Get Kids Clothes for Free & Cheap

Frugal Ideas for Clothing Babies, Toddlers, Children and Teens

Nov 19, 2007

Cute Cheap Shoes, Photo by daniel wildman, Courtesy SXC

It can be expensive to clothe babies, children, preteens, & teens. Tips & ideas for selling, buying, and trading to dress children & teens in style, yet frugally or free.

The way to start is by selling some outgrown items to earn some spending money. Then, use this “free” money to buy other needed items. Keeping this cycle going adds up to big savings.

Get Top Dollar when Selling Kid's Clothing and Toys

Treat stains promptly, tighten loose buttons, etc. The kids clothing will look sharp and items will stay in good shape for another child and/or bring more money when sold.
When selling, make items look great. Wash clothes, clean toys, and check games for parts.

Try Consignment Shops

Look for shops selling quality used children’s items. They will generally buy things outright (a good option for fast cash) or take them on consignment and split the selling price with the consignor.
Consignment stores are a good avenue for selling excellent condition and up-to-date children’s clothing, toys, and large accessories.
Bring in items for the upcoming season.

Look into Selling on Online Auctions

For unusual or high demand items, try eBay or another online auction.
Clothing like ski outfits, prom dresses, and rodeo shirts sell well online.

Have a Garage Sale

If there is no consignment store in the area, try pricing nicer items a little higher at a yard sale.
To get the most money for clothing, hang them and sort by size.

Buy Children’s Items with Brand Names

Purchase popular labels (on clearance, on consignment, at thrift shops or at yard sales).
Some good choices for good clothing wear and resale value are: Gymboree, Disney Store, or anything from higher end stores and catalogs.
For toys and equipment, buy Lego, Little Tikes, Fisher Price, and other well-known names.
By shopping smart and getting lucky, one may be able to buy low-priced items to use until outgrown, and then sell them for as much as or more than was originally paid.

Request Hand-Me-Down Kids Clothing

Put the word out to friends and accept everything graciously.
Return the favor when possible. What goes around comes around.

When Shopping for Kids Clothes, Buy Smart

Kids outgrow pants more quickly than adjustable-strap overalls.
Cuffed toddler items can be uncuffed as the child grows.
Classics last longer than fads.

Get Deals When Buying Children's Clothes or Toys

Now that you've sold old or used clothing, use that "free" money to buy new, needed items for your child.

Find Recurring Sales to Get Deals

Ask stores when new items are added to clearance racks (i.e., Target has certain mark-down days for each department).
Many consignment shops discount items the first day of each month.
Ask when thrift shops have sales.

Shop Smart at Yard Sales

The best selection is early in the morning on the first day, but later in the day (or weekend) lower prices or freebies are found.
Teenage girls’ clothing is easy to find, as they are often picky and buy more.
Baby items abound, as they are used for such a short time.
Try haggling. Offer half price.
Check clothing over well, especially noting buttons, zippers, and seams.
Look for stains and wear. Hold out for near-new condition.

Shop in Advance

Buy next years’ clothing at deep clearance deals at after-season sales this year. One can buy children new items this year as cheap as used next year.

Request Gifts of Clothing

This is especially helpful on hard-to-find-cheap items like fun socks or the latest fad.
One grandmother’s baby gift was a promise to buy all the shoes a child would need during childhood.
When making clothing a gift for a child, make it fun.

By using some of these tips, dressing children and teens frugally is fun and easy.