Mike, Annabel and I met up with Mike’s family last week for dinner. After dinner we walked through a shopping area and I saw three magic words: Everything On Sale. So of course we had to go in. As you can imagine, Mike was thrilled.
I’ve been with Mike for eight years, so he should know by now that I am a shopper on a mission. I very rarely go to a store just to browse. I know what I want, and I get it and get out. And yet…the heavy sighs! The giant eye rolls! The “are you done yets!” They do not speed things along.
ANYWAY. This particular shopping mission was specifically for Annabel. Kid is huge, and nothing fits. So I went through the racks and quickly grabbed her several items AND I did it while holding her on my hip. If one-handed shopping was an Olympic sport, I’d have the gold medal.
After I paid, Annie and I joined Mike at the front of the store where he had busied himself on his phone. I gave him a rundown of the things I’d purchased. They were as follows:
7 t-shirts
1 skirt
2 dresses
1 bathing suit
2 pairs of jeans
Mike’s eyes bugged out of his head. “Holy crap! How much did all that cost?”
“$101.23!!!”
“Are you kidding me?!”
“I know! Everything cost seven dollars, so I got her stuff in graduated sizes.” I was pretty impressed with myself.
“Um. Does that mean that you bought her stuff that she can’t even wear yet?”
“Yes! I am sensing that you are not impressed with my bargain shopping. This is troubling.”
“No I’m not. I don’t think it’s a bargain when you spend one hundred dollars. That’s like buying cat food just because it’s on sale, and we don’t have a cat.”
“Mike, you are starting to sound like maybe you hit your head. The point is to buy her the things she needs and WILL need when they are on sale! It’s BASIC MATH.”
“I can’t believe you spent a hundred bucks.”
“I can’t believe you compared our daughter to a cat. Annabel isn’t anywhere NEAR as self-sufficient as a cat. She can’t even bathe herself yet.”
“Heather…..does this mean that you are done buying stuff for Annabel for a while?”
“um….”
“HEATHER. What else could she possibly need?!”
“Well, she is going to need shoes, Michael. She can’t go out of the house without them, people will think she’s a hobo. And she’ll need some light jackets or sweaters for the winter. And I hate to break it to you, but those things won’t be on sale. But the good news is that I saved so much money today that we can totally afford her winter essentials.”
“I just don’t understand why you had to buy so much stuff right now…”
“Mike, if you can’t comprehend EVERYTHING ON SALE then I don’t know how you manage to write about mortgage rates and such every day. Do I need to talk about this in terms you understand? Imagine a baseball player for the Giants wants to buy a house, and mortgages are on sale. Wouldn’t you tell him to buy a bunch of them?”
“Can we go home now? My head hurts.”
“Well, my ARM hurts from holding this bag of cheap awesome stuff! It’s sad that you can’t appreciate my skills as a shopper.”
AND…SCENE.
Friends, how has Mike not learned the magic of Everything On Sale and bargain shopping? How can I make him understand this concept?
Who is right here: Mike, who thinks spending $100 negates the bargain, or me, who got 13 items on sale for Annie that she will be able to wear for six more months? COME ON.
{ 180 comments… read them below or add one }
As I’m reading this I hear a movie voice over in my head that I cannot explain.
My husband totally appreciates my bargain shopping and so what if that snowsuit I bought at the end of Winter never fit our toddler at the right time of year?
Annie y´s last [type] ..Emotional Wreck
I’m totally with you on this one… on the other hand I’m 100% sure my husband would be on Mike’s side. They just don’t get it. By the way I went shopping this weekend and bought shorts for our boys for next summer just because they were all on sale
End of season is the best time to shop for next summer! Bonus too – if you happen to escape your frozen hell for a Caribbean island, you have appropriate clothes!
neeroc´s last [type] ..I think she does it on purpose
Same here. I have that exact conversation with my husband after I go shopping too!
I do that too but don’t always tell my hubby the prices. If I do tell him (from guilt) then I take a couple (or 10) dollars off since he doesn’t appreciate my awesome shopping skills either. I have clothes for my little girl that she can’t even wear until next spring BUT I got it on sale.
Ya, I always forget to add those pesky sales taxes in…
Neeroc´s last [type] ..I think she does it on purpose
hahaha, I do the same!
I’m totally on your side! My husband would too.. actually, our little man is 2 and has clothes in his closet up to size 5 because Children’s Place had a sale LAST YEAR (when he was just 1) and we got him all his winter clothes up to that size for… get this $1-$2 EACH including the jeans =) Can’t remember how much we spent.. Haven’t found a sale like that anymore, but when we saw it, hubby was going through all the racks like me… now the problem is, I still buy the clothes because “these are nicer and I like them too.”
Nancy, they have that sale ALL THE TIME at the Children’s Place if you find an outlet!! I just hit the megaload the other week and they everything under the sun (basically) for $1.99-2.99. Awesome deals !
Sorry Mike! Heather is right. Kids get big…fast. You HAVE to buy ahead and if you can do that when there is a sale, then you’ve just struck gold! As they get even older and are still growing, just not as quickly, you get the joy of buying a year ahead! I do it with my son all of the time. And having family who works in retail and can keep an eye on the clearance rack and upcoming sales makes that deal even sweeter. I rarely buy anything full price….and that is music to my accountant husband’s ears!!
There are a lot of things to think about here. The monetary benefits of buying stuff at sale prices 6 months in advance are not necessarily huge but can’t be dismissed either. Well for starters, not all items go on sale all the time and exactly when you need it, it just means that you can’t predict them. Seasonal wear is cheaper at the end of the season and not during the start or in between. Also, finding a sale at a location after being unaware of it is kind of serendipitous. Which means that you have to take advantage of it rather than let it go since coming back some other time is going to cost you fuel (gas money) and time (not abundant). Also, next time you have to keep a watch out for a sale, which also needs more time spent looking for it. Looking at the list of items you bought, finding these items on sale is kinda difficult since they are not seasonal items and are most likely on sale based on the store’s selling needs. You should also be aware that having a sale tag besides any item does increase your perception that you will save money no matter what the rates, which is not entirely true. Stores can just place these tags around items to fools buyers. To be a sensible buyer who saves money, you would actually have to know what the regular prices of the items you bought are (not always possible). You can then compare the sale price and see if it’s really saving you money.
All in all, it looks like you didn’t break the bank at all and seems like you did grab a decent bunch of items at a fair price.
There are some more good guidelines on the link below regarding stuff on sale:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6033045_buy-stuff-sale-incredible-discounts.html
Sorry Mike, but I’m with Heather on this one! That’s a great deal!
Of course you’re right Heather! My girls are 4 and 2 and I ALWAYS hit sales to buy in advance for them. My oldest is in a 4T (um…well..so’s the youngest, but that’s another story) and I already have three totes of 5T, two totes of 6/6X and one tote of 7. I take comfort and pride in the fact that if I get hit by a bus tomorrow my girls will remain well dressed for at least the next two years. If left up to my husband they could end up looking like Punky Brewster.
oh you are so totally right – he does not have a leg to stand on! When my daughter was little, I went out every January and bought her a gorgeous Christmas dress for the following year – usually a $100 dress for around $10 after the sale/coupons, etc…..I was always so proud of myself when I fetched that dress out of the back of the closet come December!
oh, and she does need shoes – you’re right on the hobo comment too!
You win. Hands down. No contest.
Too funny Heather–this one totally hit home! I used to have a friend who did her own “markdowns”. She kept a red pen in the car and before entering her house after shopping, she would alter the price tags on her purchases. “Look honey–this Balenciaga bag? It was only $10 marked down!”
Oh my god, I love that. I am totally getting a red pen for my car. Normally I leave stuff in the trunk and bring it in when he is not home.
HA – I do the trunk thing too – but the red pen idea is awesome! I’m definitely going to try that next time!
I’m with you! I buy things ahead of time when they’re clearanced down. If you shop Kohls or Carters (and now that Carter’s has an online store…woohoo!!) you can get items for like $1-$2 a piece. Granted, they’re not as common, and finding them in stores is easier than online, but it can be done. Which is why my baby has a closet full of 24 months clothing for this winter…I bought it all last winter!
You are right on this one, and you will be until she stops growing so fast (and when she starts to have an opinion). The one glitch…keep those clothes in full sight, so you don’t forget about them and find that she outgrows them. Did that a couple times.
Sounds like many conversations my hubs and I have shared. The whole cat analogy was pretty good…I’m glad my guy hasn’t thought of something so clever. I get giddy when I find deals like that. That’s why I have rhinestone pumas that won’t fit my 7.5 month old until she’s in second grade. I’m sooooo with you on this one…even though your mortgage analogy didn’t quite compare to cat one.;)
Definitely right as long, of course, you don’t live in a real 4 seasons climate where you can’t be sure if the size 3 snow suit really will fit in 3 years. But a year ahead at a time? Definitely a bargain, sorry Mike.
I am not trying to suck up to Mike but I am on his side with this one. I have come to the conclusion that kid clothes, especially basic essentisls, are always on sale somewhere. Since the ratio of cute girl stuff to boy stuff is at least 99:1 there are tons of opportunities to get really great deals. I also figured out that if you actually do find really cute boy stuff then it’s best to get it while you’re there. It will be sold out if you try to wait for a sale and go back.
Of course, depending on the store you were in that might have been the deal of the century. If that is the case then I like to add “but I saved $500″ or whatever the presale price would have been.
I feel like I crossed the sisterhood picket line.
I do the same thing. I bought summer clothes for the next 3 (YES 3) years while everything was on sale at Old Navy for 3 dollars! I mean come on 3 dollars! So my sweet girl has the same t-shirts, shorts, dresses and shoes in 3 sizes…she is a toddler she won’t notice (I hope)!
Totally with Heather on this one. That’s a good deal!
I am a bargain shopping queen! Around christmas time i manage to get my niece about $100 worth of winter stuff for about $20! (i know i’m awesome). My DH just laughs when i say i’m going shopping. He says “where do you get all this money” i laugh back and say “ha it only cost $3!”
We should form a club. Or a bargain tips blog or something!
definitely with you on this one, heather. i think it’s a guy thing–my husband would rather make a special trip to wherever and pay full price when he needs the item. i fail to see the logic in this when i can buy said item (because i know we will need it eventually) on clearance on a day when i am already out running around and just happen to see it marked waaay down. it is basic money-saving 101. ((sigh)) but alas. they do not get it. and you are not alone in your under-appreciated bargain-shopping skills.
and if it makes you feel better, i’m already buying next summer’s clothes and bathing suits for my sister’s as-yet-unborn baby girl. she’s due any day but my husband does not appreciate the bulging tote of baby clothes that await her arrival…
I am with you Heather. It has been my experience that if you can bargain shop like that, you really save. There will come a time that buying things in advance and thriftily will not be an option…for toys or clothes. And then, Mike is really going to yell!
Might I suggest yard sales for great buys on the toys while little- They don’t have a clue that it’s used, clothes either. (And for Annie’s b-day, a great set of building wooden blocks for creative play)Even after 18 years, my oldest will still get them out for her younger bro and play.)
And yesterday that big girl made the Block M to march in the Mich/Uconn game!! I just had to bragg…
Boys are so stupid… Do you know how much stuff I have in my STUDIO apartment that I bought because it was ON SALE?! You have to buy stuff when it’s on sale. And as women, we always find use for it. Because even if you did buy cat food and didn’t have a cat, you could probably find someone who needed it. That’s how cool we are. Whatever, 100 bucks is phenomenal for all of that clothing. Seriously, no justification needed over here.
Lisa Marie´s last [type] ..Just My Imagination
I TOTALLY get it, but men are incapable at comprehending math when it comes to sales. It’s just part of their brain that’s not working properly. Plus, if he’s anything like guys that I know, $7 an item is expensive. Better to wear a ripped, faded, stained, poorly fitting old t-shirt that you got free in DARE class 20 years ago than to spend a whopping $7 on clothes. Yet it’s okay to blow $40 on drinks and wings while watching a game.
oh my god, you know my husband???
buahahahahaha
Do you know my husband? LOL
Heather-
I feel your pain. I can buy all the same stuff for $100 and my husband will complain. However, he thinks nothing of going out and buying a $60 pair of jeans. Go figure! Men do not make any sense at all.
A bargain if you paid cash, no doubt about it. Don’t forget ebay for gently used things. I loved Gymboree when my girls were little and got such great deals there.
You are right. I have drawers full of clothes that my kids can’t wear yet b/c I got them on sale. That’s how they are able to dress so cute!
This is another reason for a parenting manual!!! I go nuts shopping at the end of season sales!!! I buy one year ahead from the size they are wearing now…sometimes 2!:) When I bring it all home, I total the original cost and compare that to how much it was on sale…that usually quiets him down! I tell him I could spend this much or THIS much…Yeah, that’s right, you go back to watching your mindless TV…I’ll handle the shopping and budget!;)
I’m with you on this one. But my husband would probably agree with Mike. Whenever I tell him how much I saved, he says “yeah just think of how much you would have saved if you stayed home.”
I totally agree with you! I am the same way! I LOVE a good bargain. I shop the outlet malls before I ever even go to the mall. My husband has learned what “bargain” means. He supports my deal hunting skills and is VERY happy when I come home with bags full of clothes for our children and I tell him that I spent about $100. Way to go, Heather, on your wonderful bargain!!!
You are a woman of VISION, Heather. 7 bucks is a bargain, no matter how many times you spend it!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..The hardest part about being a parent of a teen…
Sorry Mike! But Heather wins this time! Total smartness on your part Heather! They grow out of clothes in what seems like 10 min after wearing them so it’s SUPER smart what you did buying ahead! Way to go! And way to go doing while holding your child the whole time!
My wife and I have been running our own business together full time for the last year, so we’ve had our fair share of great “learning experiences”. One thing that helps us avoid arguments is to make sure before any larger purchases that we’re both on the same page. Even as a guy, I can see your side here about saving money from a sale, but I can also see his side in that you didn’t have to spend the money until later. I’m just thinking coming up with a plan before-hand could have been more discussion and less argument. What do you guys think?
TJ McDowell´s last [type] ..GPS – The Greatest Technology For Photographers Who Travel
Yeah… I found long sleeve bathing suits on sale and bought sizes to last the next 4-5 years. Seriously.
I win!
You win!
Heather of course you are right! We have 1 teen and 4 boys and for the 4 boys I always do bargain shopping otherwise we’d be in trouble LOL We’ve made several awesome purchases in the past and my husband was always very happy. I bought summer clothes in winter and winter close in summer ya know end of season bargains? They are AWESOME! Mike sorry dude but SHE IS RIGHT!!! I cannot wait to see Annabel in her new outfits
Brilliant shopping and typical man response. I’ve learned to just keep the amazing details (great savings and clothes for future wear/use) from my husband because he just doesn’t get it. I think he believes children’s clothing costs a dollar and anything more than that is ridiculously expensive.
I am an internet shopper and have learned that shopping for sales is best done Wed.-Sun. and to find as many coupon promo codes before “checking” out as possible.
You done good and don’t let anyone, including the hubby tell you otherwise. I would’ve shopped the exact same way!
I’m totally with you, Heather. That is a serious haul you got for 100 bucks, major kudos to you lady!!!!
I think Mike should talk to my husband. I got graduated sizing for my daughter in YEARS (size 4 when she was 4 months- at the time she also had about 6 pairs of Robeez all at a steal from eBay yes shoes when she wasn’t yet walking- so yes, I have issues). He’d feel much better.
Karen MEG´s last [type] ..17 is a very good year- an anniversary post
You are so right and that was an AWESOME sale!!! Next time just tell him what you bought but not the price…just say, it was a great deal don’t you worry honey
I completely agree with you, Heather. I’m from Canada, and when my daughter was 8 months old, I went to Florida (the land of outlet malls) for 2 weeks to visit my folks. I spent roughly $800 on baby/toddler clothes and it was well worth it! Cate, who is now 2, is still wearing a lot of the clothes I bought and even has a few things to grow into. It’s inevitable that they’re going to need it eventually.
Shop on!
I’m with you on this one!! Ya ok, so maybe $100.00 might seem like a lot of money if you didn’t really have the $100 to spend…. but how would it have seemed when Annabel was a little bigger and now needed those items and everything cost $200!!
I do the same thing. I get a bunch of clothes at the end of the season for next year. All most every pair of shorts my son was wearing this year only cost $1.00 from a sale at the end of last summer. They were originally $12.00 shorts. I love a deal!! Not to mention the personal satisfaction it brings to you… which is priceless!
This conversation has gone on in my house verbatim. We now have an unspoken agreement that I don’t show him my purchases in the bag, but when I roll them out on our daughter he ooohs and ahhhs. He just can’t get excited about clothes on a hanger (“How much did this cost?”) regardless of whether it was on sale, purchased at Target, etc, but he always likes seeing them on. Sometimes he’ll say, “Ellie is a good dresser.” Yeah, Ellie…
Would he rather you pay $100 dollars for it today or $200 in 6 months? Of COURSE you are right. – Jen (Mother of 4 who always buys clothes ahead, then hides them and forgets about them. THEN when I’m going through clothes I get really excited because I found a lot of new clothes. It’s like Christmas really)
My husband is exactly the same. Drives me nuts.
Yeah…I’m with you on this one, Heather. Annabel will need those things eventually…you just locked in the lower price!
I have learned to talk to my husband in “savings terms.” I don’t tell him I spent $100. Rather I tell him, “Holy crap, I just saved $50!”
It’s so obvious that you are right that we should hardly need to comment.
Ms. Moon´s last [type] ..When You Need A Friend
There’s always another option. You could have bought clothes that fit her (right now) at sale price, and pay regular price for clothes that will fit her once she’s grown.
=]
You are so very, very right. I do almost all my shopping at ‘everything on sale’, and second hand shops (where you can find stuff that still has the tags on!!) and the best time to buy for next year (or the year after) is at the end of this season. V’s currently in size 3, but has some bootiful pieces all the way up to size 7.
Neeroc´s last [type] ..I think she does it on purpose
Obviously, Heather, I’m with you. We’re the same kind of shopper, after all. Get in, get out. No muss, no fuss.
Jen´s last [type] ..Its Monday- but on a positive note
Next time, use Diet Coke as the example since he loves them so much! If cases of diet coke were suuuuper cheap, I’m sure he’d stock up too!
Well, definitely on your side here. I don’t even have children yet (or a hubby/bf for that matter!) and I already have a tote with clothes and toys/books that I couldn’t pass up.
You should take the original price tags and add up how much you WOULD have spent if none of the items were on sale. This will undoubtedly make him appreciate you and your awesome shopping skills.
13 items for $100 bucks is the winner – hands down!
My hubby would be happy I got it all on sale. I too am a bargain shopper and I will take advantage of a good sale. You’d be crazy not too!
GREAT DEAL!!! You are soo lucky you got all that stuff for such a great price! My 3 year old is wearing size 5-6 now, so no more shopping in the baby section-the kids section is much more expensive
What I do is add up what all of the stuff would have cost, and then tell my husband, “You won’t believe what I got the kid-I was able to save (insert number here) and I got it all for ONLY (insert number here).” Sometimes that works…
It sounds like you got a heck of a deal! Mike is indeed quite silly…though I’m not quite sure your mortgage example did anything to help your argument
Lamb´s last [type] ..Divorce Smorce I Guess Well Stay Together
You’re right, hands down.
You win. Duh. Annie needs these things, you got them on sale, you even got them early. One shopping trip where you get a lot of things saves you several shopping trips later for 1-2 things each time. So that’s time and gas saved as well as money on the clothes.
Unless for some reason your cash flow right then was such that spending $100 was a bad idea, I can’t see that you did anything wrong.
Does Mike contribute at all to the planning of Annie’s wardrobe? Does he know how many pieces of clothes she needs to keep laundry to a decent level, how fast she grows out of things, etc? If you do all of it, does he appreciate the time and effort to track it? Men don’t always appreciate the “keeping track of things” that women do. Very frustrating.
Your husband seems awesome, but this is perhaps not the bst forum for him to garner support for his cause! It’s not as if you bought a halloween costume on sale for when she’s 10! This is essential stuff that fits within the scope of the immediately future, and in my opinion, you saved the family major bucks! Great bargain shopping skills, even in the face of adversity! AND, you saved your baby from looking like a hobo! Or, will!
My husband is glad not to have to deal with the shopping, and he knows I shop a lot at end-of-season sales. He’s totally cool with it because he knows it saves money in the long run. But he’s a math professor, so he’s very logical (like us gals).
I’m totally with you on this one…13 items for $100 is a good deal! I don’t bother telling my husband how much clothes cost for our boys because he’d have the same reaction that Mike did. We won’t tell him that the bigger she gets, the more expensive her clothes will get
You’re definitely right on this one Heather. Also, she can totally wear the stuff now… and again and again for months to come! That’s how I dress my baby anyway (who, incidentally, shares the exact same birthday with Miss Annabel) because I’m too cheap to buy her stuff that she’ll outgrow in a month, so all of her clothes are like 6 months too big for her.
Given how expensive baby clothes are (I mean, sheesh, they wear them for all of five seconds before outgrowing them, and they’s SMALL so therefore use less fabric so should cost less…) I say you got a bargain and Mike should appreciate the fact that you try to buy items on sale. Does he shop for himself often? If not it could be that he simpy does not appreciate the art of shopping frugally. I would give him a challenge – ask him to shop for Annie’s winter items and stay withing a pre-set budget, and see how he does!
You are so right! My husband is a teacher, responsible for educating today’s youth and he doesn’t understand ‘everything on sale’ math either.
You totally win on this one. There is a shop in my hometown that has specialty kids clothing. I don’t go in there unless there is a sale because it can be pretty pricey, but when they do have a sale watch out. Just recently they had 75% off everything. How can you not go and buy tons of sizes. I just tell my husband how much I saved. He hasn’t figured out if I saved $200, I probably spent almost that much. What they don’t know won’t hurt them:-)
sounds.exactly.like.my.huband. you make me laugh!
Heather wins this one.
I totally did the same thing this weekend. Except at a recycle-your-kids-clothes store. Christmas dresses, Halloween costume, snowpants, and even a stripey Gap full-body sweater (with hood) that I have to PRAY for cold weather to even squeeze the baby into before she gets too big. Ok…on that one, my husband & Mike should’ve won…but still.
YAY SALES!!
Ohh… I hear this ALL THE TIME from my husband! He doesn’t get it either and I agree with you 100%!!! It is TOTALLY simple math! I do the same for my kids. I buy next summers stuff on super ultra clearance NOW. I have learned that it is 98% certainty that my kid of going to be the next size up the following year. I have yet to have one “skip” a size. SO, that being said… I buy the next size ups stuff for the currently ending season (summer now) for next summer, box it and store it in that kids closet until next year. Sure they are wearing “last years style”, but they DO NOT CARE! LOL And neither do I, because I saved a crap load of money! I am with you on this one… he is so wrong! LOL By the way, GOOD SHOPPING! That is a lot of sweet stuff for $100!! DEAL!
You – I just had the same shopping experience for my little boy, except mine was online
Way to go! AND I just scored a winter jacket and bibs to match for $25! Woot woot!
The only reason I can’t relate to this is because I can’t remember the last time I bought clothes for Catie. (Wait, that’s not true. Yes, I can. She asked for Disney Princess panties as a reward for pooping in the potty. And damn straight I bought them for her.) With every new season, two boxes of kids’ clothes magically appear on my front porch – one from my sister and one from my mom. Being the only grandkid in the family has its perks. So I really almost never buy her clothes.
Now, if we’re talking about shopping for MYSELF and buying stuff on sale, then yeah, I’ve had this conversation with my husband too. This is why I usually buy something for him too, to distract him.
I can sort of see both of your points of view.
I have bought ahead for my kids when things have been on sale. Sometimes this has worked out great and other times the items never fit at the right time. We live near Ottawa, Ontari so we need these items to fit at the right times. I would think you won’t run in to this problem nearly as much. If that is the case then I’ll have to change my mind and say I’m with you.
Hey fellow (almost) Ottawan. It cracks me up to ‘meet’ neighbours on the blog of someone from the other side of the continent.
I have a 3yo nephew and a 1 yo niece, (to my 2 year old) so I always feel justified in my purchases, if it won’t fit her, it’ll fit one of them!
Neeroc´s last [type] ..I think she does it on purpose
WOW!!!! What a bargain! I just spent $120 on my 15 year old at American Eagle (all on sale) and all she got was 2 shirts, a jean jacket and a dress. I thought I did good.
Oh and if you have a Crazy 8 Store near you…go….everything is on sale, always! Looks like Gymboree stuff but not costly! http://www.crazy8.com
It is good quality and cute! (Sorry in advance Mike)
Crazy 8 IS Gymboree. Essentially. They and Janie and Jack are all the same company.
~a´s last [type] ..Weekend 3- 1300 miles
Too funny !! But I always do this….tell him a really high price – and then lower it. For instance, I told my husband I needed $100 for my girl to reregister for girl scouts. He couldn’t believe it costs so much. I told him all they would be doing, etc. Finally, after him boo-hooing about how much it costs I say – Just joking it was only $25. So $25 is better than $100. You should have told him everything was $200 so $100 isn’t so bad =]
Wow, I’m so glad to hear my husband isn’t the only one not on the right page here. I mean, jeesh, it’s OBVIOUSLY a good idea. Then come spring, you won’t need spring clothes! HELLO!
Lisa´s last [type] ..Another great challenge…
While I totally agree with you in principle, and maybe in California things cost more, but HOLY COW! $7 for a baby tshirt! That is highway robbery. If the baby needed that stuff right now, I can understand paying such high prices. But, if the things are for later, I’m sure had you waited, those same tshirts will be $2. THEN is the time to stockup!
i’m with you heather, but my rule is no more than $5 per item. my daughter is 2-1/2 and i have huge bins already full of 3t and 4t. my secret: garage sales. so much name brand stuff i’d never buy for full price, selling for only$1! check them out, you’ll be addicted! i came home with the following for my daughter a few weeks back: 2 pair jeans, sweater, 2 shirts, pair of shorts, AND 2 board books, all for $4.25. everything was baby gap/childrens place brands too.
now that’s a sale!
I’m with you, Heather. Little ones grow too fast to pay full price for new clothes for them. I’d much rather go to a garage sale, second-hand store or find a sale like you did. And buying in advance is a good move. Of course, the way Annie is growing, I hope you got the right sizes.
I don’t think either of my kids wore brand new clothes (except stuff they got at Christmas and birthdays) that I bought until they were tweens. Now they buy their own stuff (including housing, cars, etc.) which is nice.
You win…
I have 4 Boys, but their ages are far enough apart where they couldnt really share when they were babies, My husband was one of those Name brand, big mall shoppers with the first, Most of those I passed on, but kept a few pieces.
Our second was 90% hand me downs with new sprinkled in here and there.
My 3rd was strictly 2nd hand, and he was one of the best dressed LOL Salvation Army, name brand most with tags, for pennies on the dollar.
My 4 was mainly new since he was a premie and had to find stuff that actually fit him (Even premie was too big)
Now days if I find a sale for the basics I hit it with a vengence. socks Underwear, t-shirts, Woo hoo I am all over it.
My husband used to be like Mike, untill he realized that clothing doesnt get cheaper, As they grow it cost more.
Super deal On Annies buys, Girlie stuff cost more then boys stuff, But I second the idea E-bay you can get some really cute items in lots that are cheap too.
I AGREE WITH MIKE!!!!!
Not really……..the cheese stands alone
I am totally with you on this girl! I am constantly shopping the bargain racks for my little one.
The only thing I worry about is that she jumps sizes on me sometimes and then the season I thought she might be able to wear something comes and goes and her clothes are sitting in her closet with tags on them and that’s when my Hubby says I told you so, soooo…
be careful and watch out for that!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
This is so funny…i have had this conversation with my hubby for 17 years now…Men only see dollar signs unless it is a toy for them…then they are the one negotiating with us and telling us what a good deal they got. So in truth, Mike willnever appreaciate your shopping abilities. I am also a bargain shopper and have learned over the years to get my own money so i can spend it how i want to…lol…too funny!
You simply can’t afford NOT to buy those items. Men…
Mike should be grateful for your thrifty ways. My husband pooped his pants (I really think he did) last winter when I came home with real Uggs for Jack. They were sooo cute though
Annie is so gorgeous Heather. I love looking at her pictures. You and Mike sure make some beautiful daughters.
JEEZ! Would he feel better if you went shopping and spent $300 on brand new outfits that were the original price? NO! Don’t try to make him understand. Just be happy with your awesome purchases. Men just don’t understand shopping.
You are SO RIGHT. This perfectly sums up the difference between my and my husband’s attitudes toward shopping. I buy things I KNOW we will need in the future when I find them on sale in the present because otherwise down the line we’ll be stuck buying things at full price, and possibly also ugly, because we are desperate. He finds this shocking and thinks I have accumulated way too much stuff. I always prove him right down the line when he announces that we need X or Y and sighs about how he’s going to have to waste time and money shopping for it, and then I pull it out of the closet pre-purchased at an excellent price. And yet he still sighs and rolls his eyes the next time I do it.
Jess´s last [type] ..Guess the sex!
I’m with you on shopping during sales for things she needs and will need. It would be different if you were simply buying things just because they were on sale rather than because Annie needed them. It would seem that Mike is looking at it as though you bought things that Annie didn’t really need and bought on impulse because you saw a sale sign.
Maybe you should explain it to Mike in terms of how much it would have cost if the items were not on sale. Plus, as you pointed out with the sweaters and jeans, items bought “in season” probably won’t be on sale and you’ll have to spend more.
Another great place to get end of season bargains is at The Children’s Place outlet. During their “Monster Sale” at the end of last winter, I got every item, except jeans, for $2.99 or less. Jeans were $4.99. Fleece PJs were $1.99. Shirts were $1.99/$2.99. I stocked up: 14 items for $47.47! I bought stuff my daughter wouldn’t be wearing for almost a year. Mike probably would have fallen over. The key is that regular retail prices would have cost over $200 dollars and these items are all things my daughter will wear.
Woah. Seriously. I swear that Mike and CJ (my hubs) share a brain. We *just* had this same “discussion”. And by discussion I mean complete waste of breath because it is SO logical that you need to buy bigger and for the future WHEN IT’S ON SALE! Sheesh!
I tend to justify my purchases by saying to myself “I saved X amount of money!” instead of “I spent X amount of money!”
Deborah´s last [type] ..New Images on the Way
I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but when it comes to shopping sales for out-of-season clothes, here is my problem. I buy all these great deals for next year now…then I either 1. forget that I bought them or 2. forget about the money I spent and end up buying tons of stuff anyway, therefore I have double and spend more money that I would have if I just waited or 3. there’s enough of a growth spurt or lack thereof that the kids can’t wear the stuff. Ugh.
But seriously KUDOS for spending so little on so much!!!
I’m kind of crazy about this stuff. I have an extra dresser in my toddler’s closet, and each drawer is for a future size. I keep a whiteboard in the closet too, and I have a running tally of what I have in each size, so at a glance, I can see what I need more of and in what size. I then shamelessly stalk my favorite places, usually Target, and watch the clothes hit 75%, and snatch it all up!
My motto for when I see something on sale: ” The more you spend, the more you save!” LOL
I’m a female and I’m totally on Mike’s side. While it’s great to buy things ahead of time *if* the item is at a great price (i.e. buying your child a winter coat for next year because it’s 80% off), 13 items for $101 is NOT a bargain. I worked in children’s retail for a number of years, and unless it’s Ralph Lauren, $7 per item (for a baby/toddler) is no sale. Sorry Heather, but you got owned!
Meh, men would let our babies run around in their skivvies so of course they don’t see the point in spending $100.00 on clothes. Now, if your daughter is 12 and outgrowing all of her clothes… (now, mind you, my 12 year old has boobies and a better figure than I do…) you may here the glorious words I heard this weekend. He said “I don’t care how much you spend just get her some clothes that fit”.
Sorry Mike! I’m totally with Heather on this one.
I buy things that will be used in advance if they’re on sale to save money whenever I can.
I’m sure i’ll probably do the same thing when I have kids.
I’m not sure…
I think I have to side with Mike on this one!
While you should ONLY buy clothes when they’re on sale, $100 does seem like a lot. But maybe (as someone else mentioned) prices in California are all way above elsewhere, so its really not so bad.
The thing with Sale items is, would you have bought them if they weren’t on sale? Probably not – so you didn’t really save any money in the end. At least that’s how I look at it.
Also, babies and little kids don’t really care what they are wearing, as long as its comfortable. My mom’s rule: As Long As Its Clean, She’s Wearing It.
2nd-hand clothes are a good idea to to REALLY save money, because kids grow out of them sooooo quickly, they hardly get worn out.
Sorry Heather
OMG that is a GREAT deal! I can’t believe he doesn’t get it. lol. I too am always buying things ahead cause they are on sale for super cheap. You are right Heather, he is just a boy who doesn’t understand our mad shopping skills.
I never pay full price for my kids’ clothes. Ne-ver. Everything is purchased on sale or used. I, too, have one or two sizes ahead already purchased and stored away.. I mean, com’on, who WOULDN’T want to shop at the end of season clearance sales and then pack it up for next year? I usually never pay more than $4 per piece for anything I buy my kids, except for maybe Sunday clothing. And they are always nicely dressed. We take the money that we save and do fun things.. like Disney World.
D
I am TOTALLY with you on this one!
My boys are 4 and 23 months old and have clothes up to 5T and shoes up to size 10 (toddler size). Now that I am thinking about it Nico, my oldest, had shoes all the way to size 8 even before he was born! (couldn’t resist cute little shoes on sale for $10 from $65!)
You’re totally right. You’ve gotta snatch that stuff up while it’s on sale. My son has jackets in his closet for the next 4 years!
Jen L.´s last [type] ..Obligatory Vacation Slideshow
You are SO right. I just bought a couple of baby gifts with no idea who they’ll go to. But I know I have friends that will be pregnant at some point in the future, and the outfits were adorable and on huge sale. If I can justify buying gifts for unknown babies out there, you can definitely justify buying clothing that you know your daughter will wear when she gets bigger! When she is big enough to wear them, make sure you find similar items at Nordstrom or some boutique and point out to him then how expensive they are, to remind him what great deals you got!
Okay, so I am the Queeen when it comes to all things on sale, and you did good! However, you should check out this sales event in your area, as the fall sales are happening right around now:
http://jbfsale.com/findevent/California/
You won’t believe the kids clothing deals you can find at these events – Oilily, Hanna Andersson – the stuff I would never be able to afford even when it’s on sale. Yes, it’s gently used, but that’s the new thing, no? Recycle, baby! They are picky about what gets put on the floor, and with how fast our babies grow out of things, they only end up wearing outfits a few times, so you can find stuff that looks brand new all the time. At the last sale, I came home with probably 30 outfits for my 3-year old, all beautiful brand name stuff, for $100. It truly is worth checking out, I promise! I actually tried to buy this franchise in my city a few years ago, but someone beat me to it. The woman makes BANK now, I’m so pissed.
Ooh, I gotta admit I’m on Team Heather on this one.
Freckle on the Nose of Life’s Complexion´s last [type] ..My Best Friends Wedding
I went to Target one day just as they were putting up seven(!) 50-75% off children’s clothes sales racks. I was literally the first person to go through them. I bought a RIDICULOUS amount of clothes. Entire outfits for three dollars? Yes please! I think I bought about 50 pieces of clothing all for $87. My husband was impressed but to make it even better, I added up all the original prices that were on the tags and it totaled about $300! Maybe do that for Mike and then he will clearly see all of your thrifty awesomeness.
P.S. I think Mike’s analogy is off. It’s like buying cat food on sale because you’re expecting to take one of the kittens your friend’s cat just had. All you’re doing is planning ahead. Don’t hate the shopper, Mike; hate the mall.
I think men are missing the “shopping math” part of their brains, that’s all.
ClassyFabSarah´s last [type] ..Q&A- Blogging About Blogging
I always seem to find deals…so I’m right there with you. But I shop a bunch of re-sale shops. One place let me stuff a huge bag of ANYTHING in the store for $20. I bought stuff for my daughter and my niece up to a 5T (my daughter is in 2T clothes and Bellah is 4 months old
). THEN! my favorite store (Once Upon A Child) had a MAJOR clearance and I bought about 200 pieces of clothing (jeans, shirts, ect.) for $120!
I also do online shopping where I’ve found jeans for super cheap on Children’s Place and good quality t-shirts from Gymboree. I tend to be a little bit of a label snob, just because I’ve found that they last longer and re-sell better, so I ALWAYS buy things on sale.
Men don’t get it though, they just see the dollars and cents, not the fact that I found jeans for $0.50 for when she’s 4.
Oh well.
Great deal – and she will need all of it. Its not like you bought her stuffed animals on sale, you bought clothes! Kids clothes/shoes/etc are expensive. I have 3 kids and I am always buying these items.
For back to school, I walked into an everything on sale store (osh kosh) and bought my 6 year old 6 outfits, along with 2 outfits for my 4 year old and 2 outfits for my son. My total was $190 and with a coupon I ended up spending $150. My husband thought $150 was a lot, until I told him it was for 10 entire outfits. I mean, that is $15 per complete outfit. Amazing deal IMO.
Of course you’re right! Spend $100 now, before she needs it, or wait until she does need it and pay twice as much. Really basic concept. Are you sure he didn’t hit his head?
I equate it to shopping at Costco. More expensive initially, but a bargain in the long run.
he must be related to my husband.
theresa rockonmommies´s last [type] ..It Used To Take a Village…
My husband used to be the same way…until he realized how much we were saving. I never leave the house without my coupon book and I buy my daughter’s clothes when they’re on sale. I went to Macy’s last year when she was around 6 months and I bought like 4 dresses, 2 shorts, 5 tshirts, 3 tank tops and a skirt for 15.00. It was insanity! I bought sizes for next year, this year….hey if you can save cash and have bigger clothes lying in wait…why not?!
I thought I was the only one in the world who does this! I totally buy stuff for our daughter in bulk when they are on sale – I went nuts at the Gymboree red balloon sale because things were dirt cheap (and totally cute!) like $7 fleece winter jacket – not only is it super cute but it was super cheap too – not even Target or Carters outlet will have a nice jacket that cheap! I think it’s the fact that we buy things all at one time – they are in sticker shock. If we bought the same things a few at a time then he would totally be cool with it. Don’t sweat it, you got skills, mama!
I’m with Heather on this one, not surprisingly. I also like to justify it by noting, “I got $300 worth of stuff for $72!” That helps soften the blow a bit.
And, um, btw, a new Carter’s store opened in Culver City. I think we need to take Annie and Em shopping, BUT DON’T TELL MIKE AND BRENT!
I have never met a man who understood buying baby clothes ahead of time.
Also? Where was the sale?
well played…you are correct 100 for lots of clothes is a great deal and always better to buy the next size. My favorite part: I can’t believe you just compared our daughter to a cat!
I sooo, SO, so, SOOOO, so, so, so agree with you Heather. I would buy diapers on sale, with a coupon every couple of weeks during my pregnancies. No, I did not need them right then but I would eventually need them. I ended up having 2 – 3 packages of every size from newborn to size 5 before the baby was born. Then when we switched sizes I could just run and get the next one. I didn’t want to buy too many of one size because you never know how long the baby will be in each size. It helped me financially once the baby was born because there are always those things that you didn’t think of and had to pay full price for. To this day, the first thing I do when I shop is hit the clearance sections to see what is there. I also have a “birthday closet”. It is actually a shelf in our storage area that has a small variety of things. When one of my 3 children are invited to a birthday party or a family or friend of our family has a birthday party I don’t have to run out at the last minute to get a gift. We shop in our “birthday closet”. This way everything I have is half price. Just think of it this way….I can pay $20 for a birthday present that is worth $40! We give really nice gifts for presents because of this. I am a gift giver and this makes it so much better!
There is a point of too much though. I have to really watch myself or I just might buy the whole clearance section of a store!
Hands down…..YOU!!! I do the EXACT same thing!! Get it now when it’s cheap so that when it does become winter, she will have what she needs and you got it for a bargain!
Sorry Mike!
OK, I laughed so hard at the part when you talked about him comparing Annabel to a cat. That was hysterical.
I have to side with Mike and you on this. My suggestion would have been to spend $50 and get her things she can wear now for the next few months. Then, in a few months go spend another $50 on new clothes. If you shop wisely like you did last night, buying on sale, $50 should get you quite a bit!
WOW! I think $100 for several pieces of little girl’s clothing is great! I don’t know if you have Target stores in your area, but they often have wonderful marked down clothes, often. Savvy shopper there Heather! Sorry Mike.
I’m with you! Get it now…it’s on sale and I always bought bigger sizes. Even now when I have a baby gift to buy for a newborn in the family… I buy them pj’s / clothes in 3, 6, 9, 12 mos sizes. For the first year! Love, love shopping for baby clothes
When I was pregnant I bought pampers in all stages for the first year. I’ve always shopped ahead especially if it’s on SALE!
I second this comment! Shop away!!!! Sales are great, and DO save in the long run! Sell the stuff on ebay when you are done with it for more money!
Oh yeah, I bought a pack of diapers every time I went to store when I was pregnant. Now, I hoard coupons for diapers until Target does a sale where you buy two, get a gift card. Then, I strike. With one manufacturer’s and one store coupon for each pack, you can generally get three to five bucks off each pack, and then with the gift card, it evens out to about buy one, get one. And I dance with cheapskatey-joy! I have like, four ginormous 100+ packs of diapers in my closet just because they were cheap.
There is NO way you can pass up an awesome sale like that! Men just don’t get it, it’s shopping math! For instance, I went grocery shopping yesterday, and my receipt said that I saved $36.00!! So, obviously, I now have $36.00 that I get to go spend somewhere else, like the mall or Target!
Kellyn MacQuarrie´s last [type] ..My Web Log
I’m with you…saving money is GOOD! Especially if the clothes you’re purchasing will fit Annie when she grows more!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Surgery Update – Part 2…
I have never commented on hear, but I check in with you regularly. I loooove your blog! I started reading some of the comments, but not all – so I may be repeating in my suggestion. But, my husband and I are the exact same way – I’m with you and he’s with Mike. It is so nice to go into my daughters closet as fall is approaching and realizing that I don’t have to go spend tons to get her through the next few months, I just need to go get a few things hear and there because I’ve already taken care of some items!
Instead of telling my hubby the total I’ve spent, I’ve started saying, “I got this for $7, but it was regular $20…or whatever the price was” – then it sounds much better than what the ACTUAL total came to
My husband is the same way, which is why I only buy the kids clothes at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc. and only $20-30 at a time. Otherwise it is a big, drawn out debate about how fast the girls are going to grow out of the item and whether or not it was worth the amount spent, etc. Makes my head hurt just thinking about it.
I am still laughing out loud at your post. My favorite part is the Giants baseball player and the mortgage comparison. Thanks for the best laugh I’ve had all day. And p.s. I side with you. Buying clothes for rapidly growing kiddos when they are on sale, when you aren’t in a rush, and its not snowing, raining or hailing outside is a bargain.
You are absolutely right! Ironically, my husband and I spent a morning at Old Navy on Sunday taking advantage of a 30% sale for our 3-year old and purchased all the things she’s going to need when she turns 4 in December and beyond. My husband might be a rare breed though. He never minds if I buy clothes for his little girl. Me, that’s another story…
Anyhow, I firmly believe that your methodology towards baby clothes shopping is based on solid research.
Good scoring, Mommy!
Jen´s last [type] ..On your 80th birthday…
I’m with both of you for different reasons. I have a dresser in my 20 month old’s closet that has a drawer for each future size, up to 5T. My rule is it has to be at least 50% off, and has to be doable for just about every season. I buy mostly at Goodwill, Target, and Kohls. I bought 12mo-5T of the same shirt, at least two of each size at Target because they were 75 cents (!!!) For serious, what was I supposed to do? I just bought cute iron ons (on sale, with a coupon) and changed up the looks a bit for the doubles. For season specific stuff like tank tops and snow suits, I restrict myself to one year ahead. I did totally score a 3T snowsuit for this winter for three bucks back in May. So, I’m totally for buying stuff ahead.
But, I agree with Mike in that it sounds like a lot of money to spend ahead. I can’t lie, I cringed a bit at the amount because I’m a cheapskate to the point it’s kind of embarassing. I think it is a kind of a lot of money to spend on clothes that don’t fit her yet. It’s not a TON of money, you know, but I’m the sort that buys 99 cent jeans from Goodwill, ‘manager’s special’ meat and clearanced organic frozen toddler snacks, so I’m not so sure that for most people, it’s a lot of money.
So, if it’s less than what you had originally budgeted to buy her, and it fits, and it’s cute, then woooo!
I hate to go against you… but that sounds a bit expensive.
I’m a bargain shopper to the core and… well do you shop at Kohl’s? Their clearance combined with a 15, 20, or 30% coupon, combined with $10 off of $20 purchase can get you a lot better deals…
Plus Kohl’s even has passed out $10 off a $10 purchase of kids clothes…..
So sorry, gonna have to go with Mike on this one!!
Kathy´s last [type] ..Princess Diana
Haha! After Annie’s baby shower did Mike yell at all the people who bought her 3-to-6 month clothes for wasting their money on clothes that she can’t wear immediately? If you always buy clothes they can only just fit, the clothes are useless in a week and suddenly you’re standing at the changing table realizing that your chubby baby has to spend the day in a diaper because no one thought ahead to get her clothes to grow into! And that’s a lot of clothes for $100!
I get his “you bought a lot of stuff and spent a lot of money” freak-out, but not the “she can’t even wear it yet” part.
Though I don’t think she needed the bathing suit. I know we live in Southern California, but it should start getting chilly soon.
And that is my judgement! *gavel*
Amanda M.´s last [type] ..Manga Monday- Dear Friends
Kids clothes are always on sale somewhere, and you can’t be sure you bought the right size for the next season, because as you’ve said Annabel is growing very fast. Sorry, but I’m with Mike on this one. Especially when you figure that you will shop again in the future, and some of the clothes you just bought may get lost in the shuffle and never get worn.
I want to agree with you Heather, but I think $100 is a lot for that stuff, I thought it was the pre-sale price at first. Maybe you should show us photos of Annie all dressed up to prove the awesomeness
Here is how you make Mike see the light 1) Get online and see what all of those would have cost full price and be sure to tell him 2) Next time Annabel needs something make him do the shopping -alone- and figure how expensive kids stuff can be. Why oh why do people think kids clothing is cheap? 3) Everytime she wears one of the sale items be sure to point it out to him. Numerous times. 4) and lastly, accept that men never do really get it
Of course I totally agree with you! I do the SAME thing every season and my husband and I have the exact conversation you and your husband had. It’s something they’ll NEVER get! So… tell him to build a bridge and well, you know… get over it! LOL
“13 items on sale for Annie that she will be able to wear for six more months” but you said some of the stuff she can’t wear yet, and the stuff she can wear now she won’t be wearing in 6 months, so it’s not like each of the 13 items will last 6 months
Personally, I’m not fond of dresses or skirts on non-walking babies, but at $7 each they are probably a good deal. I’m just way more frugal and rarely ever bought anything new for my kids unless it was urgent.
And, you didn’t need to hold her on one hip and shop one-handed! I’ll say it again: Babywearing! Hip carry in a ring sling gives you both hands free and doesn’t harm your posture
Totally agree with Heather’s argument… except one thing. No reason for Annie to wear shoes. If you do want to save money.
My little one didn’t wear shoes until she needed them. As in, she was walking outside.
I know little shoes are adorable, but they are unnecessary. Save a little money there….
I can’t believe you ONLY got 13 items!
You win, hands down. And Mike’s cat analogy if FAIL!
Sorry, I have to agree with Mike. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you buy it. If you have the hundred bucks to spend then, yeah maybe. But the rationlization that just because it’s on sale you buy it. Kinda makes you a retail zombie. Retailers love people like you. Sorry, just sayin.
I could understand if you lived somewhere that had drastic seasons, so you were gambling with sizes, but it’s not like you bought tank tops and live in Wisconsin.
Here’s where the bad part of me would kick in. Everytime I pulled a new graduated piece out I would be sure to mention it to my husband.
Heather, you are beyond right on this one! I too buy for later and save so much money. He may not see the savings now, but think about how much money will be saved when she can fit into the bigger sizes. It’s always smart to buy bigger sizes for later and it’s a bonus when they are on sale!!
I think you win on this one Heather. You guys are to funny!
I asked my husband what he thought and he thinks it sounds like a bargain. He just thinks it would make Mike happy if he didn’t have to be there while you shopped. I think it is great to have clothes in different sizes for Annie. I love that I have always had outfits in the closest ready for Sammie’s next growth spurt. And so far I have not wasted one single outfit.
I think I’ve had this exact conversation with my husband. Not all men get it. Sometimes I think my husband would prefer the kids just ran around naked all day! 13 items for $100 in LA is a bargain!
Gotta go with team Heather. I’m a mama to 3 and catch the deals when I can….just like Heather. WAY TO GO SISTAH!!!! RIGHT BACK AT YA!!!! LOL!!!!
Sigh…men will never understand the value of shopping! You did good! I often did this when my kids were little!
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I agree with Mike. My jaw dropped when I saw$100.00. I was waiting for you to say “just kidding, I only spent $30.00″. Thrift stores and hand me downs are the way to go for kids.
I agree!!! You need to add up the totals so Mike can see what you WOULD HAVE spent if you hadn’t found the bargin!
Good job Heather!!
Dawn @ What’s Around the Next Bend?´s last [type] ..Amongst the faithful
Men just don’t get the point of a sale. Yes you probably spent more than you would have had things not been on sale, however, you saved because now you won’t need to buy as much later. It makes perfect sense to me. My husband is the same way, so generally I just don’t tell him how much I spent unless I have to.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Preschool Decision Time
Team Heather! CVS was having a sale on toilet paper (charmin!) and I had a ton of coupons so I bought 4 packs, which equals 128 rolls…and It only cost me 30 bucks! With coupons and store savings I saved 30 bucks. COME ON! how do you pass up a deal like that!
If you don’t mind shopping second-hand Heather, Goodwill has wonderful bargains, as does Salvation Army stores. You have to thoroughly check the item though, make sure no tears, no snaps or buttons missing, no stains. The Salvation Army store that I shop often, has a section of almost-new items that they charge a little more for, but are very good. I get my grandsons jeans there quite often. Of course, my grandkids are a bit older than sweet little Annabel. Also church rummage sales are usually bargain places too.
I think when it comes to babies it makes sense to buy ahead, so this time yes you win. Now for me, for instance, it would not make sense for a 28 year old to buy 6 months of clothes because A) weight changes B) styles change C) weather changes. But a baby you pick out what she wears. If she wears the same undershirt two days in a row (with no stains on it) so be it. If we were to wear the same shirt to work 2 days in a row we’d be headed towards the gossip mill.
Mike will realize this when Annie starts school years down the road and the back to school shopping begins and Annie needs a new bookbag each year because last years is “out of style” and not good enough and because “DA-AD” no one else’s parents are making their kids bring lunch in a plastic box! Wait for it Mike. This will all come back in bite you in the butt.
I’m kinda with Mike on this one….
I purchase everything consignment though, because they do grow so fast. This year my daughter’s entire fall/winter wardrobe, plus a few things for next year cost me less than $100.
I’m all for buying ahead, but I’m going to side with Mike on this one. $7 an item for baby clothes is only a bargain if you were at a really ritzy place.
Ditto on Kristina’s comment about not needing shoes. M is Annie’s age, and he won’t have shoes until he’s old enough to walk outside. They always lose them or take them off constantly anyway.
Kristie´s last [type] ..Mental Health Resources Give Peace of Mind
I have to agree with Heather on this one, but my husband would totally agree with Mike. And we have the same conversation ALL THE TIME. Good deal though!! I am proud!
I’m sorry Heather but I’m with Mike on this one. I would call it a bargain if you paid $50 bucks for all of that.
Lea the Lion´s last [type] ..Weekend Wrap-up!
I am with Heather here. I am constantly searching for bargains. I once bought 10 pairs of pants at Target, in increasing sizes because they were only $4 each (clearance) – my 8 year old (at the time) was (and still is!) constantly going through pants. I think he is wearing a pair today. lol
It is called stock-piling. I also do this for grocery shopping. I just bought $225 worth of groceries for $100. This did include 6 jugs of apple juice, but I know my kids will drink it and I don’t have to buy apple juice for a while now. I guess the only issue is making sure that what you bought is going to be seasonally okay for Annabel to wear once she is big enough to wear it. But I don’t see why you couldn’t do some layering as needed.
Oh, and I should clarify – my son is almost 11 years old. I think I have one more pair left in the closet of those 10 pairs of pants
I agree!! If its on sale, or a great deal, buy it!! She is going to grow and need clothes, and voila.. you will already have them so you wont have to buy them so its like free stuff
Men.. they just dont get it.
You are *so* right, Heather.
It’s the same logic as buying in bulk. You buy an 80-roll pack of toilet paper at BJs or Costco. In doing so, you save money on the price per roll.
Sure, you don’t need all that toilet paper *today* but you’ll definitely use it eventually. By purchasing that toilet paper in bulk, you saved money. So it totally makes sense.
Same goes for Annie’s clothing. She may not need that clothing *today*, but she’s guaranteed to need it eventually. So you buy it in a way that saves money.
Further, the $100+ bill doesn’t negate the savings, as you got 13 items for that money. If you got 2 sale items for $100 (i.e. via the JCrew Kid catalogue, which is how cute?), then it may be a bit different…
You’re wrong, Mike. Sorry.
You need to shop at target. For $99 I purchased 13 long sleeve t-shirts, six skirts, and two dresses for my three year old daughter.
I’m totally with YOU! You bought stuff you will need soon and it was on sale. So, you saved yourself money overall. It’s not like you bought her entire wardrobe for the next 5 years!
Clearly, you go, girl! Of course you are in the right. I buy things two sizes too big for $4 or $6, then when they need them, you are not stuck having to pay full price just because they have nothing to wear!
My husband gets it, and when the funds are available, he’s cool with it, but he’s also very budget conscious, so when the funds aren’t available he gets frustrated with me, even when it’s a big, big bargain. Ah well.
Heather – You are certainly right here. Unarguably right. However, this whole situation could have been avoided with one different move. Albeit amazing that you shopped one handed, with a chubby, precious baby in the other; but you should have had Mike carrying Annabel while you browsed and subsequently bought. This way, there is the sort of good chance that Annabel would have puked or pooped or something and Mike would have been thinking about and dealing with that and may have never even seen the number of items or the bottom line on the receipt.
Men need to be lead…preoccupied really. Lead them to a place where their minds are on anything but what we are purchasing:)
Um, that’s less than $10 an item – you are a super shopper. Especially since you live in a place with a more moderate temperature swing – in the Midwest buying ahead w/ little ones can be tricky because you never know which season you’ll be in when a growth-spurt hits!
I think you have great shopping prowess.
Kelsey´s last [type] ..Official
A good friend with twins gave me the great advice to shop the end of season sales, especially at places like Old Navy. Then buy a size or two up for the following year. It’s great! And in California the weather isn’t that much of an issue. Long sleeved shirts can be layered under short if necessary, pants are always good, etc.
In other words, go for it!
Jen´s last [type] ..Cowboy and Wills and a Mothers Courage
Oh, dude. I TOTALLY agree with you. But this is why my daughter has SO many outfits and has stuff that she’s barely even worn. I get so much crap on sale.
Which by the way, what size is she wearing? I have stuff still with the tags on it.
The other thing I would say, is stock up at Target for NEXT summer, like 2T in the circo brand. It’s all on sale and, she’s going to be a constant mess anyway. My daughter is a giant slob these days.
statia´s last [type] ..My obsession is your gain a giveaway
Your shopping skills are amazing! When I read the list of things you bought and then saw it was only $100? WOW! Mike clearly doesn’t realize your genius.
I just have to tell you that I love reading your blog, you are hilarious! And Annie is an absolutly adorable baby!
And, you are totally right.
I have twins so that means two of everything and no hand me downs. I buy at the end of season sales for the following season. Kohl’s, Target, and Old Navy are great. I tend not to spend more than $3-4 per article of clothing. However, I’m in a different area than you and if you think you got a great deal then I’m sure you did!
(Also, I shop a lot at consignment sales since people sell some barely used or new with tags stuff for next to nothing!)
Wow. If I were married to Mike, then I can only imagine what he would say about my buying baby/toddler clothes for kids that aren’t even mine. Kind of like the cat you don’t have, it’s for babies that my husband and I don’t have! I buy for my twin godchildren who may as well be ours since they are at our house so often! I also buy for my husband’s two daughters kids. They have four children between them, 2 and under! I love shopping for them! By the way, like the previous poster mentioned, hit Kohl’s up. Sign up for their e-mail alerts so they e-mail you the 15% off shopping pass. You can use it on sale and clearance items, so you save a ton.
leave the tags on. every time it’s finally time to be able to wear the sale item, show him the tag, point out that now that she needs this size, you don’t have to run out and buy a non sale item costing the original price.
stocking up dude. it’s not a hard concept.