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Protect your children's holiday clothing gifts

(ARA) - When searching for holiday gifts for your children, don't forget to include clothing on the gift list. Because your kids grow so quickly, and the fashionable styles change even faster than they grow, new clothing is constantly needed.

But when it comes to clothing, moms fear that their hard-earned money will be wasted on items that can get ruined by "kid stains" before their children have outgrown the outfit.

This holiday season, save yourself the stress and take the advice of Yahoo! Finance Columnist and mother Laura Rowley on how to save while shopping and ensure that your children's favorite outfits can be worn all season long so you don't have to buy new ones:

Shop with a list

Before you begin shopping, take a look in your children's closet and figure out what items they need. This way when you get to the store, you're only on the lookout for specific items. Fortunately, current kids fashion trends favor a frugal approach: Faded skinny jeans, leggings, soft plaid shirts, graphic tees, distressed leather jackets, scarves and messenger bags are items that can easily be "swapped" with friends and other family members.

Use coupons

If you shop at a department store, make sure to ask the cashier if there are any coupons behind the counter. Most people don't realize how many deals can actually be negotiated while in-store. If you prefer shopping online, look for retail sites that give you rewards with every purchase. You can also search the Internet for weekly or monthly coupons that can be used in conjunction with your online and in-store purchases.

Get more out of your children's clothing

Once you've shopped for a new outfit, it pays to help protect your investment from the inevitable stains that occur during everyday wear. In fact, according to a 2006 P&G study, nearly $800 million in children's clothing is "wasted" because the clothing is used for play, thrown away or worn with a stain. To fight stains on children's clothing throughout the year, Tide has created new Tide Stain Release - an in-wash booster that helps remove many tough fresh and dry stains that kids often encounter, such as grass and ketchup. By taking proper care of your children's clothing, you can help their new wardrobe last long enough to be handed down to siblings or friends.

Trade it in

Though gift cards are great gift idea, sometimes you just can't make use of them. This year, trade or cash in your unwanted gift cards. Do a search for a card exchange Web site - there are many available that allow you to get up to 85 percent of the card's value in cash. You can use this newfound money toward purchases at some of your children's favorite clothing stores.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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