10 Savvy Back-to-School Shopping Survival Tips
1. Timing Is Everything
Head out first thing in the morning, right after breakfast. A tired, hungry kid is not the best shopping companion. Then, you can promise lunch out if all goes well.
2.
Don’t be caught off guard with a bag full of brand advertising t-shirts if logos are forbidden in the hallowed halls.
3. Carry Cash
It's tempting to get "just one more" super cute t-shirt even though you know it's out of budget. If you only allow yourself to carry cash on shopping day, you'll have no choice. Additionally, it's a visual cue to your kids that there are limited funds.
4. Negotiate Wisely ... With Your Kids
To avoid the head butting that can come along with shopping with kids, negotiate before you walk into the store. If your rule is that you get final approval on every purchase, make that clear. But consider bending the rule for good behavior, or allowing one kid's choice for every four adult ones.
5. Don't Drag It Out
Your child's attention span for clothes shopping will not be as extended as it might be for texting or Xbox playing. If you meander around the mall, you could spend all day on this venture. Instead, have a plan before you go and stick to it.
6. Bring Provisions
Pack snacks and water to get you through until lunchtime.
7. Outsource
You know who might love shopping for school clothes with your kid? Grandma. Fully research that option, if for nothing else, as a supplement to your day.
8. Know the Sales
Pick up your Sunday paper, and go online to your favorite store websites. You would hate to spend more on the same pair of jeans if only a trip down the street could have saved you serious cash.
9. Don't Spend It All
Reserve some of your back-to-school budget for a few weeks into the school year. Between after-school activities and the latest trends that your kid may not have picked up on, there will be a need to add to the closet after the first bell rings.
10. When to Go Online
Okay, so you can do some shopping online. Once you've established the proper shoe size and jacket size, buy things like rain gear and winter coats online for a better deal and more options. Buy a size up, and you'll be set for inclement weather days throughout the year.
