Buying children’s clothing gifts that fit
Here are some tips for making sure that the clothing gift you buy is the perfect
fit or, when in doubt, that the exchange process is easy.
Know the Child: Always find out the child’s current measurements, tastes, and clothing
needs. The outfit that you think is adorable may not be as appreciated by the recipient.
Ask for suggestions first.
Buy by Measurements, not Size: Use the child’s measurements – rather than a size
– to find clothing that will fit. Sizes are not consistent across brands and may
not fit as expected. Height and weight are the most common measurements used. As
children get older, you may also need to know their waist, inseam, chest, and arm
length measurements.
Balance Sizes and Seasons: Consider buying clothing that is one size larger than
what their current measurements indicate, particularly if you are shopping early.
Children grow quickly and may be larger by the time they receive your gift. Be careful
not to overshoot the size, though, when buying seasonal clothing or you may wind
up with a coat that fits in June or a dress that can’t be worn in cold weather.
Check Return Policies: Make sure that the store you buy from has a simple return
policy, which is also affordable (such as free shipping for online product returns).
Provide a Receipt: Always ask for a gift or fit receipt that the recipient can use
to exchange the gift at full value or to return it for a full refund. When a receipt
is not available, most stores will only exchange the item for other merchandise,
and only at the price that the item is currently available for; post-holiday sales
often mean that the item will be exchanged for much less than what you originally
paid for the item.
Buy Local – to the Recipient: While clothing from your local children’s boutique
may be fun, unique, and supportive of your local economy, it will likely be donated
to someone else’s child if it does not fit the child you bought it for and it can’t
be returned easily. When you are not sure about measurements and tastes, and do
not live in the same city as the recipient, consider buying clothing from a chain
store that is available in the town where they live.