Some kids love shopping for clothes; others have to be dragged to the mall and don’t 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. It’s painful to think about spending money on brand name clothes. Unless you have plenty of money, it doesn’t make sense to buy brand name outfits for a baby. Babies don’t care about fashion. However, when your pre-teen or teenager wants a brand name outfit, it’s not just about the clothes. It’s 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, you’ll only have to shop at one store.
Consider it an investment in your child’s social comfort at school when you buy them brand name clothing. It’s not fair that kids judge each other based on the clothes they wear, but it’s a reality that won’t 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 you’re looking for girls’ 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. You’ll only pay for what you keep. Returns are free with a prepaid envelope, and if you decide to keep the whole box, you’ll get a 30% discount.
For boys’ clothes, try the Boy Box. You’ll 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, there’s Mac & Mia – 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 – 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.
How’s that for the ultimate mom hack?
3. Look at magazines together
Your kids might have a preferred sense of fashion that you’re unaware of. Look at magazines together and ask them to point out the clothing styles they like. You’ll learn more about what your children like, and you’ll 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 wouldn’t agree to shop for clothes if they were promised ice cream or a movie afterward? When all else fails, and your child doesn’t want to shop for clothes, create a reward at the end of the trip. If they’re 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 doesn’t 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, you’ll be off the hook!
