I am attending a baptism and would like to find a nice outfit for my toddler (like a shortall or something that he can wear in warm weather). Unfortunately everything I see is really expensive and I can't afford it right now (I just quit my job to care for my toddler and my 2 month old baby, not to mention the hospital bills I'm getting). Does anyone have tips on how to save some money on this?
Thanks!
Thank you all very much for the ideas. I will search in all the places you requested and with a little luck, find something for my little one.
:) A.
If you are in the Fort Collins area, there is Once Upon a Child (I think these are in other cities too) and Harmony Kids.
I've been trying to find what I call "church clothes" for my boys. Theirs were stolen! I've been to several stores in two states, and I found nothing. I came to the conclusion that they only carry those kinds of outfits at Easter and Christmas.
The Children's Place store suggested going to an outlet mall, because that's where they'd sent all their Easter outfits. She said they're all $3 right now. But that was in Arizona (I was traveling).
I've had more success at yard sales and thrift stores. Because I assume you don't have all the time in the world, I suggest a thrift store. You can find a cute plaid shirt and a pair of nicer tan shorts no problem, I bet. A sweater vest is an easy way to dress it up a little more, although it's hot. My favorite outfits right now are a sweater vest over a polo shirt, because there's less ironing and they're more comfy for little kids. I've found that it's hard to find a shirt and a sweater vest that coordinate really well, because sets are usually broken up at thrift stores.
Just don't settle for anything faded, frayed, or stained. If you make sure the clothes are ironed and crisp, your little boy will look great!
Most nice boys clothes are only sold at Christmas and Easter. I've had good success finding them off season at Tuesday Morning and Sam's Club, but the best chance is consignment shops. You can expect to pay up to about 7 or 8 dollars for an outfit at TM and consignments and about 15-20 at Sam's Club. GL! I know it's frustrating to find!
I would go to the DI and/or get the paper and do to the yard sales. Yard sales have TONS of clothes. Usually kids clothing is almost free, like a dime or a quarter per outfit. You'll have to do some digging either way but you'll be overwhelmed with what you can find. You'll want to start going to the yard sales friday afternoon, or very early saturday, i.e. 7am for the best selection.
Best of Luck,
TRUDI
try children's place at CO Mills. supposedly they are clearance for the whole metro area. I've always found great deals there. also check Kohl's clearance. you can always go w/a polo and khakis or other dress pants and at least he can wear it for all kinds of things after the event. I remember we found a dress shirt/clip-on tie combo at Penny's for one wedding (probably about 3 years ago) that was only $15 and we paired it w/a pair of dress pants we already had.
I love consignment stores, Goodwill type stores and Ebay. You can't believe the stuff (if you dig) you can find in these sort of places for next to nothing! Also, do you have any friends or family you could borrow something from?
Try some consignment shops in your area - call them ahead of time and ask for help in locating the items you want so that you don't drive all over town. You can find them in the phone book or google them online. I would also try eBay...
Dillards or Macy's may have some great sales - especially on spring/summer items.
A handsome look for him could be some khaki shorts, a button up shirt and a sweater vest too... all items you could piece together from target, walmart, babiesrus, etc.
I would look to consignment first! I get great bargains there! My favorites are The Children's Orchard (in Parker) and Tumbleweeds (also in Parker). The drive to Parker may prove to save you money. Starting on the 19th, The Children's Orchard is doing a promotion where if you spend $35 you get $10 on your next purchase. I know if you went there (knowing there was something for you to look at for your son), you'd find great things for your baby too.
Perhaps a member of this site may have something in their closet that they'd sell to you or lend to you. I have three girls, so I have nothing, but I do wish you luck!
In the end, your attendance to the baptism is what will be remembered... not the outfit your son has on. I always worry about clothes and how we all look and all that...you should see how stressed out I get when we go for pictures! Wow! And my husband usually points out in the end that it really didn't make that big of a difference, especially for all the worry I had, and he's usually right (though I hate to admit that!) :)
A lot of stores are getting back-to-school clothes (fall clothes) so a lot of summer clothes are on clearance now. I like to shop clearance sections at Carters, The Children's Place, Gymboree, and even Kohls or Old Navy (not sure what is in your area). A cute pair of tan shorts and a button up shirt would be nice - or bascially anything that's not stained or ripped, etc. People don't expect toddlers to be dressed up and it's not worth spending a lot of money when it's your attendance, not what you're wearing, that will be remembered.
I get on the craigslist everyday and see TONS of baby clothes for cheap or advertisment for yard sales that have cheap baby clothes.
GOOD LUCK.
Try going to a used clothing store for kids--there are lots of good choices at most of them, and many of the clothes are in very good shape.
Not sure how cheap you need to go but Strasburg children has clearance items that you can get for reasonable prices.. Reasonable being 40.00 compared to their regular outrageous 100.00+ prices... http://www.strasburgchildren.com/c1295.html is cute but then again its 40.00....
Try Childrens Orchard they have some great deals! And great luck!
For good deals I shop at:
-Target
-Walmart (their clothes are actually really cute and a quick ironing after washing them makes them truly look like new)
-Kid to Kid (2nd hand)
-Children's Place (with 15% off coupon that comes in the mail - if you need one send me a personal message and I can pass one along)
-Gap (sale racks are a great deal)
-TJ Max (It takes time to go through everything but you can find some good things)
-Ross (same story as TJ Max)
Sale or clearance racks can really be your friend - don't give up!
