Frugal Shopping

Since my first child was born, my husband used to buy him clothes. Whenever I felt that my boy needed some new clothes, I would tell my hubby and we would both go shopping usually at Ross (my favorite shop in the entire world, where you get designer clothes for less). When I started working and making my own money, I would not wait for my husband. I would hop into my car and get to shop either at Ross, Walmart, Target or Old Navy for some nice clothes.
Recently, I had to stop working and went back home during my second pregnancy. And for a while, my husband stayed in the US and took care of our son alone. Before they both left home for the States, I advised my husband that Little Prince would probably need some new clothes soon. Weeks later, I enquired of his shopping over the phone. I was surprised to discover that he had an entire new wardrobe for the rest of the summer and beginning of winter for Little Prince. I was even more surprised when he told me that he got everything at the nearest Goodwill Center.
For those who do not know what a Goodwill center is, let me explain. Goodwill is a charity based company. They have stores all over the country where you can donate items such as clothing, furniture, books. Those items are recycled and sold for a very affordable price. I discovered Goodwill at random. Being a constant shopper, I had accumulated clothes that I did not need anymore. Therefore I gave them away at the nearest Goodwill. But while I did that I also noticed that the shop itself offered some very interesting pieces. And ever since that day, I would stop by the Goodwill from time to time to check it out. I also introduced it to my husband who was thrilled at the idea of shopping for less.
My husband is not a frugal person. Yet he is not a big spender either. He uses his money wisely and buy things reasonably. I am a compulsive shopper myself. I usually buy things that I want instead of things that I need. Therefore I think we balance each other out. Nevertheless, I was surprised when he told me that for our second son he would not go shopping to places we have been in the past (Ross to mention a few). Instead, he would get him clothes at the Goodwill. I felt terrible. Not only was my second son going to wear the hand me downs of his brother, but he was not even going to get brand new clothes. I felt like we were robbing him of something special. I immediately starting to think about how he would feel in the future when he discovered that we did not spend as much on him as his older brother. That could cause serious self-esteem problem. That is why I rebelled against my husband, and went shopping at Walmart. (I would have gone to Ross or Target but since I do not have a car anymore, I am very limited. Besides, Walmart is just in front of our apartment complex) I bought my second son-BTW, I should find him a nickname since Little Prince and Baby Boy have been taken by my first child-
- 2 hooded towels with matching washcloths
- 2 nightgowns
- 1 Winnie the Pooh gift bag with a onesie, 2 receiving blankets, one changing pad, and a bag.
The whole thing cost me $40. As I checked out at the Walmart, I was hesitating between taking these clothes home or just returning them. But I finally decided to keep them. They were cute clothes and most importantly they were brand new.
The same week, my husband took me to his favorite Goodwill just to give me an idea of how many items we could get our second son for a very affordable price. We were just supposed to look but we both could not resist shopping. We found several good quality pieces for practically nothing. I am talking about brand clothes that would cost you a hand if you were to buy them at shops, such as the Children's place, or the Gap. After hours of checking them out, we finally limited ourselves to the following:
- 2 overalls
- 2 heavy receiving blankets
- 1 hooded towel
- 1 pullover
- 1 set of coat and pants
The whole thing cost us barely $16.
I could not help but regretting spending an entire $40 at the Walmart when my husband handed me the receipt of the Goodwill. For just $16 I had found really great pieces, some of them even brand new. Imagine what I could have done with $40?
The bottom line is that children (particularly babies) outgrow their clothes in seconds. Therefore, there is no need to buy a lot of expensive clothes that they just wear once or twice. And in this economy, shopping at recycling places such as the Goodwill is becoming our best ally. And I am not ashamed to say it. My sons are still having the best clothes, we are just paying less for them.

Info about Goodwill
http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about

Info about Ross
http://rossstores.com/