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The temperature is cooling down and the stores are fully stocked with book bags and clothing basics.  Must be back to school time again.  Here are ten tips to help you find what clothing your kids will need for back-to-school at a price you can afford.

Determine what you really need: Check your kids’ closets to see if you really need to buy all new clothing and shoes.  It is very possible that they have items left from the previous season that still fit and are in decent shape.  This will help you shop only as you need to, maybe saving up for some new items later in the school year.

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Make a list – and follow it: After rifling through the closets, make a list of the items your kids really need.  Like with food, having a list means you are more likely to actually bring home what you intended to, and that you are better able to spend only what you want to.

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Buy basics like you buy eggs – by the dozen: Socks, underwear, tees, etc.  Stock up on good, old-fashioned – but new, clean, and without holes – clothing that your child can wear all year.  Buying in bulk means you can also save some money.

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Look for BTS sales and compare prices: The 2010 BTS shopping season has not started off as well as retailers had hoped.  Look for bargains from stores hoping to benefit from your shopping budget.

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Check the season-end clearance sales: Sometimes there are great summer deals to be found that can stretch through the fall.  Or,  buy the size your child will need next spring, and you’ll be prepared for warmer weather at a better price.  Use the SizeTracker kids clothing size chart calculator to help you predict the size your child will need.

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Involve your children: BTS shopping is an opportunity for lessons in budgeting, negotiation, and choice.  By involving your children and helping them understand that there are trade-offs between what they want and how much things cost, you’ll not only provide a lesson they can relate to, but make sure that you are buying clothing they are likely to want to wear.

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Be prepared for winter weather: Cold weather will be coming soon.  Make sure your shopping list includes warm items that are appropriate for where you live – whether a sweater and light jacket, or gloves, hat, and parka.

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Look for quality where it’s most needed: You don’t have to spend a mint on everything, but sometimes, buying a higher-quality item, even if it means spending a little more, can actually save you money.  It can be the difference between having to replace clothing because of broken zippers, ripped seams, and worn seat-bottoms  or being able to have an item last all year, hand it down to your next child, or re-sell it at a place like LoobaLee.

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Make sure that things fit properly: The SizeTracker calculator can help you find the best clothing fit for day 1 or later in the school year.  Also, check out this post on how to find a back-to-school backpack that fits properly.

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Find recommended non-clothing needs at Good Housekeeping. They have back to school shopping lists to help you shop for school supplies by grade.

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