Dressing the Kids on a Budget

Come on, baby needs a new pair of shoes. And a winter coat. And at least two cozy sleepers.

Of all the shopping you need to do this season, none lends itself to impulse quite as much as buying for little ones. But buying for cold Canadian winters quickly adds up and you don't want to be choosing between your child's winter wear and winter tires.

Here are some tips on how to shop smart, keep the kids warm and your bank account out of overdraft:

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1. Shop for the kids in one day or weekend and set a limit on how much you can spend. Too many of us buy a little here and a little there without keeping close track of how much we're spending. Make a list of what you need and try to avoid picking up what is cute but maybe not a necessity. Pick a day, have a plan and you're more likely to stay within your budget.
2. Buy seasonal clothes in end-of-season sales. You can pick up winter clothes for next year in February or March when you are sure to get a deal on bigger ticket items such as snowsuits and Grobags for babies. The Children's Place, Joe Fresh and Baby Gap always have great deals to be found on sales racks. You're also more likely to get designer brands for less this way. And remember, kids fashions tend to have a longer shelf life than what's in your closet.
3. If you're pregnant, be sure to register for clothes. While visions of frilly pink tutus or tiny football jerseys may dance in your head, remember to think long term. Register for bigger sizes because before you know it that adorable oversize T-shirt will turn into a crop top on your growing munchkin. Not a good look.
4. Save gas, hassle and impulse checkout counter buys shopping on-line sales. That trip to the mall for winter mittens can add up when you also buy that adorable and completely unnecessary third pair of toddler sunglasses before you take in lunch at the food court. Gap offers a sales section on-line and ships for free if you spend more than $50. Also check out The Bay, Old Navy and L.L. Bean for on-line deals and warm winter wear.

It takes patience and a good eye but you can sometimes get never-before-used clothes at second hand stores for a lot less than the original price. Your neighborhood consignment shop will also almost definitely have quality toys, strollers and wagons possibly saving you a bundle.

Boutiques are cute but the markups aren't. Hit an outlet mall or large department store and you'll find cheaper rubber boots just as waterproof as the dinosaur faced ones at the upscale baby gear store which inevitably smells faintly of cinnamon lattes. Try Walmart, Sears or Winners and spend the savings on something a little stronger than a latte.

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