Need help finding affordable giftable clothers for 2yo boy

[corrie23]

My friend's son turns two next month and when I asked what he might want for his birthday, she said she'd really prefer spring clothes for him as gifts as opposed to more toys. The problem I'm running into is that clothes are just so pricey and I'm not sure if it's tacky to gift items purchased on sale or at discounters.

For my DD's birthday last year, she bought her two cute mix and match outfits from Children's Place (2 short sleeve t-shirts, a pair of pants, a pair of capris, and 3 pairs of socks). I'm just finding that if I went to TCP and made a comparable purchase I'd be spending upward of $50 and I'm really looking to spend more in the $20-30 range since I have a lot of friends with young kids (some working on their seconds) and I just don't want to get into the habit of spending such big $$$ on every birthday gift. Moreover, I'm just not one to spend so much on children's clothes (I buy most of DD's wardrobe at Once Upon a Child).

So do you have any brilliant ideas? Might dept. stores be having good sales? Is there a magical coupon out there to make cute clothes affordable? I know this board tends to pay homage to the beautiful (and pricey) clothing lines, but are there any ways to really get cute clothes at an affordable rice?

TIA
-Corrie

[LucyG]

For a little boy that age, I think overall sets (shortalls and a matching shirt) are great gifts. If you are near outlets, you can find cute ones at Carter's or OshKosh for under $20. You could always throw in some fun, matching socks to complete the outfit. IMO, cute clothes do not have to be expensive, and it's fine to buy gift clothing at outlets.

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
22 months and counting!

[June Mommy]

Buying cute clothes for my DS is my hobby, and I never pay full price! I always do a search for coupon codes and printable coupons and scope out sales and info. for upcoming sales. I buy mostly Gymboree for DS, and I always get it on sale. Gymboree fan sites like gymbohaven and gymborebel give a heads-up for sales. I can usually find a printable coupon for The Children's Place online. I've used one for $10 off a $30 purchase a couple of times. I also buy at outlets and places like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshall's. Even the pricey, boutique-type sites like Chez Ami, Ragsland, and Orient Express have end-of-the-season sales at up to 50% off. And there is always ebay for NWT items or even gift cards! As far as giving a sale item as a gift, I think it is fine, unless you want to enclose the gift receipt and think the recipient might return the item and see how much you paid (if that would bother you!)

[mama2galpals]

how about old navy? this outfit is $15.50

http://www.oldnavy.com/assets/product/Main/onb270709-07P1.jpg
http://www.oldnavy.com/assets/product/main/onb2708032-01p1.jpg


and this one is $13.50

http://www.oldnavy.com/assets/product/Main/onb270709-00P1.jpg
http://www.oldnavy.com/assets/product/vi/onb2707962-01v.jpg



rita
mommy to
olivia 2/7/97
stella 9/24/00
emma 1/23/03

[mama2galpals]

this is $13.50 at childrens place and they are now running a 20 percent off coupon code online with $5 flat shipping

http://www.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/270679_m.jpg
http://www.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/257445_s.jpg



rita
mommy to
olivia 2/7/97
stella 9/24/00
emma 1/23/03

[alkagift]

I've received Ralph Lauren and other nice brands from Marshall's and TjMaxx...first quality but last year's. It's usually half off, and you could easily get a shirt and shorts with a pair of socks for $30 or less.

Allison
Mommy to Matthew Clayton, 5/19/03

[mlewis]

I don't know how you feel about buying ahead for the next season, but Dillards always has amazing end of the season sales. I bought a 6-9 month fall/winter outfit for a friend who has a baby due in June. With a gift receipt, she can always exchange it if she doesn't think it will fit.