Guilt-Free Back to School Shopping Spree

One of the biggest expenses this time of the year for parents are back to school clothes for their little ones. As always, it seems like the kids are growing faster than your wallet could afford.

With the effects of recession all around us, here are some tips on how you can cut back on costs and send your kids off with confidence and style!



1. SHOP VINTAGE

Newly manufactured clothing means using more resources our planet can't afford. The fuel used to manufacture and transport materials, as well as to power the factories result in enormous amounts of pollution. By choosing Vintage clothing, you are indeed recycling and diverting clothing waste from the landfill.

For every newly manufactured non-organic t-shirt, there is a fist-sized amount of chemicals used for dyeing, wrinkle resistance, softening, and making them unshrinkable. These chemicals also end up in the water supply of third world countries, contributing to the illnesses and mortality rates in the area.

Not only is Vintage shopping an environmentally friendly way of dressing, but there is always the thrill of finding something special. Kids clothing in consignment shops are often the most stocked areas.

Second hand stores such as Value Village and Salvation Army Thrift Stores have huge selections of back to school products including uniforms, backpacks, running shoes, fall jackets and more, all gently worn.

For Torontonians, a trip down to Kensington Market is highly recommended. Stores are filled with gently used clothing and, while picking up fall clothing for your kids, you may be able to find something for yourself with all the money you saved.

If you are an on-line shopper or would like to be one, try eBay, Craigslist, and Kijij. These website have many used clothing listings available at prices you won't find in your department stores.

2. HOLD A CLOTHING SWAP

During this dire economic climate, clothing swaps are gaining popularity. Hosting a clothing swap for children's clothing may just be the perfect thing for back-to-school.

A clothing swap can be a small get-together with parents with kids around the same age. Ask them to bring ten items to swap and in return, they can choose ten items brought by others. It's important to set clothing conditions in advance. let them know that torn or stained clothing will not be accepted.

Check out this website on how to organize a clothing swap.

3. THINK LONG TERM

Some back-to-school supplies are probably difficult find at your local consignment shop or at a clothing swap. They will have to be bought anew and it's important to keep 'long-term' in your mind when making your purchases.

Look for names you know and trust. Products that are made well last longer and will hold up to your kid's activities. When shopping for trends, look for the trends in the simplest elements. Some trends will only last a season or two, so when making a purchase, ensure that the clothing can be worn down the road, which could then be brought to a clothing swap.

4. INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR KIDS

It's important for kids to feel confident and like what they wear. Make sure before making purchases, you ask for their preferences and know the colours and styles they would like to wear. Be sure to also explain to your kids about the environmental benefits of choosing vintage clothing.