Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and of course, laundry! As a mom, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as dressing up your little one in adorable outfits that showcase their personality (or just ones you love!). However, finding affordable toddler clothes can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
I have always been someone who loves to find the best deal. I am also the kind of person who when there is a shipping cost involved, it’s almost always a deal breaker! Sound familiar? I am constantly searching far and wide for the cutest, most affordable clothes for my child. I just can’t bring myself to spend a ton of money for something she will wear a couple of times and grow out of!
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can fill your child’s wardrobe with adorable outfits without breaking the bank. So here I have compiled some of my most savvy tips and tricks for scoring cheap, cute toddler clothes that will have your little fashionista looking like a million bucks (without costing it).
1. Shop Secondhand
This is one of my number one tips! One of the best ways to find affordable toddler clothes is by shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are treasure troves of gently used children’s clothing at a fraction of the retail price. Take some time to explore these options, and you’ll be amazed at the quality and variety of clothes you can find. Plus, shopping secondhand is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, as it helps reduce waste and promote sustainability.
I am always searching thrift stores (& have scored some great finds!) and have found several great items from Facebook Marketplace. In my area, there is a huge kids consignment held twice a year that I make out like a bandit with! I love finding adorable, lightly used clothes on the cheap. It’s also a great way to sell the kids clothes you no longer need and make some money back for yourself, too! Also, don’t forget to check out some yard sales in the summer, that is another GREAT way to save money.
2. Ask Around
This is another one of my favorite ways to save on clothes. You probably know so many people who have kids – whether you work with them, they’re a friend of yours, your siblings, or even just a friend of a friend! You likely know people who have clothes that are taking up too much space and they want to get rid of. I have received so many items for very low cost and even free by doing this. My favorite thing is receiving bags of clothes and dumping them all out to see what we got! It’s seriously like Christmas morning to me. Again, secondhand is the best!
3. Sales and Clearance
Retailers frequently offer sales and clearance events where you can snag adorable toddler clothes at deeply discounted prices. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to stock up! Additionally, signing up for email newsletters or following your favorite brands on social media can keep you informed about upcoming sales and exclusive promotions.
Make sure you have Honey downloaded as a browser extension! If you haven’t heard of it, it is a browser extension that scours the internet looking for coupons so that when it’s time to check out, it fills the coupon codes in for you! Honey does all the hard work for you and here at Happy Moms Club, we are here for it.
4. Explore Discount Stores and Off-Price Retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross, as well as off-price retailers like Nordstrom Rack and Burlington, are fantastic places to find stylish toddler clothes at affordable prices. These stores offer a rotating selection of brand-name clothing, often at big discounts compared to traditional department stores. Take some time to browse their aisles, and you’re bound to find hidden gems that will make your child’s wardrobe pop without breaking the bank. These types of stores can be a hit or miss but I make out more often than not!
5. Get Crafty with DIY Projects
If you’re feeling crafty, why not try your hand at DIY projects to create unique and personalized clothing for your toddler? From embellishing plain t-shirts with iron-on patches (or using a Cricut) to upcycling old clothing into new designs, there are countless ways to get creative and add a personal touch to your child’s wardrobe. Not only is this a fun and fulfilling way to express your creativity, but it’s also a budget-friendly alternative to buying new clothes.
6. Shop Off-Season
Another savvy strategy for finding cheap toddler clothes is to shop off-season. Retailers often discount seasonal clothing to make room for new inventory, so take advantage of these clearance sales to stock up on clothes for future months. For example, buy swimsuits and shorts at the end of summer or winter coats and sweaters at the end of winter. While your child may not be able to wear these items immediately, you’ll save money in the long run by planning ahead for the seasons to come. I have gotten incredible deals by doing this which has saved me tons of money. Sometimes it’s hard to estimate what size your child will be in at that point in the future but if you can make a good guess, it’s worth it for the money you save!
7. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Basics
When it comes to building a toddler’s wardrobe on a budget, investing in basics is key. Items like plain t-shirts, leggings, and onesies can be mixed and matched with other pieces to create countless adorable outfits. Plus, basics are often more affordable than trendy or elaborate clothing items, so focus on building a solid foundation of essentials before splurging on statement pieces. By prioritizing versatility and longevity, you can stretch your clothing budget further and ensure that your child always has something cute and comfortable to wear.
As a thrifty mom, finding cheap, cute toddler clothes on a budget is all about being resourceful, creative, and savvy with your shopping strategies. Whether you’re scouring thrift stores for hidden gems, organizing a clothing swap with friends, or taking advantage of sales and clearance events, there are countless ways to dress your little one in adorable outfits without breaking the bank. By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can build a stylish and budget-friendly wardrobe for your toddler that will have them looking cute as a button without costing you a fortune.
What’s your favorite way to save money on toddler clothes?
XOXO,
Katie
