Shopping for Winter Jackets for Kids.

It depends on what you are looking for. Old Navy, WalMart and Target all have coats we've liked in the past, at reasonable prices. I frankly bought an Osh Kosh coat for my DD last year that I ended up not liking as much as the Circo brand 3 in 1 coat from Target.

Dang! Some of these mamas must have money! I adore Lands End and L.L. Bean coats! But they are BOTH very pricey! So like the other one mama - we hit thrift stores! An outgrown coat from one of these nice stores is awesome!

Love the computer system when it eats your post.

When my kids were little and we were living in Canada (Quebec) I would buy coats at the end of season goose down for $10 to $20 for the next season. I would buy two sizes larger than they wore to allow for growth. Also hats and mittens/gloves were needed along with boots. While hubby was active duty we lived in NV, AZ, and NM so the weather here was not as harsh. Even in Europe the weather was not as cold but we did have some cooler winters.

My usual go to stores were Sears and JC Penney and many were from catalogs back in the day. Now I would go to Burlington Coat Factory and look for coats.

Good luck in your search. Go with what your pocket book can afford. I love a few names that are expensive but those coats are still with me as an adult and they are 25 years old (ski jackets).

the other S.

PS At the age of your kids, I would get them involved as they are the ones who are going to wear them. The 15 year old is going to be a challenge because of the peer pressure and the fads. But you should be able to find something. You didn't say if they were boys or girls. That would make a difference.

I usually buy my grandson's jackets either at Marshalls or Ross. He's now 11 and we just bought 2 coats for him: a light one and a heavy one. He chose both.
I can'T think of a time I paid full price for one. One time we bough a coat on sale from Sears.

Thrift stores because jackets get lost at school every time winter turns to spring (no matter the age of the child).

We just bought for both of ours at Costco this past weekend. We spent around $25 each for good quality coats that should (barring any massive growth spurts) last 2 winters for sure, possibly longer. Obviously they do not wear them as long here in TX as many do in colder weather states, but we go home every winter to Minnesota, so they need to be protected from the elements there as well.

Old Navy, either in store or online. Watch for the sales. We live in the coldest place on earth and Old Navy jackets have worked for my kids.

Burlington Coat Factory. They have great deals and a huge selection.

Burlington Coat Factory has some great buys if you're willing to spend some time browsing. How about some of the resale shops in Westborough and Grafton, or just outside, including Savers? A lot of people turn in barely-used jackets that their kids have outgrown and they are in great condition.

I've always shopped Land"s End online and tried to catch them during a sale.

When I lived in Boston a lot of our winter gear was from LL Bean.

M.,

Welcome to mamapedia!!

Are you new to the Boston area? Winter coats are usually purchased in September in New England! LOL!!

Your 15 year old isn't a "kid" anymore when it comes to sizes...and your 11 year old is on the brink of "juniors" sizing.

For a New England winter jacket that is waterproof and wind proof? Columbia. http://www.columbia.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Columbi...

Another place I would recommend L.L. Bean.

For my kids? They have a Columbia waterproof rain coat with hood. And each have a mid-weight and heavy weight jacket. Some may say it's overboard, but here in the Mid-Atlantic region you never know what you are going to get!! Last year we had the coldest temps we've had since we had kids - in the negative teens...which is nothing for New England...this year - they are saying we're going to be cold and get a lot of snow...

Don't forget the gloves!!!

Personally? I would go to a store. Why not go to the Wrentham Premium Outlets??? It's much better to try the jacket on to make sure it fits right...or even closer - Burlington Coat Factory on Turnpike Road!??

Good luck!

Lands End when they have sales.

I always get my kids winter coats at Sams or Costco. They bring them out in August or September, but the brands are high end name brand coats that retail would be $60-100. I pay $25 to $30.

They don't need them until December but I buy them as soon as they hit the racks. I buy towards the big side and can usually get two years out of each coat.

When we were stationed at Hanscom AFB?

We bough our winter gear at L.L. Bean.

I try to get name brand coats at consignment sales or shops. Last year I got a name brand coat at Sam's Club for $25 and he'll be able to get another year out of it. for older kids I'd go to Kohls or Macy's.

Ll bean. Landsend.. most likely tgey can wear a coat for 2 years. .

We wear winter coats November - April here so I spend the money on LL Bean or Lands End and can usually get 2 seasons out of them. Right now Lands End has 25% off so I just got my sons coat, gloves and snow pants for under $120.

I feel a good winter coat is well worth the money. For little ones Hanna Andersson is the best!! But for your kids, I'd say Old Navy is fine. Gap will have nice coats, too. Even department stores like Macy's and Lord and Taylor (so many sales).

LLBean and Lands End- good quality coats with excellent customer service. The zipper broke off my older son's Lands End Jacket and I was bummed because I wanted my younger son to wear it...I called them and they are replacing the jacket for me. Other than that you could try Amazon, I always find higher quality brands at low prices- the key is to look for free return shipping...that way if it doesn't fit you can just send it back. I love online shopping.