Shop Smart: Plan Ahead for Back to School

Back to School Shopping

Buying Children's Clothes for the New School Year

Before you hit the mall during for your Back To School shopping, do some planning.

1. Have a plan and be prepared. 

- - This ensures you'll save money, buy only what you need, and have a better shopping experience with your kids.

2. Take Inventory

- - Go through your children's clothes. Take out items with holes, stains and other imperfections. Have your kids try on the remaining items. Too-small items can be stored in an airtight container for a younger child, or donated to those in need.

3. Write It Down

- - Write down what is left of your children's clothing "inventory"

4. Make a Checklist

- - Make a checklist of what your kids will need for school this year. (Your list will depend on many factors: the climate in your area, how far in advance you decided to purchase clothing for upcoming seasons; the school's dress code policy; what activities your children are involved in, etc. etc.)

5. Check Schools' Dress Code Policies

- - Be sure you know exactly what your kids' school approve of before you start shopping.

6. Check online for Coupons or Special Deals

- - Many large retailers offer printable coupons on their websites.

- - Childrens Place Printable Coupons and Old Navy Coupons are good starting points. 

7. Shop the Summer Sales

- - Before you shop the back to school section see what's marked down from summer. Many summer items, that are currently deeply discounted can be used for fall:

Essential items you will find in clearance racks:

- - Short sleeved tees are ideal layering pieces under sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans and blazers.

- - Summer basics such as underwear, socks, tees, jeans and more are year round items.

- - Accessories that were meant to accompany a store's summer lines can be worn with fall items as well.

- - Lightweight summer sweaters are perfect for the beginning of fall.

- - For girls, skirts and dresses make excellent transitional pieces.

8. Shop the Front Racks

- - Once you've exhausted the sale racks, move forward to the front of the stores and shop the full-price racks. If you are on a budget, try to buy only what your child needs to get through the first week or two of school. A couple of new outfits is just fine.

Why? Because once the big back to school rush is over, all those full-priced items go on sale. 

Shop smart and you will save money!

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Content source: Kids Fashion @ About.com