This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own. Read my full disclosure statement here.
A few weeks ago, I began noticing a shift in the advertising of my favourite stores. The front pages of their websites as well as the emails and commercials I was seeing were promoting new Spring collections. As much as I love seeing the bright colours and pretty dresses, I won’t be doing my Spring shopping anytime soon. Why? Because I did that last Fall.
It’s spring, and you should be shopping for Fall and Winter clothes now.
I honestly cannot stress how much money I’ve saved from shopping the previous season’s sales, and this is my favourite time of year to do it. Right now, stores are clearing out some of the most expensive items you’ll buy all year. Here’s what I’ve stocked up on so far.
Long Sleeve Shirts
In the past month, I’ve purchased upwards of 20 long sleeved shirts for myself, Chris, and the kids. Not a single shirt cost most than $4, and most of them were between $1 and $3. Even in the Fall, these shirts usually aren’t very expensive, but why pay $10 when you can pay $1? This is a serious stock up items for my family and if you have multiple kids, it will be for you as well!
My favourite places to find clearance long sleeve shirts: The Children’s Place, Joe Fresh, Old Navy, OshKosh, Gymboree, and Walmart
Hoodies
Everyone in our family loves hoodies, and they can be pretty pricey. In the Spring, the focus is on lightweight cardigans, so you’ll be able to find heavier sweaters and fleece hoodies on clearance for half price, if not cheaper.
My favourite places to find clearance hoodies: Old Navy, Walmart, Winners, and Marshalls
Hats & Gloves
One of my favourite things to buy in the Spring is Winter accessories because they go on clearance for dirt cheap. Last week, The Children’s Place website had hat and mitten sets on sale for $1.90 each! If you’re unsure of the size you’ll need next year, you can buy 3 different sizes and still spend under half of what you would in the fall (plus, you can use the others for gifts or donations!).
My favourite places to find clearance winter accessories: The Children’s Place, Carter’s, OshKosh, Gymboree, and Old Navy
Shoes and Boots
This one is tricky, but also has one of the biggest pay offs. Shoes are expensive, and kids blow through them. My kids require outdoor and indoor shoes for school, so I always jump at the chance to save money in this area. It sounds risky to buy shoes that don’t currently fit, but I promise it’s worth it.
Over the years, I’ve found that boots are the easiest to buy out of season. I always buy them a size or two (or three!) bigger than what my child’s shoe size is now and I’ve never had a problem. Boots have give – if they’re a bit too big, your child will still be able to wear them, and of course, they’ll fit longer.
Shoes are a little different as your child will be uncomfortable wearing running shoes that are too big or small. Places like Walmart tend to clear out the back-to-school running shoes for extremely cheap, which again, means you can guess or buy multiples without the risk. Last year, I found slip-on Star Wars shoes at Walmart for $1, so I purchased 3 pairs in 3 different sizes. I spent $3 for 3 pairs instead of $25 for one pair.
My favourite places to find clearance footwear: Walmart, Meijer (US), Target (US), SportChek, and Giant Tiger
Outerwear
This is the biggest and best. Just yesterday, my husband bought his Winter coat for next year. A coat that was regularly $200, he scored for $80.
As parents, we know that outerwear can really hurt the Winter budget. A Winter coat and snowpants can run upwards of $100-$200, yet every kid needs them. Just this past week, I’ve noticed stores like Winners and Marshalls have snowpants on clearance for around $10. That’s a steal. Always check sporting goods stores for huge savings on big brand Winter Coats as well.
My favourite places to find clearance outerwear: SportChek, Winners, Marshalls, and TJMaxx (US)
Do you normally shop a season ahead? Maybe you should start!