Alternative places to get school clothes can help you get through the school year more economically. Children outgrow their clothes so quickly that sometimes it doesn’t make sense and is totally unaffordable to keep getting them new clothes every few months. So what can a parent do? Get creative!

Set up a Neighborhood Swap

If you live in a child-heavy neighborhood, set up a swap where parents all bring outgrown clothing together and can just trade for what they need with each other at no cost.

Hit Garage Sales

Again, in a child-heavy neighborhood you can find lightly-used clothing for kids at really cheap prices. Bring your kid with you to help pick things out.

Thrift Stores

The popularity of thrifted clothing has made it much easier to take a kid to a thrift store and get them clothes they’ll like. Plus, old styles consistently recycle so everything old is new again, and at a much lower cost.

School Uniform Closet

Many schools that require certain colors of pants and shirts for their students often have a uniform closet at the school where parents can find the clothes they need at little or no cost.

Hand-me Down

Got lots of kids? Save the bigger kids clothing that still looks good for the smaller kids. Organize by size in boxes or bags. Once a piece of clothing has cycled through all your kids, donate it or share with a smaller neighbor.