Let’s face it. No matter how much we love our kids, want them to look cute, and enjoy it when they are happily entertained, there is a limit on how much a person can spend, regardless of resources, on toys and baby clothes. Babies outgrow both so fast that even people who like shopping can quickly tire of the time, money, and effort it takes to keep pace with the effects of all the food you made, cleaned up, and diapered away. Here are some suggestions for how to keep your child in size-appropriate clothes and age-appropriate toys without going broke, crazy, or both.
1. Exchange the Infant Gifts: After the rush of gifts from the baby showers and post-birth visits has slowed, take stock of what you have and what you need for the little hungry bundle now in your care. I am a big fan of returning things, especially once you own more than ten washcloths, three baby towels, or five pairs of infant-sized white socks. Store credit is a beautiful thing, and four dollar items can quickly add up to a box of diapers or a gift card balance you can use later on one summer day for a new toy when you are desperate to get a project completed at home.
2. Use Craigslist: This requires a little time and effort, but the Craigslist for your area will have a section for people selling toys and baby items. Check in once a week (Saturday morning is a good time) and see if there are any deals. Be warned: you usually have to drive to pick the items up, and you just never know what you may find when you get there. But there are some fabulous deals to be had. People also list garage sales on Craiglist, which brings me to my next source for baby deals…
3. Shop Garage Sales: For backyard toys and clothes, nothing beats a good garage sale. Clothes can be washed in hot water; plastic backyard toys can be rinsed with disinfectant and a lot of water and bleached clean further by the sun. While you can also scrub down baby gear and inside toys you find at garage sales, the nooks and crannies on these items make it more work than I am willing to put in. Scan your local paper on Saturday morning, Craigslist, or your paper’s online classified section for sales in your area.
4. Amazon Deals and Sales: Amazon has a number of ways that they list discount merchandise. Every Friday, they have special sales you can check in on. You can get the Deal of the Day emailed to you. You can click through the Outlet section of the toys or baby clothing departments. You have to keep an eye out, but there are some huge deals to be had here.
5. Coupon Days: Gymboree, Crazy 8, Old Navy, and Gap regularly mark down their merchandise 50 to 60 percent at the end of the season. At Gymboree, where they constantly rotate themed outfits through their inventory, the mark downs happen even more frequently. You can then combine these discounts with an online coupon. Search Retail Me Not for coupon codes. I usually buy for the coming year during these sales.
6. Periodically Visit Ebay: People tend to sell baby clothing on Ebay in large lots of a particular size, which again, is a useful thing to watch for if you are willing and able to buy a year ahead for your child. This usually works best once they hit at least 12 months in age, so that you have a better idea of how quickly they will grow. It is helpful to have a good idea of what brands hold up well, and what brands fit your child best, when purchasing on Ebay.
7. Watch Out for Toys ‘R Us Coupons: Believe it or not, Toys ‘R Us runs some really good deals three to four times a year. I particularly like the “buy one/two toys, get one free” sales. These are a great opportunity to buy toys for different age levels, or a gift for an upcoming event along with a small item for your child. These sales are advertised on the company’s website and in your local advertising mailer.
8. Don’t Shy Away from Hand Me Downs: For kids under two, they spend so little time in any one size that they hardly have a chance to wear clothes out. If someone offers you hand me downs, take ‘em. If you don’t use them, pass them on. You just never know if your child will suddenly grow thin and lean, making him unable to wear all those wide-waisted pants you bought.
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