Question

I have 3 girls for back to school shopping what does everyone with 3 kids spend for back to school clothes and shoes? I was thinking $1, 500?!?!  

Answer 1

$500 per child for the whole year not just back to school. The amount people spend on clothes the kids will just ruin anyways is crazy to me. They outgrow them so quickly that there is no need to spend a bunch of money. It's to impress other adults because kids don't care and if they do its because the parents are raising them with the wrong values.  

Answer 2

We have 2 school aged kids and 2 toddlers and I’ve been wondering the same thing. Even though our toddlers aren’t in school they still need new clothes and shoes  

Comments

@hardpressed girl toddlers are cheap! I just got my 3 everything new for less than $200. Target, Kohl’s, children’s place

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@roadblock nice! We usually shop at Target for their clothes because they are pretty much wearing the same size. They are only 15 months apart in age so we treat them like twins. Just buy 2 of everything  

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@hardpressed I hear that! I have twins so I buy double also  my oldest likes certain colors so I bought him two of each of his shorts since he’s only two sizes up from my twins  ‍♀️

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@roadblock love it! Yea that’s just what we do. And of course we always get asked if they are twins because they are the same height and weight but they aren’t  Just easier on mom and dad  

Answer 3

I budgeted 1500 for my three. I probably should have included myself in there too as I’m a teacher.  

Answer 4

Will there even be school in the fall ?  Even thinking about it gets me nervous with the situation going on.  

Comments

@kalina I suggest parents hang on to their money and wait to see what happens. Investing in equipment for remote learning might just be a better investment.  

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@compass43 I'm thinking day pajamas and his own laptop.  

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@sapor LoL right on!  

Answer 5

I have 4 kids, 3boys, 1girl. I plan for $2000 which includes clothes, socks, underwear, shoes and their supplies.  

Answer 6

My daughter is the only one school age but i think it ends up being around 500. She wears uniform and we buy enough to last the whole school year since most stores don’t carry them all year around where I live. That’s for the shirts, a winter jacket, a couple nice button ups, cardigans, uniform Bermuda shorts, pants, a couple pairs of new shoes, back pack and supplies. It might seem like a lot but just shoes alone Is around 100 for two pairs that will last awhile.  

Answer 7

This year we are trying to budget $600 for two kids. Our youngest is in preschool so mainly clothes for her. We try to buy when the sales start and online.  

Answer 8

$100-$150 per kid.  

Answer 9

Thrift stores are my favorite  

Answer 10

I buy clothes in advance, during sales and such and I also buy schools supplies when they go on clearance the year before. I bought 10 outfits for each child for about $30 each a couple weeks ago. We have 3 school aged kiddos so, with this system, I set aside $200 and never need to use it all.  

Answer 11

I have 3 grown daughters. I never spent that much on back to school clothes. Maybe I’m cheap. Lol.  

Comments

@bilodeau906 same! Why spend so much on back to school clothes when you buy them clothes every month already. I usually just get them each two pair of outfits and one pair of new shoes. The only time I buy them a new backpack is if the backpack is warn out or torn. As for school supplies, I wait until the teacher send homes notes what they need for class. Learn my first mistakes when I bought so much school supplies and my kids end up not needing it all.  

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@outskirts exactly.  

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@outskirts maybe she doesn’t buy them clothes every month already? ‍♀️

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@crew865 Peek maybe. Everyone is different.  

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@outskirts exactly.  

Answer 12

I think $1500 is probably right. That's what we are budgeting for our kids, about $500 each to include shoes and supplies as well. Not backpacks though, they got new ones last year and they're in great shape still.  

Answer 13

One going on high school and one in their second year of college usually we do between 800-1000 each but that is school supplies also.  

Answer 14

I have shopped at once upon a child for clothes since my kids were born. They are very picky with what they take and a lot of the clothes I buy there still have tags on them! I thrift shop for myself too so why wouldn't I for them? It doesn't hurt my soul so bad when my children come in covered in mud either The only time I buy new clothing for any of us is when there is a special occasion and I need something specific (that I can't find thrifting) For shoes we buy play shoes at once upon a child and Walmart and nicer shoes for special occasion at a shoe store but sometimes get lucky at Walmart too! My grandparents buy them a brand new pair of tennis shoes at the start of every school year and brand new boots right before Christmas as part of their Christmas gift. At the beginning of the school year I spent 300 for all 3 kids at once upon a child and had alloted 300 for school supplies (backpacks and all items on the teachers lists) and was able to buy extra of some of the stuff for the teachers (clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer etc)

Answer 15

If we even get to send them back.  lol

Answer 16

That seems like a lot for JUST back to school, unless you’re shopping for the entire year. But if you’re budgeted for it and you can afford it, then sure. I would think $200-300 per kid would be a little more appropriate, and it doesn’t need to be the same amount for each. Fair ≠ Equal. I have ONE brand of jeans that fits me. Theyre $75 a pair  my sister can walk into Walmart and grab a $12 pair off the rack and be all good. So it’s good to have a budget but a 9 year old probably doesn’t need the same budget as a 16 year old

Answer 17

A great policy with Target! Can be owned as long as you have the receipt and it’s within a year of the purchase date  “Return Policy on Owned and Exclusive Brands Effective immediately, guests can bring back owned and exclusive-brand items with their receipt to a Target store to receive a full refund within one year of the item’s purchase date. This is an adjustment from the previous 90-day limit. As an added benefit for guests who make purchases using Target’s REDcard, an additional 30 days will be provided to make returns or exchanges. Guests are guaranteed satisfaction when they purchase any of the thousands of items from the retailer’s portfolio of owned and exclusive brands, including Archer Farms, AVA & VIV, Boots & Barkley, C9 Champion, Chefmate, Cherokee, Circo, Durabuilt, Designed/Distributed by Target (Holiday, Easter, Halloween, etc. seasonal products), Embark, Fieldcrest, Gilligan & O’Malley, Kid Made Modern, Liz Lange, Merona, Mossimo, Mossimo Supply Co., Nate Berkus, ProSpirit, Pure Energy, Room Essentials, Shaun White, Simply Balanced, Smith & Hawken, Sonia Kashuk, Spritz, Sutton & Dodge, Threshold, up & up, Wine Cube, Xhilaration and Yoobi. ”

Answer 18

I live down south and found this year I broke up back to school shopping so I did half in the fall and then when it started getting cooler I would buy those clothes found I was able to stretch my dollar more instead of when everyone was doing it

Answer 19

Wow! Are you buying them a new wardrobe? I assess what my son already has and just add to that. I spend about $100-150. But I also buy stuff throughout the year.  

Comments

@sapor correct next if I’m wrong but boys are cheaper in my opinion! 2 girls and one boy. I always spend less on him and he is easier to shop for!  

Answer 20

$200 each for clothes and I put $700 aside for all 3 mind you only one goes to school the other early learning daycare and the third is 16 months but they all get new clothes at the same time .  

Answer 21

I usually do $250 per kid which includes the supplies. I would add to that if they need a new backpack. I don’t usually buy new shoes just for the start of school. We get those as we need them throughout the year.  

Answer 22

Depending on their ages that’s about what I do too $350-$500 for sure.  

Comments

Each. I have 2 in school. My oldest is in college now and doesn’t need new clothes. I think she stopped growing some time ago!  

Answer 23

I’m budgeting $600 for my 3 kids. My youngest will be starting kindergarten and, if there’s in-class school, will need a backpack/lunchbox. So far the $600 will come out to $100/ kid for supplies ($300 total), $100 for my son’s new cafeteria acct, $150-ish for new shoes for all 3, and $50 for my son’s backpack and lunch box. I normally don’t buy clothes when doing back to school shopping, but I will say that my mom always buys each kid a back to school outfit.  

Answer 24

I I’m usually spend about that much on clothes and shoes and another $500 on supplies and fees.  

Answer 25

I just shop to fill in gaps, usually we get a lot of hand me downs so often times I’ll need to buy a few pairs of pants, new underwear/bras for them, and socks. New shoes also, but the old pair as long as they still fit become their gym shoes.  

Comments

I have 2 girls, and budget about $150 each for clothes and shoes. And $100 total for school supplies. I buy when stuff goes on sale cheep after school starts to stock up for later in the year or the following year.  

Answer 26

We always got 100 for clothes and 100 for supplies when I was growing up. But my mom bought us clothes as needed if we grew out of ours.  

Answer 27

My mom always budgeted500$ each for back to school lmao  

Answer 28

$1500 is a lot to spend for back to school clothes, in my opinion but you do what can and what's best for you. To me why spend so much on clothes when you buy your kids clothes almost every month. To me, each of my kids gets two outfits and one pair of new shoes. For backpacks is if only it's torn or warn out. For school supplies I don't buy them period, some teachers would send home notes of what needed to buy for my kids to use in class and sometimes the teacher already got everything need. Learn my lesson the first round, I bought each my kids school supplies and they end up not using any of what I bought. PS and I have 5 kids 3 teens and two younger boys

Comments

@outskirts I think a lot of people buy for the whole school year. I do. I budget 900. that’s for 2 kids. clothes, shoes, supplies, book bags, etc. when your kids are older, or like mine. super tall and skinny, it’s not always Easy to buy consignment etc. especially when the kids are done growing. Even going to target an outfit (jeans and a T-shirt) is what 30-40 bucks? Plus undies, socks, maybe bras, tights etc. it all adds up. I personally try to buy on clearance at end of year, but my daughter is so tall and skinny it’s so dang hard ☹️

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@hardpressed Lynn one of my daughter is the opposite of skinny and tall and there for it is hard on me, too. That's why we shop early because it ain't just going to be one store  

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@outskirts I get not buying a new wardrobe every fall. But not buying school supplies? The teacher is probably on a tight budget and she is supposed to buy your child’s supplies? That makes no sense to me. Also, why not have your child prepared on the first day of school? Teachers have enough to do and shouldn’t have to provide notes when I’m guessing a supply list was available prior to school starting. ‍♀️

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@tyler Brown here at my kids school they've got everything. It's been like this for years so I see no problem of me not buying supplies. Especially for elementary classes but for my teenage kids, when school starts the teacher usually gives my girls what materials they need in that class. So I just wait for the list. ‍♀️

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@tyler Brown I'm not saying I wouldn't buy my kids supplies. If needed I will buy but the school already provided that and I'm not saying I'm depending on the teacher to provide for my kids. It's the school that is already providing that. Some schools may not supply their students but my kids school do.  

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@outskirts I think it’s weird not buying supplies either Here in Los angels we all but our kids backpacks, Folgers dividers paper subject notebooks pens pencils and all the necessities. They also have to do homework at home and need supplies. My kids are 14/10. They’re much more expensive now and do like name brands now, I mean didn’t we in high school? Lol I spend around $500 each kid too but I buy also for the year and fill in gaps at birthdays and Christmas

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@katheykathi I have plenty of supplies that I buy over the years that are untouched so there for I stop buying supplies for about 3 years now until they done using all the ones I have in the closet. I have 10 of 24 color crayon boxes, 15 color pencils packets, one big box full of college rule line papers and 300 notebooks. My teenage kids use the notebooks the most in class so I buy a lot when they go on sales  

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@katheykathi yes I'm sure we all do love brand names clothing back then. I'm just glad mines don't really care if it's brand name or not, but my girls are picky when it comes to clothes.  

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I think she's also meant not buying supplies before they start school or before you have a list of what they need from the teacher. Otherwise you spend money on items they don't need/ use lol

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@outskirts my son is gonna be a freshmen an all about the brands. I don’t mind because I only have 2 and I remember how it was. My girl is a Tom boy so far so she gets a lot of the hand me down basketball shoes

Answer 29

We have four kids. I didn’t $50-75 on the little two (7 and 9) because money goes farther in the kids section. For the older two (12 and 13) I spent $150/kiddo.  

Answer 30

My daughter isn't school age yet but I always buy the next size up when all the clearance and sales hit at the end of each season. I maybe spend $200 a year.  

Answer 31

I think it depends on their age . Is shoes for young kid maybe $40 as for teenagers closer to $75-100z I spend the extra money to get quality shoes /clothes otherwise you have to buy again if cheap and falls apart. 1500 should definitely be enough maybe you will even be under budget !  

Answer 32

We probably spend close to $500 for our 5 kids. We shop mostly at H&M and Gap

Answer 33

I think that is very reasonable with clothes and back to school supplies included.  

Answer 34

$100 each for clothes $30 for shoes $100 total for school supplies . I reuse back packs and lunchboxes and they don’t completely grow out of all their clothes so we reuse as well

Answer 35

I usually spend about $300 on clothes then in December revisit what she has grown out of (usually another $200) and about $200 on supplies and fees.  

Comments

But my girl is a total jeans and t shirt girl so she is easy to buy for and she only wears converse. I guess it would vary on what your girl’s styles are like.  

Answer 36

We only spend about $50 total for each kid. One new outfit from the thrift store and a pair of new shoes, supplies are cheap. Half of the supplies come home at the end of the year so we reuse some of them too and I just buy less supplies as the years go by because it's such a waste.  

Answer 37

One new outfit and sneakers and then I wait for sales and then we get a sense of the style of what the kids want to wear.  

Answer 38

My oldest goes to private school so it is a bit more expensive may $300-$400 for her because I get her uniforms but I feel bad and get her regular clothes too for weekends and breaks then I average $250 each for my other two. And then those clothes last pretty long. May need new shorts here and there cause they are growing. But I usually do not have to continue shopping all year for them. I usually do not go over $1000

Answer 39

I spend around $400-$600 for the kids back to school including backpacks, clothes, shoes and supplies. So I would say $1500 for 3 kids is a good amount don’t forget to add in the teachers lists, I always budget $100 per kid for their teachers that’s separate because they need Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer etc

Answer 40

I do Stitch Fix for my 5 year old. About 120 for summer clothes and about the same for Fall clothes. Buy shoes as he needs.  

Answer 41

This sounds about right to me. It’s very easy to spend this much if you buy a few pairs of nice jeans and a few pair of nice shorts , nice tops & 2 pairs of nice school shoes plus school supplies. Anything left over you can save for if they need new sizes or something for the spring or roll into a new sinking fund. I would ignore the really rude comments. Some people don’t understand the concept of responding kindly or not responding at all.  

Answer 42

I think for 4 I spent around $1000 last year

Answer 43

That seems about right. I budget $500 per kid for back to school clothes/shoes each year.  

Answer 44

Thats my budget .  

Answer 45

We spend more on one kid

Answer 46

If my kids clothes fit, then they wear them. I always let them pick out a pair of new sneakers and a first day of school outfit. That’s it. I used to pour so much money into back to school clothes. They always had more than enough clothes so I stopped.  

Answer 47

I am saving $400. $100 for each kid!  

Answer 48

I budget $500 annually per kid for clothes. If you’re not buying them much throughout the year otherwise this doesn’t seem outrageous to me.  **And I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that you don’t have to comment if you can’t be supportive and/or kind. This may not be your budget and that’s okay. You don’t have to be judgmental or rude or snide because it’s hers. **

Answer 49

I usually bought throughout the year. A couple outfits for new school year. A couple at Christmas, a couple for spring and then summer. It spread out the purchases and if there was a style that came in at any of those other times, it was easy to incorporate it.  

Answer 50

Great question. I am planning on $$400 each, so $1200

Answer 51

I just bought my daughter some shoes, underwear, and socks. They grow to quickly so I buy clothes as they grow

Answer 52

I think it depends on the age. when they were younger, we could get so much from thrift stores and hand me downs. Now, now so much. As a homeschool family, we never really did school clothes until last year. but on an as you need it basis. Last year I saved to take my two shopping and it was a lot of fun! I am planning on doing it again. I think we spent around $500 each and I am planning that again. plus breakfast out.  

Answer 53

Same or more, new clothes, new shoes, school supplies adds up fast. I have 3 boys my oldest shoe size is 13 so shoes are more expensive

Answer 54

If you can wait till the end of September many clothes go on clearance. Could the girls shop in clearance racks first? This includes shoes. I have had my son shop in clearance for Nike shoes and save $30 each pair.  

Answer 55

Whooooa my baby is 1. this thread is good for me to know what to look forward to.  

Answer 56

First year budgeting for back to school. I am doing $350, I’m lucky that my sons school uses uniform. I feel like it will be less money then getting regular clothes. Let’s keep each other updated! Lol

Answer 57

We’re in Ireland where we have a uniform but we also have to buy all of the books and supplies so it works out at about 250 per child including shoes and coats.  

Answer 58

$300/kid, both are still younger elementary

Answer 59

We do $300 per kid per year on clothes and shoes, be that before school or later in the year. We usually shop 2x per year. $60 each kid for supplies and $50 each kid for field trips, they collect at the beginning of the year for a discount. Also $20 ish for my daughter to get a haircut before school starts if she wants one. I cut my son's hair at home.  

Answer 60

I probably spend like $50 per kid per season. I don't buy a whole new wardrobe every school year unless they really need it (clothes don't fit or are beyond repair. ) That seems very materialistic to me to buy a whole wardrobe for every kid. We also shop sales

Answer 61

I set a limit of $100 per sneaker. If the ones they want, cost more, then they add their own money. Then we start with about $300 each for clothes. I’ll buy again when the weather cools down in the winter

Answer 62

My kids get 1 new outfit and 1 pair of shoes for back to school. They get clothes/shoes throughout the year from holidays and birthdays and I shop at second hand stores a lot. I have 4 girls

Answer 63

I buy discounted gift cards before then too to save money but we budget $250/child 2 times a year

Answer 64

It sounds like a big number but for 3 kids especially girls. It isn’t that far off.  

Answer 65

$500 or less. I have 4 school aged and 1 not. 2 uniforms 2 not. With uniforms, regular, shoes, for 2 and then just the non uniform and shoes for 2, I hit between 400-600

Answer 66

Are their age gaps significant or is there a reason they don’t have hand me downs from the older sibling? I have two girls and I am thankful for an entire set of clothes and sneakers for the younger one to wear!  

Comments

@haldane7285 lucky! I have one girl & one boy, and they’re 6 years apart so ‍♀️ no hand-me downs for them lol

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@grubby i am lucky! Makes it so much easier!  

Answer 67

Depends on the age. You can shop sales and spend about $2-350 for young kids but need at least $500 for teens. And this just isn’t for clothes but including some shoes, sneakers and coat

Answer 68

Ummm. maybe I'm cheap but we $100 school supplies and $150-$200 clothes per kid so. $250-$300 per kid including supplies.  

Answer 69

$1500. 00 + sounds about right. I have three girls (2 are Grown now) they always seem to need more than boys.  

Answer 70

$350 with 7 kids

Answer 71

Really only need a few outfits now. I always ended up buying more when weather changed cuz they grew so fast and then Christmas is right around the corner.  

Answer 72

My kids get first day back to school outfit That amount sounds outrageous But if you have it then it’s your choice to do

Answer 73

I only got 100 for the year  my whole life a lot of y'all are so generous  

Comments

@mastership same. One time my mom spent $90 on school clothes in one trip and my dad about had a heart attack  

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@alida we were poor and as I grew up I got frugal so 100 bucks for clothes and supplies is how it was thank God I was never a flashy person plain T's and jeans for life

Answer 74

My kid is 12. So whatever she saves, I match it. I buy her shoes and tennis.  

Answer 75

I budget $300-$500. I have a 6 foot tall 13 year old boy in size 13 shoes. Ain’t nothing cheap about him  

Comments

@catechize truth!  

Answer 76

We get clothes throughout the year as needed. We usually will get a first day outfit and a pair or two of new shoes.  

Answer 77

We don’t do one big before school shop for clothes. We do about 3 new outfits at the beginning (unless they had a massive growth spurt over the summer). Then they get about 6 -10 new outfits at Christmas (with all the grandparent and uncle/aunt gifts). We fill in seasonally as needed when they grow out of or destroy old clothes.  

Answer 78

If we are even starting school this Fall: New shoes New undies (if needed) New socks (if needed) One new outfit A few new basics Christmas: another opportunity for a couple new outfits, socks, undies.  

Answer 79

My mom gave me and my brother like $250 each and whatever we did with it was what we got. I went to Ross and goodwill and had outfits for weeks. He went to the mall and got four shirts and two pairs of pants. Each year he’d be upset that I kept coming up with new outfits and he had the same stuff. I think it’s an important lesson to teach kids from an early age. I will teach my daughter that second hand stores are smart and if she wants designer tags then she can wear the same shirt every day.  

Answer 80

I don't do the traditional "back to school" clothes shopping just because it's a new year. I try to just shop when she outgrows something. She does get a special 1st day outfit. Keeping in mind it's still super hot in August so I don't want to stock up on long sleeves/pants yet.  

Answer 81

My kids get 1 back to school outfit. Besides that, the wear what they have (we do have special school clothes) until they grow out of them. I spend less than 500/year on 3 kids (ones a baby) by shopping off season and thrift stores. Kohl's clearance is my bff.  

Answer 82

I usually only buy 2-3 new outfits and a new pair of shoes. I buy new clothes all year. So I budget like $300 max per child

Answer 83

We have five kids four are in college now but I never did back to school clothes we did a back to school outfit no need for jeans and sweatshirts when it’s August and 95 degrees outside. We would also do new shoes and supplies but that’s it.  

Answer 84

I spend less than $150 on my teen son. I have so far speny $0 on my kindergartner because of hand me downs.  

Answer 85

We have a back to school fund because the kids have fees. My one son has one for gym so one for clothes and the locker, next class is computers so some technology fee etc. So I have 4 kids and kind of base it off the previous years. I watch sales in the summer for shoes. We live in Florida so no need for clothing change really.  

Answer 86

I buy an outfit at a time throughout the year and try to catch Target on sale. For back to school, she gets a pair of shoes or two then gets another pair at Christmas or in the spring. Otherwise, it's a few pairs of shorts/pants and a few shirts in the fall, spring, and winter. Probably $300 for the whole year in clothes and $60/pair for her shoes (there's only 1 kind that she'll wear). She's 6, and I could DEFINITELY do better, but I haven't bought myself new clothes in 2 or 3 years, so it's all about her ‍♀️

Answer 87

I actually don't normally set a price. I go for more of a set number of items. 3 new pants 5 shirts, shoes (Both everyday and PE), socks, underwear. I've been known to get it to 500-600 all together.  

Answer 88

I gave my kids a budget of $250. I did not include undergarments or socks. I also only gave $50 for shoes because my son loved shoes over $100. This way they saved their own money, shopped smartly, and stayed within budget. At Christmas I added to the clothes as gifts.  

Answer 89

My parents shopped all at once for us when we were teens. So I did that last year for my 6 year old and regretted it. Everything I bought her at the end of August was to small by Feb when she went through a growth spurt.  

Answer 90

I only buy new shoes, 1 new shirt for first day and 1 shirt for pictures for my three kids at back to school time. Otherwise the kids get what they need when they need it. They get clothes at Christmas time a lot too.  

Answer 91

200 per kid a semester

Answer 92

We spend $200 total for 2 of our kids school supplies (shoes, highlighters, pencils, notebooks etc) we don’t do any new clothes as we buy as needed. Their grandparents usually buys them a new outfit for the first day or for picture day.  

Answer 93

I aim for about $200/kid and hope there’s some left over to go towards school supplies. We have uniforms so we have to wear specific items or I’d budget for less. But we don’t go crazy we just get the basics. I can’t imagine $500/kid!  

Answer 94

Just whatever school supplies cost, and cloths is 10 shirts and 6 Jean's at first then go along the way. To me it's silly to buy a new wardrobe when they will outgrow them all in a few weeks anyway. We buy shoes and cloths as they grow or get worn out. ‍♀️ plus one set of school cloths.  

Answer 95

Holy cow that's alot! I just sent $75 on two kids and they each got 6 outfits, some socks and a new pair of cowgirl boots for summer.  

Answer 96

I would say that’s a safe bet. Try and budget $300 each and anything left over roll over for next year

Answer 97

My mom did a $200 budget in August and I got clothes on Christmas, Easter, and my April birthday

Answer 98

The budget for our kids has always been $300 each. we didn’t implement it until they started wanting designer/fad clothes and through high school. the expectation was they had to buy a minimum of 5 bottoms, 5 tops, under clothes and at least 1 pair of shoes. believe it or not in 5 years we did it for my daughter jr Hs- hs she only spent the whole budget once. my son never has. they both only buy new clothes nothing used or second hand and do buy name brands. it’s amazing how well they learn to bargain shop when they know they can keep the left over money. it’s helped to teach them to be really great with money.  

Answer 99

What does that include?