Get organized. Take inventory. Make a List. Stick to it!
- Take inventory of what you ALREADY have and then check your favorite stores weekly ads online to see what store has the best deals on the items YOU need for fall
- Set a budget & stick to it! Requirements have evolved in the pandemic time, so check lists carefully for this year! In my family, we concentrate on finding more personable writing journals, scissors and folders. Finally, set boundaries and budgets with the kids before you go shopping. Depending on the list, one can easily get by with spending less than $25 per child.
- Clothes shopping: Now that the supplies are out of the way, move on to clothes. Even if your child will be in school remotely this fall, a few new clothing items will make the school year “feel” like it’s more normal. Take time to do some inventory before you hit the stores. Sit down with your child and sort through their clothes drawers and closet. What stays? What goes? What fits? What doesn’t?
- Remember we still have those summer temperatures when the school year begins. Check to see how many shorts and shirts still fit your child. Then hit the sale racks to add a few new shorts and t-shirts to start off the first few weeks of school.
- Mix and match! It doesn’t necessarily have to be five new complete outfits. Perhaps, try something new for every day of the first week. Concentrate on finding a new shirt or shorts for one or two days, a new pair of earrings for another day and a new pair of shoes for the last day of the week.
- Check out area resale shops for great second-hand deals! Once Upon a Child on West Wabash in Springfield, The Clothing Rack in Sherman, Remarkable Resale in Rochester, Plato’s Closet or Clothes Mentor in Springfield all have great deals and sales.
- Curious about what other moms do? Check out our Back to School tips from readers here.
Submitted by Springfield mom and frequent SpMoms contributor Allison Klint.
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