Children love to play sports but let’s face it…playing those sports is pretty expensive these days! You’ve got to buy their practice clothing, team uniform, footwear, gear and everything else that goes along with it.
If you got multiple children involved in sports or even one child who plays multiple sports…those costs can really add up. Matter of fact, parents can easily spend $1,000 and up per sport that your child plays!
There are a few ways on how you can save some money and today I’m sharing with you some of the tips that I’ve learned over the years.
Tips to Save Money on Your Child’s Sports Gear and Athletic Equipment
1. Check out the local consignment stores in your area. Some of these stores sell gently-used uniforms and sporting equipment.
2. Talk to the coach! Ask about children who are not participating this year and how you can contact their parents. Often times those parents will unload their child’s gently used items for FREE or for a few bucks!
3. Shop at retailers who offer student’s discounts! Schools and organizations keep a list of retailers who extend a discount to students.
4. If you are a member of the military…don’t be afraid to ask a business to give you a discount for being a military family.
5. Check out Craig’s List and local Facebook groups to find other parents who are selling athletic gear. You can usually pick up some great items for only a few dollars.
6. If you live in a large enough city…look for stores that rent out and lease gently-used sporting gear. Just make sure that you end up paying less by renting the items as compared to buying them outright.
7. Shop during the off-season! If your child is regularly playing a particular sport…buy the things that he or she needs during the off-season when prices are lower.
8. Word-of-mouth! Talk to friends, family members and co-workers! Tell them what you are looking for and have them spread the word. Often times they know someone who is selling something that you need.
By utilizing these 8 important tips on how to save money on your child’s sporting gear and athletic equipment you can really save some serious cash!
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
Sports equipment can definitely be pricey, especially since kids grow and need to keep re-purchasing new gear. Great tips about talking to friends and other parents – we’ve gotten hand-me-downs that have saved a lot of money!
Great tips for parents. When my kids were younger we shopped at Play it Again sports and would bring gear in to trade as well. It helped to cut down the costs. We shop for gear at the end of the season often which helps.
Great and important information! You want your kids in sports, but it really can add up, especially with multiple children or sports. We often talk to neighbors and the coach to see if kids from last year might want to sale their stuff at discounts. Like you said, discount stores are great. The items are often gently used and still in good shape.
These are great tips. I always tried to shop during the off-season and checked thrift shops. With twin grandsons now I shall pass along these tips to the rest of my family.
Shopping during the off season is a good tip I’ve found too. I know with my own sporting equipment that it has keep it’s value over the years and of course contributing to your health is priceless.
*has kept
I know how much my sister spends for her 2 kids for their equipment. I’ll send her your great list.
Great ideas! I know there are groups that share equipment. Sports can get really expensive for sure. Lots of kids change their minds after only being in a short time. Others go through growth spurts. I think saving any way you can is aa good idea.