1. Make a list: I learned early on that kids don’t need nearly as much stuff as we think they do. Before my baby was even born, he had enough clothes to go a month without repeating an outfit—most of which he never wore because he grew too fast! That experience taught me to make a reasonable list of what was actually needed, especially with those unpredictable mid-season growth spurts.
I can’t recommend this enough: before the season starts, sit down and make a list of what your child will truly need—think shorts, shirts, shoes, and even seasonal toys. Don’t forget to factor in big future purchases like a bicycle, ride-on toys, or even a backyard trampoline (if you’re feeling adventurous). Having this list ahead of time gives you the chance to hunt for deals online and most of all, have guardrails when shopping so you don't buy what you don't truly need.
2. Shred old winter clothes: The last thing you want to happen to new spring and summer clothes is mud, grass stains, or road rash. Don't throw away winter clothes with holes in the knees or tears in the sleeves. Repurpose them! Cut pants into shorts and long sleeves into t-shirts and officially declare them: “play clothes.” That way, when ketchup or dirt won’t come out in the wash, it won’t break your heart—or your wallet.
3. Borrow Budget Busters: For those one-off family portraits or special occasions where you normally end up buying an incredibly expensive outfit, your child will most likely only wear once, reach out to friends and school social media pages.
4. Secondhand Shops: Places like Once Upon A Child and other children's secondhand shops are full of clothes, toys, and everything else you need to cover an entire summer wardrobe for under $20. Shoes too!
5. Facebook Finds: In addition to Facebook Marketplace, every city has at least one Facebook mommy group that lists clothes exchanges and where big family sales are taking place. To find them, on your Facebook page ask your friends if they know of any great mommy groups on Facebook. I bet you'll get plenty of replies!
6. Yard Sale Heaven: Yard sales are goldmines for big-ticket kids’ items—think bikes, ride-on toys, or outdoor play gear, as well as clothes and sports gear. Pro tip: leave the kids at home and instead grab a friend, coffee, and make a morning (and lunch date!) of it. Happy hunting!
7. Discount Dealers: I still love Groupon after all these years. During the summer, I will search Groupn before heading out to places like Dave & Busters, Malibu Jacks, and other local places and events. Seriously, next time you are bored and looking for something to do, check out Groupon for local things to do at a deep discount! Hello, winning!!!
8. Daily Deals: Did you know there are hundreds of websites that crawl the Internet daily for the best online daily deals? They do, and then list them in an easy to search format so you can quickly search for items on your must-have list. My favorite is DealNews.com.
9. DIY For Family Health: When it comes to springtime treats and healthy fruit snacks, the budget can bust very quickly. I make our Popsicles, grow our fruit and cut out juice and soda, we are water drinkers during the warm months. If you have a sunny spot in your yard, patio or balcony, you have a place to grow your own fruit! Did you know strawberries grow well in a pot? Go to your local nursery and ask for help finding the right fruits to grow for where you live (Grower's Zone).
For a total of $20, I have strawberry plants, blueberries, and grapes thriving in pots and around my yard. The best part is that I can use that fruit to make Popsicles! (Read my Healthy DIY Popsicles post.)
10. Price Shop From Home. There are way too many apps and websites available today that make price comparison shopping from home a breeze. Gone are the days of driving from store to store or waiting for the Sunday Paper deals. Pull out the list you made of spring must-haves and start going through each item online and list where the best deal is, for that item. Once you've gone through your list, check the entire list for stores that overlap to save you a bundle on shipping and time. Between the coupon apps and the compare-and-save apps, there is no reason to pay full price anymore.
If you have any great tips, please leave a comment below, or join my Facebook discussion, here.
7. Discount Dealers: I still love Groupon after all these years. During the summer, I will search Groupn before heading out to places like Dave & Busters, Malibu Jacks, and other local places and events. Seriously, next time you are bored and looking for something to do, check out Groupon for local things to do at a deep discount! Hello, winning!!!
8. Daily Deals: Did you know there are hundreds of websites that crawl the Internet daily for the best online daily deals? They do, and then list them in an easy to search format so you can quickly search for items on your must-have list. My favorite is DealNews.com.
9. DIY For Family Health: When it comes to springtime treats and healthy fruit snacks, the budget can bust very quickly. I make our Popsicles, grow our fruit and cut out juice and soda, we are water drinkers during the warm months. If you have a sunny spot in your yard, patio or balcony, you have a place to grow your own fruit! Did you know strawberries grow well in a pot? Go to your local nursery and ask for help finding the right fruits to grow for where you live (Grower's Zone).
For a total of $20, I have strawberry plants, blueberries, and grapes thriving in pots and around my yard. The best part is that I can use that fruit to make Popsicles! (Read my Healthy DIY Popsicles post.)
10. Price Shop From Home. There are way too many apps and websites available today that make price comparison shopping from home a breeze. Gone are the days of driving from store to store or waiting for the Sunday Paper deals. Pull out the list you made of spring must-haves and start going through each item online and list where the best deal is, for that item. Once you've gone through your list, check the entire list for stores that overlap to save you a bundle on shipping and time. Between the coupon apps and the compare-and-save apps, there is no reason to pay full price anymore.
If you have any great tips, please leave a comment below, or join my Facebook discussion, here.
