Back-to-School Shopping: Time to Get Ready
I know it’s early to start back-to-school shopping. But you all know me well enough to know that the earlier I get started on something (like Halloween), the less stressful it feels! I actually got started in June but am just getting around to this post.
Our school has uniforms, so back-to-school shopping is a snap. I always try to get the boys pull-up, elastic shorts. When the boys were toddlers, I looked for pull-up shorts as a strategy to support toilet learning. Now I just find that it’s easier to find a comfortable fit!
I bought these shorts for the boys for $5 each. Unfortunately, I was only able to find the gray ones to link to. I actually bought brown and gray. See why I’m so eager to get all my shopping done before stuff runs out?!?
For shirts, Tate likes polos, so I’m waiting for these to come back in stock in his size. Henry likes t-shirts, so I ordered these.
I’m still debating about which backpacks to get. We normally get IKEA backpacks, but I don’t think they have a great selection this year. I found some inexpensive ones to order off of Amazon, but Matt wants to boycott Amazon. I’m trying to hold myself back from buying these adorable but expensive Swedish school kid backpacks.
We live in such a hot climate that I only need shorts and short-sleeved shirts right now. There’s no need to worry about pants or long-sleeved shirts until later in the year!
I think their lunchboxes are still going strong—even after two years! We still use LunchBots to pack all of their food. They were an expensive initial investment, but they are still going strong after 3.5 years.
Both boys have raincoats but not rainboots. I’ll check with them and see if they want them. Our school offers the option to pay a supply fee rather than purchase individual supplies. We will definitely go that route.
And that will be it!
6 Comments
Natalie
Love this tick list! Thank you for sharing! What a cute idea!
Sara Cotner
Thank you, Natalie! I’m having so much fun using the free version of Canva!
Mary B.
How often do your children get new backpacks? I’m always surprised to see them as part of yearly back-to-school lists. Our plan is to upgrade as our daughter’s needs change, but our general plan is to buy one per grade division (fewer if possible!). In Ontario that’s two years for junior and senior kindergarten, primary (1-3), junior (4-6), and then intermediate/secondary (7-12). We buy from Mountain Equipment Co-op, in their basic bookbag design, so I know it will last and be guaranteed by the company.
Sara Cotner
It’s a catch-22 around here, Mary! They tear through backpacks so quickly that I always want to get inexpensive ones but then that’s part of why they tear through them so quickly! I think we are going to invest in nicer ones this year and see how that goes.
Whitney Hanna
Sara, I just bought V a new backpack from Eddie Bauer. That’s what I had in high school and they’re super durable. They’re a good price, and if you use the code EBKIDS, you get 30% off!
Sara Cotner
It’s great to “see” you around here, Whitney! Thank you so much for the recommendation. I ended up snagging an Osprey from Whole Earth Provision, Co. It has a lifetime guarantee! Both boys like it. Tate LOVES it because it’s an adult hiking pack and has so many pockets, latches, straps. He cracks me up!