- Jan 6, 2025
- 2
- 2
So, we are here, wanting to build our kids into cheerleading because it improves their personality and health at the same time (and achieving some childhood dream of ours). For these reason, we are so invested in doing such but does not know what to do. Once you have determined for which workshop or organization you will entrust your kid's training, here are some tangibles that you need to prepare:
1. Cheer Practice Wear- Practice gear can get pricey, but you don’t have to splurge on brand names right away. Check stores like Target, Walmart, or even Amazon for basic athletic shorts and fitted tanks. Here are classic cheer practice shorts from Soffe. I also hit up a local thrift store and scored some cute, stretchy leggings that were perfect for practice. If your child’s team has specific colors, look for clearance items in those shades!
2. Cheer Warmups-Warmups (jackets and pants) are usually required for outdoor events or colder weather. Instead of ordering the pricey team-branded set right away, I found a plain black jacket and joggers at a discount store that matched her team’s colors. It looked almost identical to the official one, and no one could tell the difference!
3. Cheer Duffle Bag- Cheer duffle bags are a must for hauling around pom-poms, water bottles, and extra gear. I found an affordable one at TJ Maxx with a cute design that my daughter loved. Bonus points if it has extra pockets for organizing smaller items like hair ties and snacks.
4. Cheer Socks and Sneakers- This is where you’ll want to invest a little more. Good-quality cheer shoes make a difference, especially when it comes to stunts and tumbling. We snagged a lightly used pair from a cheer swap Facebook group, and they worked perfectly. For socks, stock up on plain white ankle socks—places like Costco sell them in bulk for cheap! Don’t be afraid to check out online cheer stores to see if you can find deals. Here is a basic but cute pair of cheer anklet socks that I bought for my daughter a few months ago
Final Tip: Shop Secondhand
Don’t sleep on Facebook Marketplace, local resale shops, or cheer team swaps! I found some gently used items from other parents whose kids had outgrown their gear. It’s a budget-friendly way to grab essentials and even some team-branded stuff.
Building your child’s cheer kit doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can set them up for success and still have some cash left for those inevitable competition fees.
These tips worked for me, but I’d love to hear from other parents—where are you finding cheerleading basics on a budget? Let’s share the love (and the deals)!
Go team!
1. Cheer Practice Wear- Practice gear can get pricey, but you don’t have to splurge on brand names right away. Check stores like Target, Walmart, or even Amazon for basic athletic shorts and fitted tanks. Here are classic cheer practice shorts from Soffe. I also hit up a local thrift store and scored some cute, stretchy leggings that were perfect for practice. If your child’s team has specific colors, look for clearance items in those shades!2. Cheer Warmups-Warmups (jackets and pants) are usually required for outdoor events or colder weather. Instead of ordering the pricey team-branded set right away, I found a plain black jacket and joggers at a discount store that matched her team’s colors. It looked almost identical to the official one, and no one could tell the difference!
3. Cheer Duffle Bag- Cheer duffle bags are a must for hauling around pom-poms, water bottles, and extra gear. I found an affordable one at TJ Maxx with a cute design that my daughter loved. Bonus points if it has extra pockets for organizing smaller items like hair ties and snacks.
4. Cheer Socks and Sneakers- This is where you’ll want to invest a little more. Good-quality cheer shoes make a difference, especially when it comes to stunts and tumbling. We snagged a lightly used pair from a cheer swap Facebook group, and they worked perfectly. For socks, stock up on plain white ankle socks—places like Costco sell them in bulk for cheap! Don’t be afraid to check out online cheer stores to see if you can find deals. Here is a basic but cute pair of cheer anklet socks that I bought for my daughter a few months ago
Final Tip: Shop Secondhand
Don’t sleep on Facebook Marketplace, local resale shops, or cheer team swaps! I found some gently used items from other parents whose kids had outgrown their gear. It’s a budget-friendly way to grab essentials and even some team-branded stuff.
Building your child’s cheer kit doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can set them up for success and still have some cash left for those inevitable competition fees.

These tips worked for me, but I’d love to hear from other parents—where are you finding cheerleading basics on a budget? Let’s share the love (and the deals)!
