Budget Shopping for Kids and Teacher Candidates

The profile of most teacher candidates studying to pass the CSET is that you are probably female, you probably have children in your home, and your household income is under $30,000 per year. Hey, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Studying for the CSET so you can land your first teaching job (and improve your family income) is honorable so keep your head up. If this profile doesn’t quite fit, you still may be ready to buy clothes for the kids and are looking for some good back-to-school specials. Most everyone should find these money saving tips on buying clothes for the kids helpful.

I just spent the better part of the day clothes shopping for my children and want to pass on what I learned. If you have some tips that can help families save on their school shopping, please leave a comment below. We mothers have to stick together!

Girls Clothes

It’s hard to find cheap clothing for girls that doesn’t make your little girl look cheap, or worse, made fun of by other children. But fret not. I have found stylish yet cheap clothes at the following: H&M, Old Navy, the Gap, and Children’s Place. These stores offer Hannah Montana look alike clothes that your girl would be proud to wear.

The best store to bargain shop for girls is at Target. Target has excellent prices on school uniforms. Tops range from $9 - $13, dresses and skirts for under $10, stylish capri pants range from $9 to $12. Target is the best place to save money without having to worry about the “in” factor.

Places you should avoid are department stores that price children’s clothing at the same price as adult clothing. There is no reason for a pair of twill capri pants to cost $40 for girls and $49 for women. Target has the same twill capri pants for girls for about $10. That’s a 75% savings! The exception to this rule is Macys when they have major sale events.

Boys Clothes

You can really spend a lot on boys clothes if you are not careful. Bargain shopping for boys clothing is a little harder than for girls.

If you must have designer items, Sears usually has good specials on designer items like Levi.

Target has good prices for boys but their selection often lacks. The best place to go for