5 In-expensive Ways To Style Your Kids

Well, it's time for the kids to get in on the fun! These projects cover the spectrum of sewing abilities from novice to expert — and many of them even use clothing you already have sitting in your child's (or your) closet.

Children are constantly growing, and their clothing needs change nearly every season. Here are 5 smart Ways to Get Inexpensive Children’s Clothes

1. Gather together for a few hours of light refreshments and swapping.Invite friends, neighbors and community members who have children within a certain age category. Considering the ages of my kids, I would invite families with newborns to children about 6 years old.

2. Trade in your pre-worn clothes at consignment shops in person or online. Depending on the clothing’s quality, staff will usually offer you a store credit of 40%-50% of the selling price, which you can then use toward new clothes.

3. Find a friend who has children one or two sizes up from yours, and offer to trade your time and effort for their kids’ outgrown clothes. For example, two nights of free babysitting for a garbage bag full of used clothes.

4. Many local Facebook groups cater specifically to moms and parents. Consider creating your own group focused on trading children’s clothes, with an emphasis on free clothing. People can post a photograph of an outfit and what they’re seeking in return.

5. Sit down for a moment and write out a list of clothes you think your children need. Perhaps you think they don’t have enough shorts, so you write down, “needs two extra pairs of shorts.” Set aside an hour and go through all your children’s clothes. Make sure to check their dresser, under the couch, in overnight bags and in the dirty laundry. Sort and count all their clothing and write down each item in columns.