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Having just moved here from California with no winter wear at all, we've been told to outfit our 3 young kids with winter gear BEFORE the snow starts to avoid the mad scramble when it's too late. Does anyone have any good suggestions of where to find well-priced infant, toddler-sized, and adult snow gear? We've thought of Dick's or Sports Authority or ski shops but I know those places are outrageously priced. All the other department-store type places have your standard jackets, gloves, hats. We're looking for snowsuits, snow boots, mitten clips, etc. Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed. Also, we're located in Windham, but we're open to a drive!
Having just moved here from California with no winter wear at all, we've been told to outfit our 3 young kids with winter gear BEFORE the snow starts to avoid the mad scramble when it's too late. Does anyone have any good suggestions of where to find well-priced infant, toddler-sized, and adult snow gear? We've thought of Dick's or Sports Authority or ski shops but I know those places are outrageously priced. All the other department-store type places have your standard jackets, gloves, hats. We're looking for snowsuits, snow boots, mitten clips, etc. Any suggestions or advice would be welcomed. Also, we're located in Windham, but we're open to a drive!
Not sure what is located around Windham, but if you want to make a drive to the Seacoast, in Kittery Maine is the Trading Post on Rte 1 - they have a selection of anything from clothing to hunting, to any sports related items you need. Although you pay sales tax, you can almost spend 3 hours or so looking through all the areas. Right next to it is several other outlet stores (Timberland is one I remember and Levis). I highly suggest that or go to Freedom Maine to LL Bean or North Conway to the outlet stores.
I don't live there YET but wanted to say LL Bean in Maine is in Freeport not Freedom. I think Freedom is a nice little town in NH, right guys? Anyways, great winter gear if not the best but it can be pricey-although you get a lifetime guarantee with your purchase. Maybe you can buy you and Dh gear there (since adults don't tend to grow out of their clothes like kids) and buy the kids a bit more affordable clothes knowing they will probably only wear it one season before they will need bigger ones
PS Not trying to be pickey, just didn't want you spending alot of time searching for the wrong place or getting lost which is just what I would have done
Yup, Freedom is a great little town but not the home of LL Bean. There is an LL Bean outlet in North Conway though, it's just not the mother ship. I bought my kids' winter gear at TJ Maxx.
I don't live there YET but wanted to say LL Bean in Maine is in Freeport not Freedom. I think Freedom is a nice little town in NH, right guys? Anyways, great winter gear if not the best but it can be pricey-although you get a lifetime guarantee with your purchase. Maybe you can buy you and Dh gear there (since adults don't tend to grow out of their clothes like kids) and buy the kids a bit more affordable clothes knowing they will probably only wear it one season before they will need bigger ones
PS Not trying to be pickey, just didn't want you spending alot of time searching for the wrong place or getting lost which is just what I would have done
Have a great winter!!!
You are right it is Freeport LOL - I haven't had my wake up 4 hours of work yet LOL - thanks for the catch
also you will find Olympia Sports and Columbia outlets throughout the state and in the malls
Wal-Mart tends to carry White Stag and others. All they need is a good down jacket, a pair of ski-pants, hats, mittens and sturdy, warm, boots. Most elementary schools require ski-pants and boots just to play in the snow. You will need more than one pair of mittens per child, as they need to swap out and dry on a good play day.
scarves/ neckwarmers and face masks are a nice bonus
As a life-long New Englander, let me say that you don't HAVE to get your winter shoes, hats, etc at LL Bean. A lifetime guarantee is great, but for the little ones who aren't going to be spending hours in the snow, it's sort of a waste. Save the big $$ items for when the kids are older and need to have the best of everything. Did you know that there's an LL Bean outlet in Manchester? Coming from Windham, take 93N, bear left at the 293 split, take Exit 1, left at the top of the exit ramp, go over the bridge and watch for LL Bean on your right. If you pass Barnes & Noble, you've gone too far.
I'd second the Kittery Outlets - we cleaned up there a few weeks ago. Also, check the Overstocks section of Landsend.com -- *great* buys! Save some $ and get the mitten clips at Target. If you are ever in the Sunapee/Claremont/Lebanon areas you can't beat Huberts
We outfitted our toddlers last year after arriving from CA.
For snow, get them one-piece snow suits, snow boots, and about a dozen pairs of cheap mittens. You can buy expensive ski-type mittens but they still leak, never fit right and you ain't going to keep them out in the freezing cold *THAT* long. Get a snow suit that will fit next year too. The kiddy outlets in Kittery will sell the suits and everything else you need.
For you to play in the snow with them, get REAL snow boots, and GAITERS - these will stop deep snow going down your boots. Get waterproof (goretex type not rubber) outer gloves and wear regular fleece gloves inside for wet work. You are also going to want a pair of cheaper work boots for regular walks or wearing around the yard when it is not 4ft in snow, but still slushy and icy.
My son is almost seven, and every year, I have bought him a snow suit-jacket and bib snow pants at the Osh Kosh Outlet in either Conway or Tilton. I have bought snow boots at LL Bean (which I love for me), but I did not like the snow boots they had for toddlers. I have since been buying snow boots through the Lands End catalogue--a bit pricey, but in my estimation well worth it! ( you can some times get them at Sears as well) I bought a great pair of gloves for him at Ken Jones in Manchester, by Toys R Us and Chuck E Cheese. Good luck. And yes, I have already bought this winter's gear....because you just never know around here!!!
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but wanted to say LL Bean in Maine is in Freeport not Freedom. I think Freedom is a nice little town in NH, right guys? Anyways, great winter gear if not the best but it can be pricey-although you get a lifetime guarantee with your purchase. Maybe you can buy you and Dh gear there (since adults don't tend to grow out of their clothes like kids) and buy the kids a bit more affordable clothes knowing they will probably only wear it one season before they will need bigger ones
