Search Results for: blog host an outgrown swap

Spring is Consignment & Outgrown Sale Season

To save money on children’s clothing, I make sure to shop the large children’s outgrown sales (also known as consignment sales). There I can pick up a fancy Easter dress for $5, boys jeans for $2, and an assortment of other clothing to outfit my three kids. I’ve been shopping at outgrown sales and taking advantage of community swaps for a long time now, ever since my now middle school child was a baby. I have the say that things have certainly changed with outgrown children’s sales since that time. First of all, the prices are much higher. What was … Continue reading →

Getting Ready for Outgrown Sales

I have to confess that I am very excited about tomorrow. That is because two of the biggest children’s outgrown sales are taking place in my area. These outgrown sales are a great way to pick up plenty of bargains and fill in the wardrobes for my children. There are also plenty of toys, books and games to be had as well. Today I sat down to make a list of the needs for the kids. This is important because it helps me avoid buying things that we don’t really need and forgetting things that we really do. For example, … Continue reading →

Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing 2

It is that time of year again. I’ve been talking about swapping out the seasonal clothing for my family. When do you do your swap? If you missed the first part of this series, click here: Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing. Now, let’s continue. Winter jacket and snowsuits are done separately from regular clothing. I usually make that a family affair, with everyone trying on different items to see what will work for them. Anything that is too small for the youngest or my only girl gets set aside to be donated. When I get back to the drawers, I sort … Continue reading →

Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing

We are spending the entire weekend indoors. Partially this is because it has been raining nonstop since Friday, but mostly it is because we are all sick. Being indoors, it has been a good time, in between taking care of everyone, to go through my kids clothing to update sizes and seasons. This is a big job for me, especially when I have the energy of a sloth to go with the other ill symptoms. I keep a lot of hand me downs, especially for my youngest son (since he has an older brother). These clothes are stored away in … Continue reading →

Host An Outgrown Swap

Have you ever heard of an outgrown swap? I host one once or twice a year and it has provided me with tons of items to clothe the kids. I got the idea to host a outgrown swap from a church sale. Every year, one of the local churches hosts a sale for the community. People come from all over to buy low cost baby and kid clothing. While it is a great success, I thought their might be an easier way to find some great baby and kid clothes without spending a lot of money. The first thing I … Continue reading →

5 Ways to Spend Less on Halloween

The cute costumes, the Martha Stewart decorations, the bags and bags of candy…the cost of it adds up. Just like the dark monster in the corner, you are afraid to take a good look at how much your are actually spending. Halloween has certainly become a big holiday. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent more than $8 billion last year celebrating. Eight billion! Seriously. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, brandish your own bag of tricks to spend less this Halloween. You’ll be able to make it a magical holiday and leave the bills … Continue reading →

Innovative Ways to Save on Toys

Children can outgrow their toys very quickly. Don’t spend money on new toys unnecessarily. Here are some innovative ways that you can provide your children with creative, educational and time-occupying toys on a budget. Check Toys Out from a Toy Library Toy libraries are popping up all over the country. These libraries lend out top-rated toys, puzzles and games, as well as host play events for families. Toy libraries save parents from spending a lot of money on toys while making sure that kids don’t get bored. To locate a toy library near you, visit the Toy Library Association online. … Continue reading →

Growing Kids? Here are 5 Inexpensive Sources for Great Clothing

When the pants get too short and the shirts get too tight, you know it is time to invest in a whole new wardrobe for your kids. It can be a tough thing to swallow, spending lots of money on outfits that they will grow out of within a few short months. Things can get costly. Parents on a tight budget should take note of some off the beaten path sources for great kids clothing that will have the kids looking chic while the parents save money. 1. The clearance racks In July, you will find summer clothing marked from … Continue reading →

The High Cost of School and Activity Fees

This year, our school district is charging activity fees for its students. This means that if any students want to participate in after school sports or other activities, they must first pay a fee. The amount of the fee depends on the child’s level in school. So, an elementary student who wants to participate in a school activity must pay $25, a middle school student must pay $50, and a high school student must pay $75 per year. Granted, these aren’t astronomical fees, and this particular fee gives a free pass to all activities, but they aren’t the only fees … Continue reading →

Back-to-School Celebrations

Are back-to-school parties more for the parents or the kids? After all, I don’t know many children who joyfully celebrate the end of summer and their subsequent freedom to stay up late, sleep in, and hang out at the pool, park or beach all day. Still, the long Labor Day weekend begets partying whether your child is in the mood or not. Whether you choose to host a back-to-school theme or a more subdued late-summer event, consider taking advantage of the ability to celebrate outdoors as Old Man Winter will be here before you know it. Back-to-school shindigs don’t have … Continue reading →