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)