Opinions needed regarding uniform

[BabyGow]

OK, so DS is enrolled and I found out that uniforms are NOT mandatory this year, but they are next year. This year they just need a uniform for field trips.

My question is this, our money is a bit tight right now. Paying tuition was kind of unexpected as it was since I was going to homeschool. Do you think I should invest in uniforms for this year? Or rather just get a good lot of nice clothes off ebay and buy only 1 or 2 uniforms for the trips?
The shirts, are going to be monogrammed and have to be bought through Land's End along with regular khaki bottoms.

Any suggestions?

[Justmee]

I wouldn't buy more than you need for this year.

As a side note, my mom has a lands end credit card and they do monograming for free. I haven't used the service (didn't want my diaper bag monogramed lol) but she told me she gets free monograming and free shipping so if you are sticking with this school might be something to look into.

[Koloe]

I would only get what you need as well. Most likely the cloths you buy this year won't fit next year.

[nkm1968]

I'd check and see if 3 year olds go on field trips, and if not, don't buy any. Our school doesn't start "Going Out" until elementary, and then only when the kids plan it.

[daytripper75]

Also, for the bottoms check with thrift stores in your area or in more affluent areas near you. I find a TON of uniforms at our thrift stores, people don't want the hassle of trying to sell what they no longer need.

I would buy just a few for this year and more for next year.

[NoraC]

I, too, would check on how many field trips your child would go and and decide from there. Last year, my son went on one field trip (first year of preschool) while my daughter (kindergarten but in the same class) went on about four or five. We were also told that if the children didn't have the school shirt/jacket they could just wear the same colour. The school also had a few extras that were available for loan for these reasons.

[BCFD]

Originally Posted by daytripper75

Also, for the bottoms check with thrift stores in your area or in more affluent areas near you. I find a TON of uniforms at our thrift stores, people don't want the hassle of trying to sell what they no longer need.

I would buy just a few for this year and more for next year.

I was going to recommend the same thing. One of the thrift stores in my area has a uniform section in the children's clothing aisle.

[BabyGow]

Thanks! The teacher actually said they do a "few" field trips plus nature walks( not sure if they are required for these anyway??)
I do think we will just do regular clothes and get the 2 shirts from Land's End and check out Thrift stores for the bottoms, plus the other clothes needed for school.
We still have to buy backpack, school supplies and coat etc....soooo it would get really expensive with uniforms too. Tuition was bad enough without paying for this stuff too

[eepster]

I would try to get regular clothing that matches the official uniform as closely as possible for the days when he doesn't need the uniform. That way he won't feel out of place and self concious if all the other kids are wearing uniforms. I think Sears has a whole line of clothes that are basically less expensive copies of Lands End's clothes, and you might find tops of the right style and color at the thrift shop.

[BabyGow]

That is a good plan too. I am working on selling a couple toddler carriers to make some extra cash to afford a few uniforms. That way if he likes them, he can wear them and if not, we can get more regular clothes.
Hopefully I should be able to make $150 to cover school supplies and uniforms as well.
Anyone know where to get nice PLAIN preschool backpacks?? All of the ones I found have characters on them and I just hate that!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by BabyGow

Anyone know where to get nice PLAIN preschool backpacks?? All of the ones I found have characters on them and I just hate that!

I saw one, I think Jansport, about a week and a half after I got DS a Thomas one b/c it was all I could find (there was a Dora one too, that wasn't any better) when I needed to get one for a trip we were going on. So, I know they are out there.

ETA: It might have been this one, but it's hard to tell scale in the photo.