Children’s Clothes
All children need clothes and seem to grow out of them as soon as they are purchased. This can be very expensive and there are alternatives to buying clothes brand new. Sometimes it is impossible to get hand-me-downs to help save on the expense. Below are a few ideas that have proven to help save time and expenses when trying to cloth your child.
PTA: Most schools have a PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) and this is a great way to save on time and money and can bring in some money for the school. Twice a year have the PTA organize (or you can take on this for them) a “clothing exchange”. Announcements can be sent home with the children to their parents. Ask parents to volunteer bringing in their childrens gently used clothing that they have grown out of. Set tables up at the school and have parents come in a shop for clothing that will fit their child. Price the items at $2.00 or less. After your day of sales the school gets a portion of the proceeds (this is usually predetermined prior to the sales day. Make sure the parents understand that this is also to benefit the school). The remainder of the proceeds go to each parent that set up a table/stand.
Home clothing exchanges: If you have a number of children in your neighborhood, you can set up the same thing within your home with the parents. This can also be done without money but just trading clothing items. Every one wins in this situation.
Consignment stores: Many consignment stores specialize in childrens clothing only and baby items. These can be located in your local phone book. A number of clothing items in these stores still have the tags on them. They will also purchase your gently used clothing at a nominal fee or give you double the store credit.