School Clothes shopping questions

[mudnuri]

Approx how much do you spend per child on school clothes in the fall?

Age of the child?

What do you purchase (ie. # pants, # shirts etc.)

I have never really kept track of school clothes spending, but since I'm a single mom this year, I guess I better pay attention!

DD's usually end up with 5-6 pair of jeans, 2 pair of pants, 10 t-shirts, 2-3 long sleeve shirts, and 4-5 hoodies. couple packs of socks/undies, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of "mocs"They don't wear skirts/dresses to school as they have gym 3 days a week and playground recess daily. They are going into 3rd and 4th grades.

Last year we bought a lot of "stretch" type material jeans. if that makes any sense, and they were very poor quality- they came from JC PEnney's but were not LEI or Mudd brand. Next weekend we're heading to the mall to start, so I'm hoping to hit summer clearance for the t-shirts etc.

Brandy

 

[Laurajean1014]

My son goes to private school and therefore, wears a uniform.

For next year, he will need:

3 pairs of trousers
3 long sleeve shirts
3 Short sleeve polos
1 pair of gym shorts
1 pair of gym pants
4 ties
1 pair of shoes ($53)
1 pair of sneakers ($65)

Plus:

After school, weekend clothes

3 pairs of pants
5 long sleeve tees
2 sweaters
1 coat

All totaling: $720

socks will be added as well.

 

[LaDonna]

I normally buy all their clothes at the end of the season for the upcoming season. This goes for shoes too. Anytime I see a pair clearanced I just buy a bigger size than what they are currently wearing and they eventually need that size. I have never paid over $5 for shoes! And normally all the clothes are the same way. I also hit a lot of garage sales...I think a lot of people buy too many clothes for their kids so they turn around and sale them in their garage sales and you can usually find some great stuff! I do have a harder time finding boys clothes though.

 

[PatsGirl]

Always been a single mom so I can relate...

I don't buy all at once. I start school shopping/Xmas shopping in July, checking clearance racks anytime I go to a store. (I don't really like to shop so this can take a while).

I buy dress shoes (maryjane's or similar) a size bigger than what she wears in June, hoping to get through the holidays with them, a pair of sneakers 1/2 size bigger to start school with, and a pair of leather boots (she loves them) for Xmas gift, usually one size larger. Last year total: $40

Have to have a "first day" outfit and I let her choose this, usually from Sears on a 40% off sale and my KidsAdvantage 15%: $20 (base price about $40).

Usually three pair of jeans, Sears or Marshall: $40

I buy most/all of my daughters blouses/turtlenecks from LLBean at around $8/each x 6: $50

Undies and socks, Kmart or Walmart, $15

Fall coat, Sears or Marshalls (last year at LLBean for cheap $$): $20

Winter coat, Sears or Marshalls, (last year at Olympia cheap $$) $40

School supplies can add up: figure $20 or so if you don't need a new backpack. Backpacks at LLBean run around $35 and last through elementary school.

So, I guess I spend about $200 but get one or two Xmas gifts (boots/2nd set of undies, etc.) from that as well.

Of course, my teenager costs much more now that he is out of kids' clothes -- can't believe what they get for a size 18 boy (probably 5'4, 125#). We're just in between kids and adults and, of course, he is much more picky. On the other hand, he also helps pay for his clothes. I allot him a certain amount of $ with a "must buy" list and then all additional expenses are his. Example: I allot $20 each for 3 pair jeans/ $15 each for 3 shirts/ $50 sneakers/$25 school supplies/ $50 for two sweatshirts = $230. If it costs more than $230, he pays the difference. I purchase the boxers/socks, lol.

Good luck. It can be done for about $200 if you are careful and diligent. I cannot fathom spending what some people spend like $50 jeans/ $50 sweatshirts, $100 sneakers, just cannot do it. Never say never, but even if I had MUCh more disposable income, I really don't think I'd throw it away even then. As my mother says "this girl spends all her money on vacations and recreation". I say I spend my money on time with my family and memories to save a lifetime

 

[ceecee]

Since the kids here wear shorts until October, that's when I get the winter things and by then they are marked down. I usually have a box that I bought the year before too at clearance. This year nothing fit as DD skipped a size, so I ended up selling a lot of new things at my Garage Sale.

 

[pyrxtc]

Well I bought my DD (8 yrs & 3rd grade) her clothes in February or march. I bought a size bigger and everything was from The Children's Place and Hartstrings. I spent about $100 on 7 pr jeand/pants, 5 or so skirts, 10 tops, 3 sweaters. I bought winter boots and lots of hair items too. I also I got her some dress boots for $3.00 from Walmart. I will buy sneakers at beginning of school year.

 

[Clancycat]

I buy a lot of my kids clothes at consignment shops and sometimes on ebay to save money. I only spend on a few bucks (or less) per peice of clothing and the clothes are in near perfect if not perfect condition. I also buy at end of season sales for the next yr.

My girls are 4 & 5, my youngest inherits some of her big sister's old, so that cuts down on how much I have to spend on clothes. I'd guess that I spend about $250 per kid for fall/ winter clothes, coats, boots, etc. And maybe $150 per kid for summer clothes.

My kids always end up with too many clothes b/c I lose track of what I've already bought and stored away.

I also sell their old clothes back to the consignment shop, I don't make a ton of money but every little bit helps!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

My school age kids are: DD 9 (4rd grade), DS 8 (2nd grade), DS 6 (1st grade), and DS 4 (pre-k)


I buy most of my kids clothes on clearance and ebay so I'm not sure how much I spend, but here's what I do. When it gets time to start shopping I take each child one at a time starting with the biggest and go through their closet. I see what fits from last year, what needs to be downgraded to play clothes, and what needs to go (on ebay or to goodwill for DD, passed down to the next boy for my ds's). I also get out the stuff I've prebought to see what's left to buy. I have four sons so they pass around alot of clothes. I always make sure each boy has:

3 pr school-worthy jeans
1 pr dress pants (usually khakis)
1 pr athletic pants
5 t-shirts/ 4 ls shirts
3 sweatshirts/ 2 sweaters
7 pr socks/ 7pr underwear
1 pr nice tennis shoes

I make sure DD has:
4 pr jeans
1 pr athletic pants
2-3 skirts with tops to match
I don't know how many shirts because I buy most of her clothes in outfits
7 pr socks/underwear
1 pr tennis shoes
1 pr dress shoes

I really try not to overbuy socks and underwear. I have to do laundry every day to keep from getting overwhelmed so they are not going to run out! I am very picky about their shoes, I like to buy them either Nike, Reeboks, or Skechers because they usually last the entire school year if they aren't outgrown and I know the boys are going to pass them down so I want them to hold up. I will have 4 kids in school this year so I started shopping early and I actually bought my 4 yo ds everything he needed at a big px sale where all of the clearance was an additional 50% off, Carter's ls shirts for $2 each

 

[Alexander]

DS is going into second grade at a Catholic School. He'll need:

5 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
3 long sleeve polos w/ logos
3 short sleeve polos w/ logos
1 dress shirt
1 tie
1 cardigan sweater w/ logo
1 sweater vest w/logo
1 pair of shoes
1 pair of sneakers

I wrote out the list last week and it looks like it's about $400 before shipping and tax.

 

[canwegosoon]

My opinion is different than many...I do laundry every day (except Sunday). So I do not need a lot of clothes, only exception is vacations, where I must get to 3-4 days without laundry. I have 7 yo twins.

For the year Each boy gets:
School Uniform
2 pr uniform pants (Bon Ton on sale $7)
1 ls shirt (Jcp sale ..$8)
1 ss shirt (JCP sale...$8)
1 complete PE uniform (I buy 2nd hand from school fundraiser $3)
3 pr Navy/ tan socks(just fot 1/2 off at Kohls $3.50)
3 pair white socks (target $3)
5 pr underware(got at Lord and Taylor clearance)
1 pr of loafers (striderite store $45)
2 pairs of sneakers (brought on clearance at target as I see the next size available $9 for 2 pairs)

WE/travel clothes
1 pr dress pants (Bonton $7)
1 pr jeans (Target $9)
2 pairs of athlethic pants (onsale usually $7-8 or gift card at Gap from Uncle)
5 ss t-shirts(usually given to them GM/Aunts)
5 ls casual shirts(usually given to them by Aunts)
2 dress shirts ls (Macy's or Target clearance $8)
2 turtle necks (on sale $5 in fall)
2 ss dress shirts(one came with the macy's vest/ 1 target clearance $2)
2 vests (Macy's clearance 1 holiday $6/1navy$7)
1 Navy Blazer (just got yesterday for $15 at Kohl's)
3 PAir of shorts (Macy's clearance $15)
1 pair of dress shorts (part of a Macy's clearance set)

Staples
Pj's summer 3 pair (13.50 for all 3 at Disney clearance last year)
Pj's winter 3 pair (given to them by Gm/GF)
1 winter coat $30 at Polo
1 play winter coat at Old Navy Clearance previous year ($10)
2 Fleece (ON Clearance Prev. year $10)
1 fleece vest (ON $5)
Hats and gloves (are gifts)
Snow Pants (JCP 50% sale $10)
Boots (Target clearance $9)
2 Sweatshirt/ 1 jackets (Cuffy's clearance $12)
Wind breaker ($10)

Total about $285, but I do shop around and return many items if I find something better or cheaper price. Do I get more..yes, sometimes they are given more shirts etc...But I try to do without..and buy the next size of 2 and tape the receipts to bag. I only use stores like Polo Outlet, JCP, Macy's or Kohl's which have good return policies. Items I love to buy at Target are sneakers/boots I usually fing in clearance and buy 12,12 1/2 , 13,1,1 1/2 etc for as many as I can find. Boots I usually buy in whole sizes 12,1,2,etc.

 

[EthansMom]

Thanks for this thread! It reminded me to check and see what clothes I have set aside for the kids this winter so I know what to buy when I see it on sale.

I stocked up pretty well on long-sleeved shirts, t-necks, and sweaters during season closeouts in Feb. Also, I've gotten some clothes from the off-season sales online for Lands End and LL Bean. Mostly, the kids are just going to need underclothes, p.j.s, and shoes -- and a winter coat for DS.

I also don't buy too many clothes -- I can go around 4-5 days without doing laundry. And my kids only have 1-2 pairs of shoes each.

I have found that my 3.5 year-old son is rough enough on clothes that I need to buy extra pants to set aside for when he wears out the first ones. He's really just at that age where I need to have designated "play clothes" for him.

I've probably spent around $250 on clothes for the two kids so far and estimate that I'll spend another $200 to buy shoes, a winter coat for DS, pajamas, jeans, underclothes, etc. for the kids for the fall/winter season. Of course, I'll also be spending $$ this fall buying summer clothes at the clearance prices.

 

[cruisnfamily]

bWhen it gets time to start shopping I take each child one at a time starting with the biggest and go through their closet. I see what fits from last year, what needs to be downgraded to play clothes, and what needs to go

I'm just getting ready to do this with DS9! I also have a huge(and I mean huge) pile of brand new jeans and shorts that I've bought on clearance over the last few years that he has yet to grow into and we'll go through those clothes too. He also has waaay too many t-shirts and after he gets back from sleepaway camp, I'm fixing to get rid of a bunch of them as well.

He's going into 4th grade and what we'll do is this. He'll get to come with me and pick a 1st day outfit of shorts and a shirt. I'll buy one or 2 more pairs of shorts(unless the ones I have already fit) and probably 3 shirts. He'll also get a pack of socks. That's it for him. I'll probably spend $100 or so. He really doesn't need any clothes at all but I figure he should have a few new things to start the school year. Oh, he'll also get a new pair of sneakers so add about $35 to that.

DD12 recently went thru her closet and drawers and tossed a BUNCH of stuff. I was so happy! Anyway, she wears uniforms so here's what she'll get:
6 uniform shirts
3 PE shirts(PE every single day!)
2 PE shorts
about 3 or 4 "bottoms"(may be capris, shorts or pants that fit the dress code)
and a pair of sneakers.
Probably average out to $150 or so including the sneakers. I always have to spend big dollars on her sneakers as she is a size 11 and we don't usually have a great selection in the styles that she likes. Since she has to where uniforms, this is her only choice item in the back to school shopping.

So, bottom line, about $150 per child I guess.

 

[imsayin]

When I was a kid, back to school clothes consisted of 2 pair of pants and 2 pairs of gym shoes, maybe a couple of tops. The rest was filled in with hand-me-downs. Socks, undies, and jammies for Christmas presents.

I try to get stuff on clearance for my kids and throughout the year so we aren't doing a giant shopping spree every August.

 

[sk!mom]

I take my DD9 shopping for a special 1st day outfit- whatever she wants (within reason). It will still be hot here when school starts at the end of August and all the shorts are on clearance so we normally only spend about $20 on this outfit. We then by new underwear, new socks, and a new pair of sneakers. We can usually find those on sale also and spend about another $40. That's it until October because she doesn't "need" even the first day outfit. She has a summer birthday which brings in a lot of summer clothes and a shopaholic grandmother who is constantly seeing an outfit "too cute to pass up." She is also a long awaited baby girl so I probably buy her too many things myself.

 

[crabmeal]

I'm trying to get a list together now too. I have a 2 1/2 yo who will be in PreK 2 days a week. My DS will be going into 2nd grade and I have an infant. The kids go to caholic school so they have uniforms. My DS should only need 2 ss shirts and 2 ls shirts this year. I buy the French Toast brand for $8.00 each. His pants and shoes were bought again in May so they will hopefully be okay in September. My DD has his gym clothes from when he was in PreK so she just needs sneakers. Other than that Im still working it out! My DS outgrew all last winter's clothes except his coat. My baby DS needs everything and I think DD has 2 outfits from last year that were too big. So a lot of shopping for me.

 

[swilshire]

I shop yard sales at every chance and the smaller boys have hand-me-downs. I usually just buy two or three pairs of jeans for DS11 and new socks and undies for all and we're set. I buy for DS17 at clearance prices whenever I find them, so he doesn't get new things when school starts.

I did find shorts at the Target clearance for DS6 for $1.24 and picked up six pairs. That should get him to cold weather.

As mentioned above, I do laundry every day anyway.

As for backpacks, I buy them every year in the late Fall when they're marked down to nothing. Usually our grocery store even has them for a couple of dollars. They're not top quality, but the kids can use them for half a year, then throw them away if necessary. I keep a box in the attic and let the kids pick one out when school starts.

School supplies are fun to accumulate. I stock up when Staples and Walgreens have their huge back-to-school sales. Usually I have almost everything on the list the teachers send out before we ever get it in the mail.

Sheila