How to Save Money on Kids Clothes (Budget Hack for Moms)

If you’re a mama, you already know this truth: Kids outgrow everything. So. Fast.

One minute the pajamas fit. The next minute they look like capris. 😅

It can feel like you are constantly buying new clothes, shoes, and seasonal items… and the cost adds up quickly. But I’ve developed a simple system that has saved our family so much money. As a result, we’re able to outfit our kids each season without breaking the budget.

Today I’m sharing this amazing mom hack with you!

👉🏼 Sell what they’ve outgrown.
👉🏼 Use the cash (or store credit) to fund the next size up.
👉🏼 Stack that with thrift sales or retail markdowns.

Here’s exactly how it works.

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Step 1: Gather Gently Used Kids Clothes, Toys, and Baby Gear

Every season change, I go through:

Clothes that no longer fit
Shoes that are still in good shape
Jackets and coats
Baby gear we’re done using
Toys in great condition

If it’s clean, stain-free, and gently used, it goes into my “sell” pile.

Instead of automatically donating everything, I ask:

Could this help pay for the next round?

Step 2: Sell at a Kids Resale or Consignment Store

One of my favorite places to sell is Once Upon A Child.

They buy:

Baby clothes
Toddler clothes
Kids clothing
Shoes
Toys
Baby gear

You bring your items in, they sort through them, and for everything they want to buy from you, they offer either:

💵 Cash
🏷 Store credit

Other Places That Buy Kids Items

Depending on where you live, you may also have:

Kid to Kid
Children’s Orchard
Local children’s consignment boutiques
Plato’s Closet (more for teen sizes)
Play It Again Sports (great for kids’ sporting equipment, cleats, and athletic shoes)

Search “sell kids clothes near me” to see what’s available in your area, and be sure to check each store’s buying policies and seasonal guidelines before bringing items in.

Step 3: Choose Store Credit or Cash (This Is Where the Real Strategy for How to Save Money on Kids Clothes Kicks In)

Option 1: Take Store Credit

If the resale store has the next size you need — and their prices are competitive — store credit can be a great option.

You simply take care of the full process in one store:
Old clothes → Store credit → Next size

And sometimes you walk out paying little to nothing out of pocket.

Option 2: Take the Cash and Stretch It Further

Personally, I usually take the cash because I can stretch it further elsewhere.

Example 1:

For instance, I’ll take that resale money and head to our local Arc Thrift Store on a Saturday when they offer 50% off most colored tags.

Resale cash + 50% off thrift pricing = Major savings

Often, the money I make from Once Upon A Child covers 100% of the next size of clothes we need. I’ve made close to $80 selling items before. Instead of spending new money from our budget, I’m simply reallocating what we already spent in previous seasons.

Check out this Shop With Me video where you can see me walking through this awesome hack!

Example 2:

Another strategic option is taking that resale money to Walmart — especially during seasonal clearance. Walmart frequently rotates kids clothing styles, which means markdowns.

I specifically watch for:

Garanimals
Wonder Nation

When those toddler clothing lines go on sale, I’ve been able to grab:

Leggings for $1
Short and long sleeve shirts for $2
Dresses for $3–$4

If you time it right, you can:

Sell old clothes → Take the cash → Buy brand-new outfits on clearance.

It honestly feels like getting new clothes “for free” because they were funded by what your child already outgrew.

Why This Hack Works So Well to Save Money on Kids Clothes

This system works because you are:

Recycling instead of spending new money
Turning clutter into a clothing fund
Stacking savings (resale + discount days + clearance)

Instead of thinking, “I have to buy more clothes again.” You start thinking, “We’re just rotating sizes.” This new mindset shift reduces stress and protects your budget.

Extra Budget Tips for How to Save Money on Kids Clothes

Here are even more practical ways to save money on kids clothes and supplies:

👕 1. Buy Off-Season

Shop winter coats in late winter. Grab swimsuits in early fall. Retailers deeply discount seasonal inventory.

👟 2. Stick to Neutrals for Big Items

Choose neutral coats, shoes, and basics so they mix and match easily.

👖 3. Prioritize Play Clothes

Kids need more durable everyday outfits than “cute” outfits.

🧥 4. Store by Size

Keep one labeled bin per size for hand-me-downs or resale-ready pieces.

👚 5. Host a Clothing Swap

Swap gently used clothes with trusted mom friends for free.

🧺 6. Wash Strategically to Preserve Quality

Cold water and gentle cycles extend the life of kids’ clothing so they last longer for you and can also increase resale value if you choose to sell them later.

📦 7. Keep a Dedicated Kids Clothing Fund

Put resale cash aside so it’s always reinvested into the next size.

Final Encouragement for Moms on a Budget

If you’re feeling the pressure of inflation and strain on your budget, pause and take a breath. You don’t have to keep starting from scratch.

Instead:

Sell.
Shop smart.
Stack discounts.
Repeat.

This simple system has saved our family so much money over the years — and it keeps our home from being overrun with things we no longer use.

Let’s be strategic, reduce stress, and save money where we can.

💛 Share Your Mom Hack

Have you tried this sell → shop → save method yet?

If you have, tell us how it went!

And if you have another genius budget tip for kids clothes, baby gear, or seasonal swaps, share it below — let’s build a little mom hack library right here in the comments.

We’re all figuring this out together. 💛