Back to school time means getting the kids ready with everything from new supplies and of course, new back to school clothes.
If you have smaller elementary-aged kiddos, you have to buy clothes every year because hey, they grow like weeds. And if you have older kids in middle school or high school, they are probably way too good to wear last year’s wardrobe. As if!
So to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket and keep smiles on your kids’ faces, here are a few options of places to shop for this year’s clothes. And the best part — many of these help you save by smart surfing on the internet or you can pick up right now!
thredUP // website
This online consignment shop specializes in providing high quality like-new clothes at reliably low prices for baby, youth and moms! You can score top brands like J. Crew, Gap, Zara, Gymboree and Janie and Jack and more for up to 90% off. You can also send clothing for consignment for consideration as well with this easy kit and they pay the shipping!
thredUP has partnered up with Adopt-a-Classroom to recognize those special teachers for Raise a Hand for Teachers. Now until Aug. 23, nominate a teacher to win $2,500 for classroom supplies and many other prizes…learn more about this great program.
Sign up for thredUP though mamachallenge.com you’ll get $20 off your first purchase with this link!
Schoola // website
schoola offers quality clothing at up to 70% off retail and 40% of proceeds benefit kids by funding music, art, PE and more. school. Any school or family can participate, just get your free donation bag to organize a drive. They make it easy by going on the website. Plus, they offer the best fundraiser with savings going back to families and the benefits too. Brands including Adidas, Gap Kids, Justice, OshKosh B’Gosh and others are available.
Sign up for schoola with CODE and get 30% off your first purchase!
Just Between Friends // website
Twice a year parents and grandparents in the know make plans for Just Between Friends. This is THE children’s, teens’, and maternity consignment sales event for everything (clothes, toys and furniture) where you get 50-90% off retail. (You can score great Halloween and other seasonal items here, too!)
Want to save big? The secret to this event is to have a plan! Think ahead and bring a basket, bag, or rolling hangar cart while you shop for this season and next. And definitely think in seasons for each of your kids. Create your plan by downloading this free printable checklist to keep you organized and on budget for big savings at JBF!
There are several JBF sales throughout DFW, but the first and the largest is the Just Between Friends Fort Worth at Will Rogers Memorial Center – Amon Carter, Sept. 3-13. Consignors and first-time parents and grandparents get early access by signing up on the website. Also new this year, there are free passes for teachers and homeschoolers, so make sure to sign up OR get a free admission September 6 with this coupon!
Kid to Kid // website
A full time store with 15 locations around the Metroplex, Kid to Kid is how I first began saving money. Needed a toy or a new outfit for my kiddo, I went to Kid to Kid for anything and everything. Bring in your kids gently used outgrown items, shop around as it gets appraised and receive cash or credit on the spot. Stores are locally owned and locally stocked = Plano, Bedford, Rockwall, Grapevine, Arlington, Garland, Allen, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Burleson, Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Greenville and Weatherford. They also own Upscale Cheapskate for teens and adults.
Facebook Garage Sales // website
Forget the driveway, post, find and buy all kinds of items from clothing to furniture to toys and book on the Facebook Garage Sales. Sales are usually local and organized by homeowners associations, PTAs, school groups and other organizations. Garage sales are private and free for users.
ebates // website
Start here before you shop online (period.) Right now they have a special tab just for back to school with huge rebates from 4 – 12%. Also there’s a toolbar to install to get you there even faster and so you don’t forget to use ebates. Every 3 months, you’ll receive a cashback payment (at least $5) for purchases posted during the previous quarter – call your BIG FAT CHECK. And if you do other promotions or coupons, there’s no problem using ebates either. This site is perfect during the holidays if your outlet doesn’t have a free shipping option.
Our town has a ton of Facebook groups for buying and selling. So many it is hard to keep track of them all!
Some great tips. I love thredup for myself.
My kids start school on Monday and could still use a few clothes. I’ll have to check some of these out! 🙂
You are so right about thredup! I swear by them! I’ve gotten so much great stuff for the kids there…and it sure is nice to get great stuff at great prices!
I love second hand clothes, especially the [email protected][email protected]
Here s how to not get schooled on back-to-school expenses. First, gather any back-to-school supply lists from your kids schools, add the clothing and any extras they ll need, then look through the calendar to try to predict the cost of upcoming school activities, suggests Dunn.