I am expecting my fifth child in about nine weeks, and I haven’t shopped or looked around for any baby items. I guess I’m just procrastinating, but as I was sleeping I woke up and started to think about how I would shop? Would I go the retail or resale route??? I know your first baby is like a milestone, but what about your fifth, sixth, and so on…. I want to make sure I have everything I need, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money for the items I’m getting. We all know that babies grow quickly, and I don’t want to have items laying around the house not being used. My mom always told me every child is different and that means their needs, likes and dislikes. In my previous pregnancies I have shopped for the latest trends in clothing and baby accessories only to find out that they either could wear the clothing because of the dyes or the material it was made from.

This time I don’t want to make that mistake. I have been looking at the new organic clothing (which would be nice), but many of these items are $10.00 and up for a shirt or socks. That’s crazy. Why does it have to be so expensive. To my surprise Walmart’s and Target’s organic baby line was expensive. I am going to search the net for organic baby clothing. To compare prices. I will let you know what I find.

Shopping for children’s shoes today is over-rated. I went shopping this week for shoes for my children, and I before I got there I had already decided on a budget of $40 per child. I needed a pair of running shoes for my nine year-old, some skate shoes for my thirteen year-old, and for my four year-old I need something with velcro.

Well, upon walking into the local Foot Locker I was surprised to see that the shoes started at $60 and went up from there. Are you kidding me???? Children’s shoes are supposed be reasonably priced and of good quality. I had to re-group and then ask the sales person if they had any shoes on clearance.

Clearance isn’t bad, but it is hard to keep up with the latest styles when children’s apparel is so outrageously priced. I couldn’t find any shoes that were to my children’s liking, so I left Foot Locker and went down the street to Payless where you can really get a deal for your money. I found all the shoe styles I needed and had some money to spare. I wouldn’t shop there all the time, but this time it made sense, and the kids loved their new shoes.

I went to the consignment shop this weekend looking for clothing and accessories for my newest addition. I am going to have my fourth son in less than ten weeks, so I am trying to find baby items at a cheap and reasonable price. I went to our local shop to look for baby clothes, and I found sleepers and outfits for less than $3.00 each. I have also found some great baby accessories. I went in looking for a baby rocker or bouncy seat, so I went to Walmart to look also and they were running about $40 and up. So when I saw the exact same bouncy/rocker for $29 I couldn’t pass it up. The rocker was in excellent condition, it was clean and running. I was very happy with my purchases. I was also surprised to see that they were having a sale on their clothing, so that’s even bigger savings for me. The best thing to do when shopping for children’s clothing is to shop out of season that is when you get the best deals.

Thrift Shopping Tips:

1. Always do your homework: Comparison shop. Look in the ads and go into your favorite stores to make sure you aren’t paying to much for clothing or baby accessories.
2. Get there early. Most thrift shops start putting out their new stuff as soon as it comes in. So for instance, my local thrift shop will begin accepting new clothes for summer in a couple of weeks. If you are looking for summer clothing for your little ones the best items will be out about a week later.
3. Shop out of season: If you are able to shop for your children out of season you will be able to rack up on a lot of great deals. I went shopping this weekend for winter clothing and everything in the store was marked down by 50%. This was good for me, because I have older children who aren’t really growing that fast. I was able to purchase jeans, long sleeve shirts and coats for the next winter for cheap, cheap, cheap!
4. Never go into thrift shops if they aren’t clean: This is telling you that they aren’t selective in the clothing they accept from customers. And they aren’t big on cleaning. If you have no choice make sure you clean your baby items (clothing and accessories) with bleach and wash them thoroughly. You never know what’s in the clothing????
5. Consignment: Most thrift stores allow you to shop in their stores and obtain store credit for bring in clothing of yours to sale. The credit built up can be used immediately in to purchase items in their store. Some consignment stores even issue checks for the clothing that you bring in to be sold. Just ask to see what their policy is.

I hope these tips are helpful when you begin your thrift shopping journey.

Buying summer clothes in the fall? You must think I’m crazy. I have been doing this for years. I have four children and they are always out growing their clothes so quickly, so when I see a sale I can’t resist the urge to browse (and sometimes even buy) some items. Whether it is sandals, shorts, or even t-shirts. The thing to keep in mind when buying children’s clothing on sale is to make sure it will be in style the following year. T-shirt with sayings never go out of style and neither do plain colored shorts.

This weekend I went to Walmart and the Gap and they were having great sales on their children’s clothing. I was surprised to find items at the Gap for over half off their original prices. I went there and made a killing on shorts for my boys and summer dresses for my daughter. And as for Walmart they are always putting things on sale. Their Garanimal line is priceless. It’s already reasonably priced, but then when they mark it down your paying $2-$3 for an outfit. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Buying for your kids doesn’t have to break you if you shop smart, and by that I mean thinking ahead and getting the best deals for your buck. When you think about it, the styles of children’s clothing don’t really change that much from season to season if you are shopping for things that will last. Let me know if you find out about any other stores that are having some good sales on children’s clothing.

Mrs. B
Tangalotta Parent

It can be easy to get into a battle when picking out our children’s clothing in the morning. They always seem to have their heart set on matching the striped pants with the floral top and adding their favorite boots and scarf. When we take one look at them the thought of everyone staring at them and laughing tramples through our minds. So, why is it important to let them pick their own outfits?

All parents come to the realization at some point that they must choose their battles when it comes to their kids. Also, children need a sense of control in their lives. If they feel they have no control they will start to find ways to gain it. For example, not eating and refusing to brush their teeth are ways they can feel in control.

Letting them choose their own outfits is a great way to help them feel independent and capable. This is a way to help them learn decision making as well. They are in control and their self esteem is boosted. It is also a great way to express their individuality. Additionally, it is good to help your children feel supported even if you do not agree with their decision. Their choice in clothes will not hurt them, but starting a fight over it with them will. When they see that they can be themselves, even when you disagree with it, they are more willing to be honest with you. Chances are they won’t be a fashion “Don’t” forever.

As your child gets older you can educate her on proper combinations and you can begin to see your children’s clothing choices begin to make more sense. As they are learning you can offer guidance. You can even pick three outfits to let them choose from. That way they are still making the final decision and you are happy with what ever they choose. Bottom line is this, giving your child the opportunity to take control over the little things, such as choosing their own outfits, while they are young boosts their independence and strengthens your relationship. Plus it makes for some great pictures!

Cassie Tangalotta Mom

Play is an important part of early learning and emotional development. One of them is a Toys Wooden. Wooden toys educational adds fun to learn. Wooden toy is a reasonable choice for the very young. Children’s toys including wooden toys such as miniature farm animals sets for infants and doll houses for girls and boys. Many wooden toys educational toys for school children, such as puzzles, building blocks, and many more. Unlike a battery-operated toys that move on their own, educational wooden toys encourage children to think and come up with creative ideas for play. Puzzles are very useful for children of all age groups. Toddlers can be given a puzzle with a small number of pieces. It is amazing to see how, with every use, they do something different until they master the puzzle. At first, their actions are random, but after some use they play the pieces and try to adjust them properly. Eventually they master the puzzle and are ready for the next one. Solving a puzzle is a constructive learning experience for children. Parents must ensure that the puzzles are suitable for their child. While large recognizable pieces are needed for the younger kids, puzzles with little pieces can be more challenging as they grow up.

Wooden toys are also more durable than plastic or metal toys. And with proper care, it is possible to make these toys last child throughout childhood and perhaps even allow them to pass them on to their children.

Wooden toys help children develop creativity and enhance certain inherent capabilities. These skills could prove very useful in the future. Musical toys such as wooden drums basic or a small wooden string instruments can even help children develop musical skills. They not only encourage a sense of rhythm and chords on the children, but also expose them to many different sounds. The development of auditory skills occur automatically when your child plays with musical toys.

Being made of wood, gives these toys staying power to survive through tough rough and tumble of childhood. Educational wooden toys can also be used in schools and pre-school. These toys stimulate the child’s mental abilities, expand their imagination and enhance their sense of creativity.

Wooden educational toys come in many shapes and sizes. Some of them help the children learn the names of different colors, while others help them learn the names of animals and birds. There is also a toy to help preschoolers learn the basic alphabet and numbers.

While choosing wooden toys, certain aspects should be considered. It is recommended that infants and small children should not be given wooden toys with small parts because it may be a choking hazard for them. Toys like a rocking horse and toy train sets an ideal wood and help keep them busy using their imagination. Most wooden toys, though a bit expensive, combining safety and durability are available for all age groups in many shapes and sizes, you can find wooden toys in accordance with your budget in stores across the country. They can also be ordered from several online stores on the internet. With a variety of functions, this toy also makes a great gift item.
for more information see www-toyhome.com

David