As I’ve mentioned before, my daughter will start Kindergarten this year and up until now, I was panicking about how much it was going to cost. Well, after just a couple stops at a handful of stores I can say that I’m not only ready, but it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.
Here is a short list of my favorite stores for back to school shopping:
WalMart
I probably don’t need to even mention this as it’s probably obvious that I did a large amount of back to school shopping at Walmart. I did buy all of the school supplies on the list as well as underclothes and socks. For some reason I thought I’d continue the tradition with my own daughter of buying new underclothes and socks when school starts (even if she doesn’t really need them).
Payless Shoes
I’ve heard that a child only needs one pair of tennis shoes, but I think with girls it’s a little different. Maybe it’s because her mother is a shoe freak, but I honestly believe that my daughter needs dress shoes and boots as well. Payless Shoes doesn’t offer the best quality shoes but knowing that she’ll be in a larger size in a matter of months, it seems smarter to buy cheap dress shoes. Plus the infamous BOGO sale is going on and you can get one pair half off (for yourself or another child).
Once Upon a Child
I know this store isn’t available everywhere but I would check out similar second hand stores in your area. Once Upon a Child sells “gently worn” name brand children’s clothes. It has become my favorite store for clothing for my daughter because I’m able to buy her better quality clothes for really cheap. I’ve found Old Navy tank tops for a dollar and Baby Phat jeans for $5.00. Even better, I can sell her old clothes there as well. I made $35.00 the last time I dropped a box off, which more than covered the clothes I’ve actually purchased there.
Kohl’s
I believe Kohl’s is available almost everywhere in the U.S. and I’ve always had pretty good luck with the quality of clothing. They’re always having sales and if you use the Kohl’s credit card, along with the sale you can save 50-60% on your purchase. The brands of clothing that Kohl’s sells is also accepted at Once Upon a Child so I can resell them when my daughter has outgrown them.
Dollar General
Another obvious one on my list, but I use Dollar General for miscellaneous items for school. Sometimes when my daughter has to take snack to school, I can pick up some cookies and a box of juice pouches. I also buy her cute little princess pens and pencils to be used at home since she loves to read and write. She has a ton of notebooks and extra pens that come in handy when she’s riding in the car and stuff.
So, I think we’re finally ready for Kindergarten. Well, she was ready last year, it’s just taken me a while.