Is This Unrealistic? - Page 2

[MommyErin]

Originally Posted by savithny

This is actually an example of something I was thinking about -- until the wide availability of cheaply made, MIC stuff, people paid those kind of prices (relative to their incomes) for coats and shoes all the time. But they bought less stuff in general, and the stuff they bought lasted longer. Rather than buying really chintzy shoes and having 6 dozen pairs and throwing them out after a year or two, they had shoes repaired, they bought galoshes to protect them. They had them shined and polished.

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What an excellent point. I think you hit the nail on the head.

[mtm]

Keep an eye on landsend overstocks, I've gotten boots and jackets there for great deals (jackets for 9.99 two years ago). Its hit and miss though so it likely won't help your immediate need.

[hipmummy]

I worked at an EMS for over 6 six years and have found you get what you pay for. Get them big and use them for a whiel and pass them down. The 15 dollar target specials usually only last one season. The 50 columbia's will last season after season child after child family after family. It actually worksout cheaper and it is bette for the the good of all.

[hopefulfaith]

Ebay, baby. I will never buy full-price snowsuits again.

I got Columbia coats for the kids for $20. Columbia snowpants for $15. LLBean boots for $3.

Best part? They will resell nicely -- they hold up so well.

[MissLotus]

I November I found snowpants on a huge sale at Kmart, so got my son some for $11 .

[ReikiMommy07]

I'd never pay either $35-50 for snow pants, or $63 for boots--even for 2 children.

[subrosa]

If you have an OshKosh outlet anywhere nearby, check there--I got DD's snowpants from the boys' section there last year fro $7. They don't match her coat, but for $7 for 2 years of wear, I can live with that

[Starr]

Originally Posted by sweetcheeks

I have no problem spending that amount on snow pants and other snow clothes, for that matter. However, snow/cold weather is a fact of life for approx. 5-6 months of the year up here (the prairies of Canada) so they get used alot. Personally, I would rather pay more money for a quality snow clothes that'll last all winter instead of buying some lower quality/cheaper ones that'll I'll more than likely have to replace at least once during the winter (we go outside to play daily, as long as it isn't too cold). I've lucked out the last couple of years and have managed to snag some great quality snow clothes for 50% off or more.

Yup same here. It is cold, really cold right now. And I skimp on most everything else but not on snow/ cold stuff. Even for DH and myself. DD actually has two sets, one from last year and this year because we are outside a lot and if one is wet we can use the other one. Just a fact of life for living in MN.

[ColwynsMommy]

Wow, thanks for all the responses, guys!

I would totally spend the money if my kids were going to use them every day for extended periods of time, I know that for daily use you want something that's going to hold up. In that case, they'd definitely be worth the money.

We live in New England, so our winters are cold and snowy, but my kids don't really like being out in the snow. I get them nice jackets, and we have hats and mittens for when we're running errands, but they don't really like being out in the cold, nor do they like getting wet. So they don't really *need* snowpants except for the handful of times I'll take them out to play in the snow (which will probably last all of 20 minutes). Boots are a bit more useful, but to be honest, I can always carry them to and from the car, since it's only about 10 feet from car to front door.

I ended up going to the consignment store today and bought snow pants for $15 and $20 - they're the same brand as the $50 ones, just second-hand. The woman behind the counter was saying that they're having trouble keeping them in stock because all the local stores are completely out. They actually bring them in from a wholesaler and only make about $5 on each pair.

I also happened to get a super high-end outfit (like.. $70 retail) for the new baby for only $12, and it's in great condition.

[MamaPam]

This is an interesting thread for me. I grew up in Florida and am clueless when comes to boots, snowpants etc, what to look for and pricing.

[katheek77]

I bought for this winter snow pants and a jacket LAST winter/spring, and spent 24.99. Of course, this assumes you can guess your DC sizes a year ahead.

My DD is still waaaaay too small for them (I'll use them next winter), and I spent 1.50 (half price sale) at the thrift store on a winter jacket for her this year.

[lmonter]

I just do ebay when I can (heh, or remember) for snowpants and coats. I live in an area that really gets winter, so the idea of paying $35 for a Columbia coat that'll last through my 3 kids is okay with me. Or like the Columbia snowpants that'll last through all the kids (barring them skiing into a tree or something) for $20. But I'm also a huge fan of quality, and man, those extra patches on the snowpants are practically bulletproof, it's awesome.

Brand new the darn things almost cost more than the adult versions, which does *not* make me happy.

I'm still undecided on the boots... my kids are still pretty young, but with how much my oldest loves playing out in the snow, yeah, I'm a little afraid of that total in the future... Plus the snow boots from places like Target and whatnot just aren't made for regular use - like every day for 3-5 months.

[lucky_mia]

Last winter I got my kids LL Bean jackets and snowpants. The great thing about them is there is a seam you pull out in the legs of the snowpants and the arms of the jackets so you can get more time out of them I have been able to use them for two years and I like knowing that my kids are warm. It would be great to find some now for next year on sale. I got them some LandEnds boots and I bought them big so they might work for next year.