Parenting

Monday, November 9, 2009

What kid's clothes do you spend the most cash on?

There's a good discussion going on at this post about practical, unsexy clothes for toddler girls had some fantastic comments. Along with great suggestions for where to shop, several comments also brought up the cost of kid clothes. Why spend twelve bucks on a shirt if a toddler will outgrow it in a few months? Or $20 for a pair of shoes for a kid who sprouts up like a beanstalk?

I'm a big fan of Target (when I can avoid the lure of those other 10 aisles that I have no business even strolling down). I pick up a stack of shirts and shorts/pants, socks and undies for my boys and I usually top out at $100 for a few months worth of clothes. We also spend alot of time being crafty so I don't care as much of a shirt that costs five bucks gets stained. It just becomes the painting shirt.

But when it comes to shoes, I am not thrifty. I believe in buying solid, well-fitting shoes that are sturdy and made of materials that keep my boys' tootsies nice and comfortable. That's a long way of saying I'll pay more than twenty bucks for my sons' shoes.  I've chatted with other moms who feel the same way...splurge on shoes (and jackets...buy big and they can last years) but keep the rest within a budget.

So what item of clothing (or footwear) do you spend the most money on for your kids?


Related links on Shine

Practical, unsexy clothes for toddler girls (they like to play too, you know)
Clothes for toddler girls -- impractical and a sign of early sexism?
Beyonce and Tina Knowles prepare six year olds for womanhood
Sweet Feet: Punky girl shoes (and how boy shoes just can't compare)
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 36
  • SusanL's Avatar
    Posted by SusanL Wed Jul 2, 2008 3:59pm PDT

    For my 2 year old I shop Target and Walmart- cute clothes. Target had really cute striped shorts. Same for my son. Almost 5 I just bought a lot of board shorts.

    I'm with you on shoes- I spend a little more money on sons. He is in t-ball and will start school soon-I need solid shoes! http://lilmomthatcould.com/

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  • Shannon's Avatar
    Posted by Shannon Wed Jul 2, 2008 4:35pm PDT

    I'm the same way, splurge on shoes (that is when my MIL didn't beat me to it because she spoils our 4 yr old son rotten), and not too worried about clothes. My 11 yr old daughter has such a different idea, I really don't remember being so into clothes and shoes when I was her age!

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  • BlondeMomBlog's Avatar
    Posted by BlondeMomBlog Wed Jul 2, 2008 7:51pm PDT

    We're lucky. My mother-in-law and mom buy a lot of clothes for my girls at Christmas and for birthdays and baby sister gets all the hand me downs. At 3, she's not yet developed into a fashionista, although it's definitely there, under the surface. Also, twice a year my next door neighbor brings over a large bag of clothes for me to sort through as her daughter is a year and a half older than my oldest. So, honestly I spend practically zero on play clothes. I'll splurge on nice holiday/portrait type outfits, but even shoes I tend to buy at Target. My attends a public school with a dress code, and I've found the polos at Target can compete with GAP and Izod brand any day.

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  • Trina's Avatar
    Posted by Trina Wed Jul 2, 2008 9:27pm PDT

    I absolutely agree on spending more for good, solid shoes. Another thing I will spend a bit more on is jeans. I refuse to buy what isn't on sale, but I will spend the extra $10 for a pair of sturdy jeans that my little guy won't have ripped to pieces inside a week.

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  • Courtney's Avatar
    Posted by Courtney Thu Jul 3, 2008 11:11am PDT

    Good solid shoes, yes. I can see spending more for them (as I only got good basketball shoes in HS when I was already developing some serious knee problems from the poor shoes I was wearing), but not just because they say Air Jordan, or whatever the fad is.

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  • stina's Avatar
    Posted by stina Thu Jul 3, 2008 2:39pm PDT

    The only thing that i go overboard on is holiday outfits. those have to be the cutest and best. Everything else i get at walmart or target

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  • Brandy's Avatar
    Posted by Brandy Thu Jul 3, 2008 5:39pm PDT

    sale rack

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  • supermom2005's Avatar
    Posted by supermom2005 Thu Jul 3, 2008 9:50pm PDT

    I spend quite a bit on my daughter's clothes but I love shopping and clothes and so does my 3 year old. I don't spend money that I don't have and I buy good quality clothing that lasts. Why should I buy my daughter clothes at Walmart when I would never shop there for myself? Here day to day clothes (preschool clothes) are purchased at Gymboree. And the clothes that she wears on other days come from Janie and Jack and or boutique shops.

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  • auntiepups's Avatar
    Posted by auntiepups Fri Jul 4, 2008 4:53am PDT

    i don't buy new clothes unless it's very cheap....lol but if i was to buy expesive stuff it would be underwear and socks

    p.s. i don't have any kids but i try to spoil my nephews

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  • amy's Avatar
    Posted by amy Fri Jul 4, 2008 7:40am PDT

    Haveing three boys I get lucky that I can pass things down. They are all two years apart. If I buy new clothes it will come from the clearance rack or even goodwill. You can get Great things at low prices all the time. But shoes is a different story. The way the shoes fit and the quality of the shoes will make a difference when they are bigger. I usually spend $50 bucks a pair at stride rite to get them all a good pair of tennis shoes and a nice dress pair. IF they do not last the whole school year then yes I have to go buy them a new pair. For the summer we are usually in the pool and they tend to wear flip flops all summer long. Save the money on the clothes and spend the money on the shoes.

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Comments 1-10 of 36

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