more worn-out. I refuse to pay $6 for a worn-out Carter's sleeper - I'd MUCH rather pay $13 for a Hanna zipper on clearance, knowing that I'll get my money back from the Hanna when we are done with it, whereas the already worn-out Carter's will probably end up in the garbage.

You said that you don't want to buy brand names. I don't have anything against brand names, I just don't want to pay anywhere near brand name prices!

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I'm a cheapskate. That's why I shop at Gymboree and Hanna. Especially Hanna. At the sales, I am paying less than clothes from Target, and these clothes will last for more than one season and I'll sell them for more than I paid for them afterwards.

It's much cheaper to shop Gymboree, Hanna, Gap, etc from the sale racks than to shop Target etc. Even if I shop the clearance rack at Target, the outfit is not going to last and is not going to have any resale value.

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[heytootsy]

I think I might be the biggest cheapskate of them all. I usually buy from garage sales. Most of the stuff is current styles, lots of Gymboree, Gap, etc...

Other than that, I check out the sale racks (and only stuff on sale). Maya has lots of really nice clothes, and it was all dirt cheap.

[brubeck]

I used to be much cheaper with clothes when my kids were wearing 4 different wardrobes in a year. Once Amy stabilized into 2 a year (and they're seasonal, she's only going up one size) I felt better about spending a bit more on clothes.

I still think that Gymboree is somewhat expensive, so I only shop there when they have COF AND Gymbucks. But during those times for $50 or $100 you can get a lot. I also jump all over the LE Overstocks/Sears sales.

Before I bought 'designer' I bought a lot at Target and the Carter's outlet. If you have time to search the racks you can also get good stuff at Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshall's on clearance. The Healthtex web site also seems to have good sales on a regular basis.

Edited to add:

I almost forgot The Children's Place! Their stores are okay but the real deals are at their outlets. I was there today and picked up some winter shirts for Amy for $2.89 apiece (after 15% discount card was applied). Much of the outlet stuff is so cheap you can afford to guess at the child's size for next year. When I was pg with Andrew I got a bunch of things for him there for about $5 total. This was for about 12 items. Can't beat that!

[Melanie]

I like Ross, Kohl's, Mervyn's, TJ Maxx and Marshall's for less-expensive. They seem pretty skimpy in the toddler boys area, though, when it comes to my taste. I still maintain that my favorite pair of Ds' jeans which fit him the best are Mervyn's...too bad no one there has a clue about anything including picking up merchandise from the floor and making stroller room in the department, or I *might* try to find him another pair.

Of course, I don't buy MYSELF the expensive brand-name stuff either. I always think people are going to wonder who Ds belongs to, surely not the woman in her 5 year old fading Levi's, white Payless sneakers and 10 year old Hard Rock Cafe Sweatshirt. LOL. Although, I'm 'trying' to save my special money aside to buy at least a couple of things for myself instead of spending it all on his clothing.

[Judegirl]

Ahhhh...the resale factor! I never thought of that. And I didn't realize that Hanna sales were so good. When I checked out the website, I didn't find very much for under $15.

Thanks for the ideas - (actually, I've always wondered what TJ Maxx sells, but haven't gone in!)

Still calling cheapskates & paupers for great ideas...but thanks to everyone who's replied thus far!

Best,
Jude

[Melanie]

Oh yeah, and outlet mall shopping!! I find outlet mall regular prices are common to store sale prices, but if you find an outlet mall SALE, then they are really good.

[shishamo]

Hi,
I almost forgot my favorite place to buy clothes-ebay. if you're not too picky, you can get really great deals. I just bought my DD 2 shirts and 2 dresses, all babygap, for $5.00 plus shipping, which comes down to about $2-3 a piece. I'm also planning to resell these on ebay when I'm done.
I also buy Hanna's from ebay as long as the price is right. In fact, that's how I got started with my Hanna addiction.

[pamela mom of 3]

I really sales shop, i almost never buy gymboree or old navy or whatever____ ;) at full price.

Many times when watching for sales i can pay pretty much the same as something "cheaper" kwim?

I also will consignment sale shop, ebay the odd time etc.

For me i find it isn't cheaper if the clothing just falls apart, value and quality is important for me/us, we're a single income family, obviously with 3 children to support :+

Plus my kids are rough on their clothes *and* i do like to pass down items, i have a very sweet neutral gymboree zip up jacket about to go onto it's 3rd owner :D

The deals really can be found, i just have to step back and wait for the sale or sometime be prepared to do without it, for instance i really wanted the whale gymbo raincoats but i needed 2 i could not swing that so i waited and got lucky with that last sale.. 2 for basically the price of one!



:)




http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-pamelamomof3

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[Imperia]

I am SUPER picky about clothing, both for myself and for my baby. I don't think clothing is a deal if it doesn't wash well or is uncomfortable. I don't always getthe best deals out there but the places I do get good deals are:

1) My local "Once Upon a Child"--this is a children's used clothing chain. You can see if there is one locally to you via their website. I find gently used Gymboree and Baby gap there ALL The time. My husband and I have gotten so good we can just pull out the gymbo and gap stuff. It sells there for rock bottom prices: ie $2.00 a onsie, $2.50-3.50 for pants etc. If you are buying stuff for young babies it's easier because they don't wear out their clothing nearly so much.

2) EBay...I find NWT (new with tags) and NWOT (new without tags) and EUC (excellent used condition) stuff on there for almost nothing quite regularly, all good brands: gymboree, baby gap, hanna etc. BUT you have to be careful because sometimes people get ferocious and start a bidding war...

3) Sales and Clearence at places like Gymboree. Gymboree knows they are pricey they do that so they can build in sales...(ie mark stuff way down and still make a lot of money)...that's fine with me as long as I wait for sales. Sometimes Gymboree has VERY good sale prices (a few weeks ago they were selling tons of good stuff for $7.99 an item (dresses, coats, shoes included!)

*ETA*

4) I totally forgot about Ross, T J Maxx etc --I see Gymboree at Ross fairly regularly for decent prices. I got a CUTE coat there from the Tea Party line for 12.99, I think it was originally 50 or 60 dollars, and was selling on ebay for $25 still! Those type of places are hit or miss though. I have heard people say they found Catimini at T J Maxx. I saw Little Me there when I went and Ralph Lauren of course (which I refuse to buy!) Note: the stuff at ROss, T J Maxx etc is usually lines from last year (I could care less, but some people might). Although, about a month ago I found a Sweet Cupcake (line from late last year, still on clearance in stores) preemie Sleeper, no idea what it was doing there, it's not defective either...it was 6.99 I think, regularly 26.00!!!!!!!

Imperia

Imperia

[egoldber]

I used to do OK at consignment stores, but once you get into the bigger sizes (18 months or so and up) that kids wear for along time, the clothes are no longer pristine and I can't belive they want $5 for overalls that have obviously been washed and worn about 300 times. And around me garage sales have all been shockingly overpriced. IMO, if something looks faded and worn after only a few wearings, its not a bargain.

I try not to impulse shop for DD any more either. I plan out in my head what she will need for preschool, regular clothes and a couple special occasion outfits, and then try to stick to that plan.

I actually like some Target clothes and use them for preschool. But we only need 3-4 pair of leggings ($2.98 each on sale) and 3-4 long sleeve cotton shirts ($3.99 full price) and 2-3 long sleeve sweatshirts ($5 at Kohls). I also like Target's summer stuff for cute inexpensive beach/pool outfits.

HTH,

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I started out buying Hanna on eBay too, and then I found out I was paying more for used clothes than I could get them for new at the Twice A Year sale.

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[HallsofVA]

My mother in law finds the greatest deals. She has a friend who does the flea market circuit. Whenever she wants to buy clothes for one of the grandkids, she tells her friend. Apparently the flea market folks have a monthly auction where you can buy stuff by the boxful. We just had our first child 2 weeks ago. In October, my MIL told her friend that she needed a box of clothes for a baby boy. The box cost her $10, and contained upwards of 30 outfits and accessories ranging from newborn to 2T. She's outfitted 5 grandkids that way, and I haven't seen a better deal. One year she got a box of new OshKosh clothes for $5. If you can find someone like she did, it seems to be a great way to go.

[em_jon98]

I probably buy half of Lindsey's wardrobe on deep, deep clearance from Land's End (now that the end of season sales are so great at Sears), Baby Gap, Gymboree, and (thanks to this board :)) Hanna. The other half is Target, and most of that is purchased on clearance, since they put seasonal clothing on clearance 2 months before any child could possibly wear it (short sleeved tees on clearance in late Feb/early March in Chicago? It's late May/early June before we can wear them...)

I never buy anything that isn't on sale at any store. Everything will go on sale at some point--I just wait and swoop in when it does. Lindsey wears Target clothes to daycare, because they don't hold up as well and I don't care if she gets paint, mud, food, etc. that won't come out, on a $2 t-shirt. She wears the other stuff at home where I can care for it well. Also, as mentioned above, many of the more expensive brands can be purchased on sale for the same price as the less expensive brands and will wash and wear much better.

[lisams]

I love Lindsay's avatar in the bath! I also peeked at the Christmas pictures in your link - she is a doll!!!!

Lisa

[mom2kandj]

So you look like the *nanny*, too? I'm quite excited that I just *upgraded* my sweats to some new Tommy Bahama capri yoga pants for a mere $18 each. Our favorite outlets are at Stateline on the way to Vegas, but in a pinch we drive down to Carlsbad for good outlet shopping! I *know* that you've got a couple good options up your way! :p


Rose
mom 2 Katie 12/02/00
& Jack 04/16/02

[vikivoly]

I buy mostly Gymboree, but have a good bit of Old Navy and Gap too. I would be lying if I said that I bought everything on sale for $8. I think it would be very hard to outfit a baby in these brands using only $8 finds. I'm into finding a good deal as much as the next person, but if I had to rely solely on the clearance racks of these stores it would be hard to put an entire wardrobe together. Especially when the baby is very young and it's difficult to buy for next year.

A pair of pants at Gymboree is $30, if you wait until they are on sale at 40% off and then buy during the COF sale at 30%, they're still $12.60. I would consider that a good deal for Gymboree, but at Wal-mart similar pants would be $8.98 regular price. If you wait for a sale like that, chances are you're not going to have a good selection and the size you need may not be there. I personally would rather pay $12.60 for Gymboree pants than $9 for Wal-mart or Target, but I think $12.60 is more the exception than the standard for Gymboree. I'm not a fan of Hanna clothing, but when I tried to buy something during their winter clearance sale on-line, they had nothing left in DD's size. We don't have any outlets or stores near me, so maybe they have a better selection.

As a newborn DD wore a good bit of Carters and Osh Kosh. You can find sales on these brands any time of the year. The dept. stores often have 30% off and will have a coupon in the newspaper for another 15-20%. But if you want to go that route my suggestion would be to stay away from Gymboree and Gap, because once you start wearing their clothes you aren't going to want to go back to Carter's. This happened to me. When I first went into Gymboree I refused to buy anything that wasn't on the clearance rack, but after a few good finds I got spoiled! Maybe you have more self-control than me though! ;)

I have bought some things on ebay used and NWT. I found that I didn't wear the used stuff on her as often as the NWT or store bought. I did find a nice used winter coat from Old Navy that I love for $6 plus shipping. I've also been ripped off on ebay and bought some things that weren't as nice as I thought they were in the pictures, so if you factor that in, ebay isn't the savior either.

As far as re-sale value, I've not attempted to sale anything of DD's yet. I'm holding onto it in hopes of #2.

Sorry for being such a downer, but I didn't want you to be misled thinking that everyone on this board dresses their baby in name brand clothes and doesn't spend more than the avg. Wal-mart shopper. Just take a look at the post where everyone lists what they bought during Gymboree's COF sale. There are some good deals, but there are a lot of us who bought from the Strawberry and Tip Toe lines which were only discounted 30%.

[cchavez]

I rarely buy DS Gymboree or Gap. He has a lot of OLD Navy and Target. I also shop at Kohls but I have not had luck there in a long time...I probably would buy more Gap b/c it fits him well but there is not a Gap really close by and I don't go to the mall very often with him. Our Target stuff has held up really well but overall I prefer for DS to be comfy so I don't dress him up that much. His typical outfit is are track pants from Target and cute Old Navy tops....

However, I am going to the mall tomorrow and I plan on hitting Gap, Gymboree and maybe Old Navy:0)

I haven't had any luck at resale shops and I haven't tried ebay.

[hobey]

I have to second the outlet mall SALE suggestion. I never pay full retail for clothes and refuse to buy items over $10 for Nathan so I look for the Baby Gap, Old Navy sales but the best deal I've found so far has been at the Gap Outler. I picked up onesies and knit pants, all for $1.97 each! The Oshkosh outlets have awesome prices too and you can usually find some of the nicer pieces for 75% off.

Raquel
Nathan's Mom 12/19/03

[joemama]

There are 6 or 7 families in our playgroup with kids a little older than mine. I will often ask other moms if I can buy items from them when their kids have outgrown them. Sometimes they will even just give me a bagful of clothing, which is great! And I usually loan out things my kids have outgrown as well.

You might be able to start a trade/borrow club with other moms in your area in order to avoid buying new things all the time. One caveat about lending items, though: it may or may not be returned in good condition. You have to be realistic about that.

One last idea: do you have a relative who sews? My mom is a great seamstress and she loves to make clothing for her grandkids. She can often make an outfit that is cuter than most labels for half the cost or less.

HTH
joemama...and ellie, too!

[kransden]

I am the queen of cheap!! I do not garage sale because I don't have the time for it. But I do live in a large city with lots of options. I live near a tier 1 gymboree. I can get great outfits there for under 10.00. Last summer the ice cream line went for 4.99 for the bike shorts and 3.99 for the matching plain colored tops. Guess what my dd is going to wear this summer? The winter legging are now on sale for 6.99 plus COF. The other gymbos near me are a waste of time trying to get bargains like that. Dept. stores are clearing all of their winter stuff right now for very little $$$. Last Sat. I got several outfits of blue jeans, a cute light jacket and a cheesy top for 6-8.00. You can't buy blue jeans for 6 bucks! Used clothing stores can be a deal. Check out each of your local stores. I only go one to Once Upon a Child for used clothes. I can pick up an outfit for 3.50 to 5.50. The rest of the chain here is junky. I watch the sale ads at Target and buy the new stuff when it goes on sale. There is also a Children's Place Outlet close by. That has great prices. Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Value City have great prices too.

Finally the best tip - tell people you are willing to take their children's old clothes. I have gotten bags of stuff from other mothers at the daycare and friends. Most people don't offer because they're afraid that you'll be offended. My motto is "if you don't ask you don't get". In fact my dd is wearing and adorable pair of overalls today that were from a daycare mom and a clearance Target turtleneck that matches. The original shirt wasn't salvageable.
Wow this was long!

Karin and Katie 10/24/02

[millerpjm]

I usually do a combination of Target/Walmart, garage sales in the summer, and shopping the sales racks at Baby Gap, Kohl's, Penney's etc. When I did the garage sales, I bought way ahead trying to guess sizes and seasons, and so far have been doing ok. Walmart in my town just put out some summer things, and they have plain t's and knit shorts for 3.48 or something. I do not think too much about the resale value of the clothes because most of mine will end up being given away instead of being sold. I also do hunt the sale racks and clearance racks quite a bit.

Jen

Proud mama to Thomas 2/3/03

[khakismom]

Some of my best deals have come from the outlets or the resale shops. Earlier this winter, I found cotton stretch capris in Kathleen's size for this summer at The Children's Place Outlet for $.99 each! I got her one in each color. Rompers and dresses for both girls for $6.99 at the Carter's outlet. I've also gotten gorgeous sweaters at BabyGap outlet for $9.99 (that would've normally been $30-40).

As for resale shops, I've found a yummy dress from Talbots for $4.99 for Ellen. Kathleen has a Hanna sweater for next year that ran $8. Found a Tommy Hilfiger blue velvet jumper with the tags still on it for $6. And one of my favorite outfits of Kathleen's--which Ellen is wearing now--was a Le Top outfit (swing top with striped leggings) for $6.

[AngelaS]

That's how I shop at Gymbo! On SALE! And then when the girls outgrow it, I resell it. I mean I did the math....

If I buy them an outfit at Gymboree, 2 pieces @ $7 each piece--it's a $14 outfit that I can resell on eBay for at LEAST $10. The outfit in the end, cost me $4!

If I bought a $12 Target outfit I would be lucky to resell it on my garage sale for $2. That outfit cost $10!


I also LOVE garage sales!! I find TONS of NICE clothes SUPER cheap there...my girls always wear nice things and I really don't spend much at all!!

[Katia]

Card-carrying member of the cheapskate club here!

I hate spending too much money, but I also get frustrated by the amount of time it takes to find good deals. I shop at Target, Kohl's and local consignment stores, and happily accept hand-me-down clothing. I've tried outlet shopping, but it takes so much time and I haven't had enough luck to make it seem worthwhile.

Recently I've been pleasantly surprised at how cheap I can buy Carters, Little Me, etc. at the more moderate and expensive department stores *if* I shop sales and use the coupons in the newspaper. The first time, I actually went back to grab more things after they rang up my total at the register! It ended up being cheaper than Kohl's and there was a much better selection.

[momto2girls]

Vicki- I just had to tell you that I totally agreed with your whole post. I aim for about $15 for a pair of jeans at Gymboree. And I TOTALLY agree about Gymboree spoiling you for cheaper brands. DD#1 had some Carters and Osh Kosh and I NEVER put it on DD#2. Most people say that your second child gets all the hand-me-downs. That isn't happening with DD#2! And I have already decided that I will probably not buy anything from Old Navy this year. Luckily, my girls are not hard on their clothes and they tend to grow very slowly so I guess I can justify purchases better.

Michelle

[lynettefrancois]

Yep- my mom buys lots of clothes for DD at Foley's dept. store at 65% off with additional 15% off coupon from the newspaper (usually available right outside the door!). Of course it's out of season clothes so she buys for next year- if a couple things don't end up fitting she doesn't care since each OUTFIT ends up less than $4. I don't have a Foley's here, so I get everything from the clearance racks of TJ Maxx and Marshalls- and try a Ross if you have one (we don't but it used to be my favorite of the three when I did). Generally, each outfit has averaged $5-6 or so, except for a few dresses. You do have to have time to pick through it, though. I did buy a "lot" of clothes from Ebay and have been very happy with them for about $3 an outfit- but I spent a long time being picky over what to bid on as far as condition (asked lots of questions of sellers) and made a firm limit of what I would bid. Generally it seems cheaper per piece to buy a lot instead of individual items (unless there's a bidding war). I didn't find much at garage sales around here since most people were asking higher prices than what I could find for new items. Just depends on where you live... HTH!

[khakismom]

Michelle, about Old Navy... you and me both. :) As Kathleen gets older I am buying less and less there. When she was an infant (under 12m sizes), probably 50% of her wardrobe was from there. Their infant stuff was cute, soft, and cheap--plus it fit her really well. Now, the pants are way too low-rider for a 2 year old, and their prices aren't as cheap anymore. I broke down and got her this pair of capris that she wanted last time we were there--and they were $16!! With sales, I can get better, cuter stuff at Gymbo. I need to try them on her because they could end up being low-riders again and if so, they will be going back. And all their shirts shrink on us so if I was going to get her a shirt, I would have to size up. Last summer, K practically lived in ON dresses, but they are getting more and more expensize. Now instead of the odd dress being $20, they are all leaning towards $18-20. Unless, a dress is too-die-for cute, Old Navy won't be getting any more of my $$$ either.

[momto2girls]

Maureen- ITA with your post-- for all of the reasons that you mentioned! Gymboree and occasionally Gap are going to get all of my business. I haven't ordered any Hannas for the girls yet, but I'm sure it is just a matter of time.

Michelle

[vikivoly]

I know what you mean about Old Navy tops. They run small and are very tight on DD's arms. My favorites at Old Navy are their jeans and khaki pants. Their jeans are softer than Osh Kosh and Gymboree's jeans are to line specific. I like DD to have at least 1 pair of basic jeans. I like their winter stuff better than their summer too. DD's winter coat is Old Navy and it's very warm and has held up well. She has some fleece zip ups that from them that I really like.

[yellowdogmom]

Wow, what an interesting thread! Thanks for all of the thoughts and opinions. I had never even considered keeping re-sale in mind when shopping.

Thanks!

[liya]

Hey i just got a whole closet for my son at Sears and Penney for about 3.00 a onsie(okie dokie wear, lands end, heathex, osh kosh) soooo cute and super DEAL...I take advantage of those 70% off sales@!!! I even got shoes at a steal!!!

[em_jon98]

Thank You!!!! :)

[KathyO]

Shameless cheapskate here... I refuse to spend more for my kids' clothing than I do for my own!!

#1. - Consignment stores. Get to know when your local ones have sales to clear out inventory to make room for the next season's clothes.

#2. - Clothes swaps and hand-me-downs. If your daycare/drop-in centre doesn't do swaps, suggest one! Parents bring in boxes of clothes and leave them for a few days while folks rummage for what will fit their own kids. Or you can do a collective sort of "garage sale" where people get to sell items to each other, and you all get together and do it on the same day at the daycare or wherever. Our local Multiple Births Club has one of these twice a year at the school auditorium - first the group members go through and buy what they want, then the doors are thrown open to the public. They always get a big crowd.

#3. - Do you have a Savers near where you live? It's kind of a "thrift department store". We call them Value Village up here north of the border. I drop in regularly. Some days I come away swearing that there's nothing but dreck, and others I come out laden with Baby Gap, OshKosh and other stuff like that for only a couple of bucks per outfit. I'm not a name-brand gal for myself, but for the kids I love quality workmanship and good fabrics that will stand up to the abuse kids give their clothes.

Good luck! Always nice to meet another Bargain Queen!

Cheers,

KathyO

[starrynight]

Yup! I can't afford hannah, refuse to pay gymbo's prices anymore because anything I ever bought there shrunk. I stay home and dh makes squat LOL, but I'm not gonna work just to buy designer clothes kwim?

I do shop old navy,children's place etc on sale or clearance. Otherwise I go to target or sears for the kids clothes. Sears does pretty good clearance sales and they run the kidvantage program. I also go to macys/richs and buy name brand stuff on clearance like oshkosh or tommy. Carters jammies I have gotten at sams cheap or at thrift shops,why pay full price for jammies? For the most part I also pass down clothes through my girls and that saves some too.

[JElaineB]

DS's current wardrobe consists mostly of consignment store tops, pants and coat, 1 eBay snowsuit, some gift items, and a bunch of Hanes sweatpants I recently got on sale at Target for less than $3 each. The only "expensive" things in his current wardrobe (besides the gift items) are a Columbia bunting I got for a sale price, 2 Gymboree shirts I got for less than $6 each, 6/$10 socks from The Children's Place, and his Stride Rite shoes (He outgrew his old ones too quickly and I wasn't able to buy more on eBay. He is an XW width and I can't find any others that fit).

I don't like paying more than $3.00 for any shirt or pants items, which is why I plan to do most of my shopping at consignment stores for spring/summer. It might be harder now that he is getting into the toddler sizes though. If that is the case I will do my best to look for sales, probably at Kohl's, Target, JCPenney and Land's End Overstocks. I want to buy some stuff at Land's End Overstocks right now for summer but honestly we can't afford it at the moment. Because of Christmas break I just got paid yesterday for the first time in a month (I work only during college semesters) and we have really been stretched. It should ease up in a few weeks hopefully when my paychecks start coming regularly again.

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[winterwonderland]

Another proud member of the cheapskates club! I am a huge garage sale person and since I am a SAHM it is much easier to get to the sales early.

I went to one sale this summer where all of the childrens clothing was 25 cents. I asked how much they wanted for all of it - yep that's right - all of it. The lady wanted $30. I took it and spent only 14 cents per item. I got some great deals in that bunch. Some of the clothing was stained and I was able to get the stains out and if I couldn't I just had DS wear it if we were staying home for the day. DS is now almost 9 mo and we have clothing for him to size 5T. I also like to go to church sales at the last minute. They usually have a deal such as $2 a bag. I did this and got several bags. Each item came up to 7 cents. I even got name brand clothing at each of these sales. The best is to read the newspaper and see which sales have name brand children's clothing and go to them. Try to go early - even before they say the sale will begin. Most open their "shops" at least 1/2 hour early.

I also shop at a children's sample sale that I found out in the newspaper - there is a dollars and sense colume that told about the sale. All of the merchandise is samples shown to boutiques. Hartstrings, Sweet Potato etc. DS's church clothing comes from these sales. Apparently I am known by the ladies who have this sale as they always ask what size I'm looking for and then take items off the sale racks and tell me I can get them for 1/2 off the sale price. I haven't seem them do it for others at the sale.

I also do not buy anything in a store that is not on sale and it better be 40% or more on clearance. I think I can tell you how many pieces I have bought new as I hate paying $$ for clothing. This even applies to myself and DH! I am fortunate that DH likes to shop and as long as it is a deal he doesn't care how much I spend!

[parkersmama]

ITA with you Vicki. I have found over the years that the things I've bought used and had given as hand-me-downs don't get worn as much. Sometimes the things are not my taste, sometimes they just look too worn already, whatever. I think that having a bunch of $3 pants that I don't put on them because they look worn and I don't think they are as cute are not as good a deal as a pair of $15 pants that they wear several times a week because I think they are adorable!

I do know that I'm not a frugal shopper by any stretch. I guess we all have our limits. Fortunately, I work part-time in order to have money for these luxuries. :)

[MelissaTC]

I am a *BIG* fan of saving money and getting a good deal. I get a total *HIGH* when I get something at a steal.

1. Ebay, Ebay, Ebay! - I look at everything! Right before Christmas, I bought DS a lot of clothing for 9.99 that included - GAP sweats and zip sweatshirt, Circo (Target) navy zip up, Gymboree All Sports onesie and matching overalls, Gymboree Down at the Farm overalls and matching hat, Gymboree Bug one piece romper, GAP long sleeve striped t, GAP romper/pj. matching socks to 3 outfits...and the buyer split shipping with me! We are on the same boy's loop which brings me to #2...

2. Yahoo loops - I used to be on a ton but scaled back because most of them were always girls clothes. I am now on one just for boys and often get great deals on gently used clothing in excellent condition as well as items NWT.

3. Sales racks - I like to look and hate paying full price. But if it is something I really want, I will. I almost paid full price (20%) for zipper pjs from Hanna because they fit DS with plenty of room to grow, they don't shrink, and I look forward to either passing on or re-selling them. I generally get DS great deals like a Gymboree 3 in 1 coat during Christmas time for $15 or the one I got last year that was regularly $80 and I got it for $23.99. The hat cost me $1.99. It is a great coat and he is just getting into it now. I don't mind shopping ahead.

I am somewhat of a clothes snob for DS. You would never be able to tell by looking at how I dress! LOL. But I look for quality and style. I am willing to pay $25 for a Gymboree or GAP outfit knowing that it will hold up well rather than the same type of outfit at Wal-Mart for $15. I do frequent Target for t-shirts, sweats and shorts in the summer, etc.. because I can get them there for less as well. And I do scour Target's clearance racks as well!! I got DS shorts there last year for like $2.34 a pair! Can't beat that. And they have held up after many wearings, etc.. and look great. I wash all his items in cold water and most hang dry.

I have been typing for too long! I love dressing my DS...can you tell???? :p

[Judegirl]

Wow - love all the ideas here! I never knew that half of these options even existed! Thanks everyone!

Melissa - What's a yahoo loop?

Btw, yesterday I went to my local Goodwill and got 3 big, fuzzy blanket sleepers, 2 NWT onesies (baby's own - I like that brand, they're so soft!), two flannel shirts, 2 sleepers, and a fleece jacket for 13 bucks. Most of it was Carter's and Target, but luckily I'm not spoiled yet. Besides, I'm getting all the newborn stuff as cheap as I can find since the baby will outgrow it in the blink of an eye.

Is the Sears sale on now? I guess I'd better start getting the newspaper when this baby comes along, huh? :)

Thanks again!
Jude

[christic]

Very interesting posts here! just wanted to add my own thoughts on keeping clothes spending in line:

I wouldn't waste much money on "outfits" before 3 mos. My daughter only wore her boy cousin's hand me downs and gifts at the beginning...lots of Carter's sleepers.

When you hit a sale, think about whole outfits not just good prices on single items. Don't buy anything unless you know exactly what your baby will wear it with.

The price you'll be willing to pay per outfit will most likely rise as your baby stays in a single size for longer. I'm at about $15-20 per outfit now that my daughter has hit 2T. To stay in budget I try to buy one nice item per outfit and then fill in with cheaper stuff rather than all the matching accessories a place like Gymboree or Hanna sells. I don't like that matchy look anyway.

I'm in the minority here and not much of a Hanna fan, that stuff just NEVER seems like a bargain to me. IMO Lands End is much better option for soft, long-lasting cotton clothes. I stick mostly to Overstocks, and you can get even better deals at Sears although it's hit or miss. Left with a full bag of clothes last summer for $8!!! not even sure how since it certainly wasn't marked that cheap.

You'll find your own favorite shopping spots after a while. Mine here in NY area are H&M and Daffy's for her fun/nice clothes and then Lands End or Old Navy for as cheap as I can get it for her 2 days at daycare. I've found a couple nice things on Ebay and an occasional great buy at our consignment store but agree that this is harder as they get older.

Good luck!
Chris

[amp]

We find good deals at the local Carter's Outlet. We also find good deals with sales at Target, Old Navy, Kohl's (Carters & Oshkosh primarily) and BRU. I've gotten an item or two at our Children's Place Outlet. We also find a few things at Marshall's, but I have a hard time finding clothing I like in his size there. I never have bought a single Baby Gap or Gymboree item since the prices are prohibitive for us. If I found a sale, I might, but since I avoid those stores, I miss the sales too.

[y2jasmine]

Well, I've used EBay personally with great results! I've gotten TONS of name brand clothing for great prices. For example, I just won a 28 piece lot of 18 month to 2T clothing for a total of $21 including shipping. The lot included Osh Gosh, Gap, etc.

[MelissaTC]

The loops are yahoo groups. If you go the yahoo groups website, you can do a search. I looked for name brands and boys clothes. I am a member of SnakesandSnails. It is kind of quiet but I have gotten some great deals :)

[gour0]

I personally haven't had to buy ds much of anything, yet. We were gifted just about everything we have> either shower etc or hand_me_down> But< a good place to look if you don"t have time for individual garage sales is the MOM TO MOM sales> usually held at local churches> I heard about them from this boaRD. hERE WAS THE thread:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=4896&mode=full

[ChicagoMama]

My dirty little secret: I'm obsessed with the Sesame Street line that they carry at KMart. The little girl infant and toddler Elmo stuff is cute, cute. Cute pinks, khakis, denim coordinates. I live near a KMart that isn't very picked-over (not a lot of traffic in the kids dept. for some reason). I can always find sizes, and everything always seems to be on sale/clearance. I have never paid more than $7 for any piece or any outfit, and more often I pay in the $3/$5 range. And I never see anyone else in there, either - so I love just browsing.

I will say that the quality of this clothing is hit and miss. I have one jumper for example that compares to Gap/Gymbo quality in terms of how it has held up in the wash, but another cotton shirt that is more like Little Tykes from Target quality.

My children's clothes philosophy: Target and Children's Place clothes are not worth it, not even on sale. They do not hold up in the wash, look worn very quickly, and tend to shrink. Not worth it. I aim to buy the better/good stuff on sale/clearance and with coupons(Gymbo, Gap), I try to get lucky with Hanna or boutique stuff when I have time & energy to chase store sales and online sales, or I buy super super cheap stuff from KMart so I can buy a ton of it and it doesn't matter.

Becky

Mama to DDs Shelby 09/19/02 and Sydney 10/13/03

(Was formerly pale_ale but had a computer virus/forgot password)

[mcades]

For those of you in the Washington, DC area, there's a great, HUGE consignment sale twice a year. It's called Dani's Duds - here's a link:
www.danisduds.com
It's held in Northern VA & is a tremendously good deal for tons of clothes, toys, & everything & anything kid & baby. I've bought a ton of baby equipment, toys, & clothes there. The next sale is in March! Enjoy!

Michelle

[esianoyam3]

I'm so with you on this one!!!! Especially with a dd who's grown 5 inches in the first three months of her life... She's already getting too long for size 6 month clothing...

Honestly, I've found so many deals at the Dillard's 75 percent off sales, that it's usually the only place I'll shop. I've found tons of 3 and 4 piece outfits there for five dollars.

I'll also occasionally buy things at Target and Shopko when they're on sale. Meier and Frank (another department store) has pretty good deals, too.

But I won't buy anything that's not on clearance. With all the deals I've found, I find it difficult to pay more than 5 dollars for an outfit!

Baby Gap and Old Navy occasionally have good sales, too...

[mik8]

I go to outlet malls. We have a big one not too far from us and they have a lot of baby clothing stores: Baby Gap, Osh Kosh, Carter's, Children's Place, all in one mall. I go during holiday sales and do it early so I get good selection. A lot of the clothes are $2.99-$7.99. In fact, the one my DD is wearing in the current shutterfly album attached is from Children's place for $3.99. I also frequent consignment stores. I've been pretty lucky finding good quality clothes in great shape for awesome prices. Some are still NWT. I guess we're pretty lucky to be conveniently located from these stores. We used to live in an area where the nearest store (Walmart) was about 25 minutes away.

[wreckgirl1]

Here's my dirty little secret:

I have bought exactly 4 outfits for my daughter (5 months old) since she has been born. One long-sleeved onesie from Children's Place for $4, one Lord & Taylor warm shirt and jumper for $3.50 from my local Value Village thrift store (east coast, so not affiliated with the Canadian or west coast ones), one Gymboree dress from Value Village for $3.50, and one romper with jacket from K-Mart for $3.50 (just last week). I love lurking on this board, but I almost never buy anything from the stores talked about!

So how do I dress my DD? Yes, we did get a number of things pre-birth at her shower, but the vast majority of her clothes are bought by my mother in Florida at a thrift store near _her_ house. This charity thrift store prices all baby clothes between $0.10 and $0.50. They price stuff cheap to get high turnover (not a bad business model for a nonprofit where all inventory is donated!) They do have a lot of crap, but there is enough good stuff there to outfit her well for under $20. I have actually given my mother a list of "preferred" brands to buy in her size or larger as long as they are in good condition, and "must buy" brands to buy as long as they are in fair condition in any size or gender (because they can be resold). We have _boxes_ of clothes that are too big for her but are in good condition so I'm keeping around for when they do fit. So, my suggestion is if grandma likes to shop and lives out of town (and is not offended at the thought of thrift shops), give her a $10 bill and send her out to hunt.

Unlike adult clothes, I've found that in my area the thrift stores in the borderline neighborhoods are much better for children's clothes (or at least have more reasonable prices) than the ones in the more upscale neighborhoods. Better selection and cheaper, and the same amount of name brands. It is probably because there are just more thrift stores in the lower-rent neighborhoods.

My favorite outfit for my DD now is a pink Absorba romper with embroidery and a sailor collar given to me by a friend. It is adorable, and very comfortable plus easy to get on and off (snaps up the middle and down the legs). DD even wore it to her Christening (before changing into white). I was raving about it to my friend and thanking her for buying such a pretty and well-made outfit. She sheepishly admitted that she bought it for "cheap" on the clearance rack at TJ Maxx - A-OK with me! So another vote for TJ MAxx.

We have also been lucky enough to have a couple of friends give us outgrown stuff. My husband was talking about DD one day at work, and the next day his coworker gave him a garbage bag full of baby clothes! Nice items - Zutano and Land's End, in immaculate condition.

I spend very little on clothing, so I can spend more on "gear" and not feel bad about it!

HTH.

Cynthia

[stillplayswithbarbies]

would you mind sharing your list of "preferred" and "must buy" brands?

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[wreckgirl1]

I actually got the list of "must buy" brands from a thread on this board about boutique brands with resale value, checking the names on Ebay to see what things went for. The only one of these brands my mother has found so far is New Potatoes, but she just got it in December. The preferred list are brands I've dressed her in (or I've seen my friends' baby clothes in) and I like.

Must buys:
Celeste
funtasia
giggle moon
carriage boutique (run small)
vive la fete
feltman bros
giggle moon
hartstrings
petit ami
sweet potatoes (run small)
new potatoes
sai goose
Kelly's Kids
Chez Ami
Just Ducky
peper toes
Beaux et Belles
Orient Expressed
Tickles & Giggles

Preferred:
Carters (newer only)
Gymboree
Hanna
Zutano
Absorba
OshKosh
Lands End
Velcro or snap diaper covers (no plastic pants)
fitted diapers

Cynthia

[jerseygirl]

to add to your list, you may also want to check out some designer brands. these usually do well at resale on ebay. i like them because they are not your typical cutesy outfits.

catimini or babymini
sucre d'orge
berlingot


Maritess