I’m a sucker for cute clothes for my children. Unfortunately, my fondness for brands like Gymboree and Gap can put a dent in my wallet if I’m not careful. I certainly can’t afford $32 for a dress!

We have this dress, at much less than retail price!

After parenting for over 15 years,I’ve gotten pretty good at managing our clothing budget while making sure the wee ones look their best. Today, I’ll share some of those tips with you.

1. Quality Versus Quantity

One of the major reasons I love higher end clothing, both for myself and my children is for its staying power. Quality clothing doesn’t shrink, fade or pill as easily, and stains are usually easier to remove. Cheaply made clothing will barely make it through one child, much less two or three.2. One Size Up

I buy most of the children’s clothes a bit bigger, so that we can get more usage time. Examples would be undershirts, turtlenecks, leggings, pajamas and dresses. We roll up long sleeves and pant legs, making it possible to wear items for two seasons before passing them on.

3. Hold the Heat, Please
When washing my better clothes, I’m careful to check them for stains, pre-treat as necessary, and hang them to dry. This keeps them looking newer longer, and helps to preserve a potential resale value.

4. Stock up at the End of Season Sales

I rarely buy anything that we end up using right away, unless it is for a special occasion. I generally wait until the end of the season, and buy items a size bigger on deep discount for next year. Right now, I’m picking up our summer wardrobe for next year, while everyone is preparing for back to schools. Next spring and summer, I’ll only have to add shoes, and I will be set.

I’ve only gotten burned once using this tactic — my twins grew slower than what I had anticipated, in comparison to my girls. I bought shorts for $3.99 at the end of season when they were born, but had to wait 2 years for the boys to be big enough to wear them!

I’m a huge fan of online shopping, so I’m always sure to check Retail Me Not for coupon codes for your favorite stores. Gymboree, Gap, and Children’s Place have huge annual sales at the end of season, so keep your eyes peeled.

5. All Hail the Hand-me Downs

I’ve learned to always accept the generosity of others, especially when it comes to clothing for the children. My boys are blessed to have three older cousins who keep them supplied in quality clothes. I enjoy saving my clothes and passing them to others in need as well — it makes me feel wonderful to help someone out.

6. Ebay is Excellent

Adorable See Kai Run shoes for fall

I’ve become pretty fond of boutique European shoes for the quality construction, but not for the price tag! Ebay is my favorite source for finding gently used See Kai Run, L’Amour and Umi shoes. I know what the retail value is, and I set a price point in my head before I ever start bidding.

7.Get to a Goodwill

Don’t forget to check your local Goodwill or thrift shops periodically. I’ve found a London Fog dress coat for my oldest daughter, as well as a Little Tikes cube climber and outdoor playhouse for the Kennedy Kaboodle!

8. Comb the Consignment Sales

Small sample of items available at a local consignment sale

I only discovered the marvelous world of seasonal consignment sales when I was pregnant with the twins. In our area, for about 6 weeks in the spring, and then again in the fall, we have a multi-seller consignment sale every week. These sales have hundreds of sellers, with thousands of items, so you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for! If you choose to volunteer to help out with the sale, this usually guarantees you an earlier spot to shop, before the crowds hit, for the best selection. Whether you are a first time newbie, or a consignment sale veteran, the Consignment Sale Queen has excellent tips and tutorials.

When she’s not busy preparing for consignment sales, or scouring the local Goodwill stores for deals, Dianna can be found writing about her faith and family at The Kennedy Adventures!

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Kitchen Stewardship is dedicated to balancing God’s gifts of time, health, earth and money.  If you feel called to such a mission, read more at Mission, Method, and Mary and Martha Moments.

This post is entered at Making Dollars out of Change at Madame Deals and Frugal Fridays at Life as MOM.