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Keeping Play Time Cute and Affordable: Garanimals (Plus 6 More Tips!)

March 16, 2015 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

So this quick commercial totally cracked me up because it is SO true!!!

I know you feel me on this. Between shoes and clothes, you can certainly tell when your kids have those little growth spurts. It’s always just enough for their stuff to stop fitting and for you to have to make a run to the store for some more duds. So how do you keep their carousel of clothing going in and out of your house from becoming a financial land mine, especially when you need the next size up RIGHT NOW? Well, I have a few tips and tricks that I personally use and I hope they will help you out!

1. Special Clothes for Art Time

I’m sure we have all experienced our kids getting an outfit dirty during a paint or craft session, and realizing after the fact that they were NOT playing with washable paints. Rather than tossing that ruined top, set it aside and give it new life as the “art time” shirt. This will save you from having ruined shirts down the road as you won’t care if this one keeps getting paint on it! It was never my intention for this shirt to get ruined, but it is what it is, and I’m glad that we were able to give it a new and important job in our home. It gets worn at least twice a week, now.

2. Pop Some Tags (at the Thrift Store!)

I am a big fan of shopping for children’s clothing in thrift stores, especially infant clothing since babies grow so darn fast that they rarely have a chance to ruin their clothes before they have outgrown them. The downside of shopping in thrift stores is that it is very hit or miss, so heading into the shop with very specific things you are looking for will likely only yield disappointment. But if you head in with an open mind and an open range for sizes you will buy, you will likely have some success.

3. Buy Off Season and Off Size

On a related note, whether you are shopping in a thrift store or shopping retail, be willing to purchase larger sizes and set them aside. You can usually make fairly accurate guesses about the size your child will be in a year from now, so when you see the holiday shirts or pajamas on clearance, go ahead and get what you need for next year at a great price. The key to this strategy is having a decent storage system so that you can store your finds with other items in the same size and so that you’ll know what you have when the time comes to wear them. I have been SO grateful to my past self on many occasions when I have gotten out the next size box for my kids and found several fantastic pieces already on hand.

4. Buy New Clothes at Unbeatable Prices

While thrift stores are a great option for scoring some deals, you can’t really count on them to put together your entire wardrobe. I have a specific brand I LOVE to buy new for my girls when I know, for example, that I need solid color long sleep tops or a few pair of fun shorts. If you don’t yet know about Garanimals, let me introduce you! This line is exclusive to Walmart, and it features clothing options for sizes newborn-5T that mix and match really well. And the prices? Honestly they are just as great as what you’ll find in thrift stores! I routinely get Garanimals tops for my girls for under $4. Seriously. And my oldest will be out of size 5T in a handful of months, and then we’ll just check out 365 Kids, which is the sister line to Garanimals that goes up to size 8.

5. Kids Dress Crazy. Embrace It

While it is great to have pieces in the wardrobe that will mix and match easily, this is also the season to embrace your child’s fashion sense. As babies become toddlers and then preschoolers, they will want to have more and more say in how they dress. Let them pick and choose from their closet and wear what makes them happy, even if it doesn’t perfectly match. They will feel confident and happy that they dressed themselves, and in my experience at least, their fellow classmates are not yet overly concerned with what they are wearing, and they are dressed just as wacky, too. Just roll with it!

6. Buy/Borrow/Trade/Take

When it comes to dressing your kids, be sure to make great use of your network of family and friends. I can guarantee you that you personally know people who have clothes that would fit your child sitting in a box in their attic or their storage shed and that they would LOVE to let you have, let you borrow, or let you buy those clothes from them. Barring a happy accident, we are finished having kids, and I seriously delight in passing down the clothes my youngest has outgrown. I love getting to see them live on in other kids’ closets, and quite frankly, I love freeing up the space in my home! Don’t ever be afraid to ask!

7. See What You Can Repurpose

​There are a few items in my girls’ wardrobes that I have discovered can take on new lives, even after they are too small for their intended purpose. For example, a twirly dress might become too short as your child grows, but they could still fit in it, otherwise. Pair it with some leggings and the dress turns into a top! As your child outgrows their pants, in some cases they might be able to pass as capris, or if you are handy with a sewing machine, you might be able to turn them into shorts. We’ve even successfully repurposed baby legs that my girls used as infants into leg warmers during dance class, or even arm warmers as a wacky fashion statement (see #5).

These are just a few ideas I personally use to help keep my girls outfitted for school and play without breaking my bank. I hope they give you a few ideas to try out. And I’d LOVE to hear some of your strategies so that I can learn from you! Be sure to leave me a comment below!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Garanimals. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Style · Tagged: 365 kids, cheap baby clothes, dressing kids on a budget, garanimals, kids spring fashion, spring fashion

Fun, Affordable Fashion from Mybabyclothes.com! (GIVEAWAY!!!)

January 24, 2012 · by Tiffany Merritt · 108 Comments

I love being a customer at Mybabyclothes.com. from baby hats to tutus, this site has it all. It’s all photo-session worthy in cuteness, and also worthy of much excitement due to their reasonable prices!

Last week we received this unbelievably cute twirly dress from the site. It is from Bonnie Jean, a company that we have previously reviewed and loved. Darah asked to wear it IMMEDIATELY, and then proceeded to wear it all day, every day, for THREE FULL DAYS. Yes, indeed! I finally had to point out the dirt that had accumulated on the dress and tell her that it must be washed. As I type this, it is line drying (went through the wash on the gentle cycle like a champ, I’m pleased to report). I have absolutely no doubts that Darah will ask for a status update on the dress when she gets home from school today, in the hopes that it is dry enough to wear again.

This dress looks to me like something from an upscale boutique, but minus the upscale pricing. It’s just $26.99, and considering how much Darah loves it and how cute it is, I’d say that price is a steal! Mybabyclothes.com really is a great destination for baby clothes. Consider shopping there before your next baby shower or for an upcoming birthday for a toddler in your life. Right now they are having a big sale, with prices up to 60% off. Squeal!!!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a $25 gift certifcate to My Baby Clothes Boutique!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, bonnie jean, bonnie jean dress, bonnie jean dresses, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, mybabyclothes.com, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

My Baby Clothes Boutique New Fall Line: Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

September 27, 2011 · by Tiffany Merritt · 40 Comments

There are certain events in life where it’s really great to have an extra special outfit. In my opinion, the first day of school is one of those days. Darah headed back to her Parent’s Day Out program a few weeks ago, and even though it isn’t officially “school,” it felt like it to both of us. I had a supply list and everything as we prepared to head back. And, of course, I got her a “first day of school” outfit.

There’s one place online that is a must to check out anytime you are looking for a special outfit but also aren’t looking to break the bank in order to purchase. My Baby Clothes Boutique has the best selection of baby clothes (and toddler clothes) that are unique and special, and they are all at price points that won’t cause you to hyperventilate.

We selected this Bonnie Jean jumper and couldn’t be more pleased with it! It was a very reasonable $22.99, and looks absolutely fabulous. It has also held up beautifully in the wash! Darah asked to put on her “cute outfit” as soon as it arrived in the mail, and then we went out to the back porch to wait for daddy to come home. I wish I had taken video of how that child twirled around with delight when he saw her. She was SO proud of her new dress!

My Baby Clothes Boutique has an outstanding selection of fall merchandise, but don’t forget the products that have made them famous, either (I’m talking about tutus, baby headbands and baby hats…the cutest on the internet! And also don’t forget to check out their sale section, where you can get incredible deals on precious clothes for your little one, or pick up a great new baby gift for a friend who is expecting!
Win it!: One lucky Stuff  Parents Need reader will win a $25 gift certificate to My Baby Clothes Boutique to pick out whatever you like! Woo hoo!
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

My Baby Clothes Boutique $25 GIVEAWAY!!

April 15, 2011 · by Tiffany Merritt · 51 Comments

It’s time to do another feature of the fabulous company My Baby Clothes Boutique. This is THE online destination for those to-die-for cute outfits for your baby, and all at prices that won’t make you dizzy.

As the sun starts to come out to play more and warm us up a bit, don’t forget to make sure you have some baby hats in your little ones wardrobe. My Baby Clothes Boutique has an outstanding selection! And let’s not forget those tutus! The pink and brown tutu is my very favorite.

I have a tendency to point out all the cute baby clothes available for the girls, but they do also have MANY cute choices for the boys, so be sure to take a look if you have a little boy in need of some super cute stuff!

Win it!: My Baby Clothes Boutique wants to give one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader a $25 gift certificate to their site! Woo hoo! The contest will run until April 25th at 11:59pm EST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: This contest is open to anyone who follows Stuff Parents Need by Google Friend Connect, so please make sure you follow me that way, and then let me know in the comments below (I will check, so please be honest!).

Additional entries:
1. Sponsor love: Like My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook
2. Blogger love: Subscribe to Stuff Parents Need by RSS or email

rare bonus entry: Subscribe to the My Baby Clothes Boutique blog

Disclosure: : I am earning credit in the My Baby Clothes Boutique Fashion Consultant program for hosting a giveaway. All the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

My Baby Clothes Boutique $25 GIVEAWAY!!!

February 15, 2011 · by Tiffany Merritt · 71 Comments


I don’t know about you, but blogs are one of my primary resources for finding out about fantastic online shopping resources. I’ve gotten so many good deals and found so many wonderful companies and sites thanks to bloggers talking about them! I always like to return the favor when I can, so today I’m highlighting a store that I fell in love with because of their tutus, but what they have to offer goes far beyond that: My Baby Clothes Boutique.

This is my go-to site for super adorable clothes (think of the baby clothes that are perfect for pictures, special occasions, or just for the sheer fun of it!). Some of my favorite items are their baby headbands, and this onein particular.
If I had $25 to spend at My Baby Clothes Boutique, I think what I would get the Welcome Home Layette for my brother and sister-in-law’s first baby. It will still be a few more weeks before we know if it will be pink or blue! 🙂 What would you get if you had $25 to spend? I ask because you have a chance to…

Win it!: My Baby Clothes Boutique loves Stuff Parents Need readers, and is offering up one $25 gift certificate to a lucky winner! The contest will run until February 25th at 11:59pm EST when a winner is selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: Two things: My Baby Clothes Boutique wants to be Facebook friends, so like them and I want to be friends, too, so also like Stuff Parents Need on Facebook. Like us both, and then come back here and leave just one comment stating that you did!
Additional entries:
1. Sponsor love: Follow My Baby Clothes Boutique on Twitter
2. Blogger love: Follow Stuff Parents Need on Google Friend Connect
Rare bonus entry opportunity: Send out a tweet about this giveaway and post your tweet url (limit one tweet per contest)
Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my home page.
Disclosure: I am earning credit in the My Baby Clothes Boutique Fashion Consultant program for hosting a giveaway. All the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

Sale at My Baby Clothes Boutique!

December 16, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Two days ago I posted a great giveaway from My Baby Clothes Boutique! Today I’m bringing you a great sale from the same store. If you are still shopping for a little one, check them out!

15% OFF ALL ORDERS over $75!

Everyone needs a little help once in a while, even Santa.

For four days you can finish your holiday shopping with big savings at My Baby Clothes Boutique.

Holiday baby clothes with matching baby headbands, warm and snuggly baby hats,

Tutus for your little prima ballerinas, and so much more – whatever you need for your baby, you will find it here.

Take $15 off any order of $75 or more.

Starts 12/16/2010 and ends 12/19/2010 at midnight EST

Don’t wait – inventory is selling fast!

This is your last chance to order and have your gifts arrive by 12/24/2010.

Use the discount code below to get 15% OFF any order over $75.

Simply enter this code at checkout

Discount Code – SANTASHELPER2010

* Offer valid from 12/16/2010 to 12/19/2010 at 12am EST.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Shipping not included.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

My Baby Clothes Boutique GIVEAWAY!!!

December 14, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 121 Comments

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Are you still looking for a few great finds for little ones? Today I’m bringing you a store that offer so many great and stylish products, and the prices are kept really low, especially considering the quality and designs that are offered!

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing My Baby Clothes boutique before, and we were really impressed with our order. Darah got that jaw-dropping adorable tutu (which she is still rockin’, by the way). That tutu has held up beautifully to being worn by a curious and playful toddler, and that’s really saying something! The quality of the tutus found at My Baby Clothes Boutique are high, let me tell you!

I have a few gift suggestions for the baby on your list: What about one of the baby hats found at My Baby Clothes Boutique? If I had a little boy to buy for, this fedora would be high on my list! And for my little one? The hat shown in the picture here is so cute it hurts! And the price is just $9.50…unbeatable!

 

I’d also like to recommend some adorable baby socks to warm little toes this holiday season! And by the way, if you have a strategy for keeping your baby IN his/her socks, please let me know! 🙂

Win it!: My Baby Clothes Boutique wants to bring some holiday cheer to one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader! You will score a $25 gift certificate to their site! The contest will run until December 24th at 11:59pm EST when a winner will be selected by Random.org (also known as Santa Claus, to some!). The winner will have 28 hours to respond to winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.

Mandatory entry: Tell me one thing you have left to buy for the holidays, or if you are completely finished, what was the very last thing you purchased? My answer: I’ve still got stockings to fill with yummy candies! And I’m looking for some tub toys for Darah.

Additional entries:

1. Sponsor love: “Like” My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook

2. Blogger love: Follow me on Google Friend Connect

 

Be sure to enter the other giveaways, found on the sidebar of my home page.

 

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for hosting this giveaway. I’m hosting because I love My Baby Clothes Boutique! Merry Christmas!

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

First Birthday Bash GIVEAWAY: My Children’s Clothes Boutique

August 1, 2010 · by Tiffany Merritt · 197 Comments

Welcome to the First Birthday Bash celebration! I will be featuring excellent gift ideas for brand new toddlers all week, in honor of Darah turning 1!

One of the things I have been wanting to do for a (DIY) birthday photo shoot with Darah is to have her in a tutu. But not just any old tutu. I needed to find one that was extra adorable (because “adorable” is already standard for a tutu). And of course, the perfect tutu for my little one year old (almost!) has presented itself.

Oh. My. Word.


I can hardly stand how cute it is! Look at the precious petals and leaves! And I’m so pleased to report that Darah has a blast playing with this
tutu, most likely because there are fun things inside to touch and move around. To have Darah in such a playful mood when she wears this helps the odds of snapping some cute photos go up by about 1,000%!
So where did I find this fetching fru fru must-have? I’m glad you asked! You can snag one for your own itty bitty ballerina at My Baby Clothes Boutique. In my opinion, My Baby Clothes Boutique is one of the very best places on the web to find outfits that are perfect for special occasions and photo shoots, but that are still comfortable enough that your baby won’t cry when wearing them because they are uncomfortable. They have done a great job of finding really adorable pieces your baby will actually wear!

Additionally, you probably already know that “special occasion” clothing for babies and toddlers can be outrageously expensive. I think the prices at My Baby Clothes Boutique are much easier to stomach than at most places, and that goes right along with the mission statement from their site, “At MyBabyClothesBoutique.com we strive to bring you the most fashion forward and trendy baby clothes on the web, all at a Guaranteed Lowest Price!” So you can shop with confidence knowing that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything cuter, and you definitely won’t find it any cheaper!

Buy it!: The tutu featured in this post is currently on sale for $25.20, which is a fantastic price for something so beautiful. Be sure to check out the rest of their extensive sale selection. You don’t want to forget those beautiful baby headbands to complete the tutu outfit. The baby shoes are to die for. Like these adorable sandals are marked down to $10! Or these ballerina slippers.

Win it!: My Baby Clothes Boutique wants to give one lucky Stuff Parents Need Reader a $25 gift certificate, good toward any purchase on their site! Yay! The contest will run until August 11th at 7:59pm CST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is drawn. Limit one entrant per household, please. Open to residents of the United States.

Mandatory entry: Tell me your favorite item from the list of baby clothes best sellers!

Additional entries:
1. “Like” My Baby Clothes Boutique on Facebook
2. Subscribe to the
My Baby Clothes Boutique blog
3. Sign up for the
My Baby Clothes Boutique e-newsletter (look in the top right corner of the page)
4. “Like” Stuff Parents Need on Facebook
5. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter
6. Subscribe/follow Stuff Parents Need by Google Friend Connect, email or RSS (only one extra entry, even if you subscribe multiple ways)
7. If you have a current blog (you have written a post in the last 3 months) add my button and leave a url so I can see it.

Be sure to enter all my other current giveaways (listed on my home page)

Disclosure: I received a complimentary product for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways · Tagged: baby boy clothes, baby clothes boutique, baby clothes boutiques, baby clothes for boys, baby clothes for girls, baby clothes stores, baby girl clothes, cheap baby clothes, children clothing boutique, cool baby clothes, couture baby clothes, cute baby clothes, designer baby clothes, designer baby clothing, giveaway, my baby clothes boutique, newborn baby clothes, newborn clothing boutique, review

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Welcome!


Grab your beverage of choice (mine is iced coffee) and let's hang out for a spell! I'm Tiffany, and I've rambunctious little girls and a fierce desire to share any tip and trick I can find to make lives with little ones a bit less hectic and a lot more fun. [Read more...]

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