Some kids love shopping for clothes; others have to be dragged to the mall and donโt want to be seen with their parents. Shopping for clothes is exceptionally difficult for kids who are particular about their style. Picky kids often have a hard time getting a complete outfit from one store. Some insist on brand names, making it hard to save money on their clothes.
If shopping for clothes with your child is a chore, try these ideas to make it easier:
1. Agree to buy at least one brand name outfit
Kids grow out of clothes and shoes quickly. Itโs painful to think about spending money on brand name clothes. Unless you have plenty of money, it doesnโt make sense to buy brand name outfits for a baby. Babies donโt care about fashion. However, when your pre-teen or teenager wants a brand name outfit, itโs not just about the clothes. Itโs usually about fitting in.
Next time you take your child shopping for clothes, let them pick out one brand name outfit within a certain budget. The promise of a brand name outfit will be motivation to go shopping. Plan ahead with your child to determine which brand they want. When you decide on the brand ahead of time, youโll only have to shop at one store.
Consider it an investment in your childโs social comfort at school when you buy them brand name clothing. Itโs not fair that kids judge each other based on the clothes they wear, but itโs a reality that wonโt change anytime soon.
2. Get your child a clothing subscription
A clothing subscription box is a great way to get your child new clothes without having to leave the house. Try kidpik if youโre looking for girlsโ clothes for ages 3 to 12 (sizes 4-16). Kidpik delivers full outfits including accessories every 1, 2, or 3 months. The average piece costs $13.50, and boxes range from $75-$100. The styles are tailored to preferences derived from a questionnaire at signup. All boxes are risk-free; you have seven days to decide what pieces you want to keep or return. Youโll only pay for what you keep. Returns are free with a prepaid envelope, and if you decide to keep the whole box, youโll get a 30% discount.
For boysโ clothes, try the Boy Box. Youโll get 2 to 3 pieces of clothing per box that you can mix-and-match to create multiple outfits. Sizes go up to 5T. For boys and girls from newborn to age 6, thereโs Mac & Mia โ a subscription box that also offers boxes on-demand. Mac & Mia is a bit more pricey than other boxes, with the average piece of apparel costing $35.
For older boys and girls who want to stand out, check out Rockets of Awesome โ a clothing line with unique designs that stand out. All styles are made in-house, and are made from super soft fabrics. Shipping is free, but there is a $5 service fee to receive each box. However, that fee is always credited toward anything you keep. Rockets of Awesome offers a 25% discount for keeping the whole box.
Howโs that for the ultimate mom hack?
3. Look at magazines together
Your kids might have a preferred sense of fashion that youโre unaware of. Look at magazines together and ask them to point out the clothing styles they like. Youโll learn more about what your children like, and youโll know what stores to bring them to. You may even want to get some of their clothing online once you know what they like.
4. Create a reward at the end of the shopping trip
Who wouldnโt agree to shop for clothes if they were promised ice cream or a movie afterward? When all else fails, and your child doesnโt want to shop for clothes, create a reward at the end of the trip. If theyโre younger, take them to a movie, go to the park to play, or hit your local ice cream parlor for a couple scoops of delicious ice cream or a hot fudge sundae.
Clothes shopping doesnโt have to be a challenge
If your kids make clothes shopping harder than it needs to be, try the tips outlined here to relieve some pressure. Keep in mind when your kids are old enough to hold down a job and pay for their own clothes, youโll be off the hook!
