Last August, I thought I was prepared for back-to-school shopping.
I had the list from the school, my coffee in hand, and a clear budget in mind.
Two hours later, I was sitting in the food court, staring at a bag with only two shirts and a pair of socks… and wondering where my plan went wrong.
I learned the hard way that shopping for kids’ school clothes isn’t just about finding the right sizes. It’s about juggling comfort, school rules, budgets, and your child’s very strong opinions.
Here’s what I’ve learned, so you can skip the stress and maybe even enjoy the process.
Start in the Closet
Last year, I skipped this step and ended up with duplicates of things my daughter already had, three black cardigans, to be exact.
Now, I spend one evening before shopping going through what still fits, what can be handed down, and what needs replacing.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s saved me from wasting money.
The “One Fun, One Practical” Rule
My son loves shirts with wild graphics and neon sneakers. I used to fight him on it, but now we compromise:
- One fun, trendy pick (his choice)
- One practical, neutral pick (my choice)
It keeps him happy, keeps me sane, and still works with the school’s dress code.
Shop Early, Shop Smart
The year I waited until the weekend before school, the only sneakers left in his size were bright red… with flashing lights.
Now, I start looking for deals in July, especially online. I’ll check WishMerge’s Back to School Deals first to see if there are early markdowns.
Think About Comfort First
One of the biggest meltdowns we’ve had on a school morning was over “itchy pants.”
I’ve learned to check every tag, waistband, and fabric before buying. If it’s not soft, stretchy, and easy to wash, it doesn’t come home with us.
Size Up (But Not Too Much)
I once bought my daughter a winter coat two sizes bigger “so it would last longer.”
It lasted alright in the closet. She refused to wear it because it made her look like a marshmallow.
Now, I size up only half a size if the growth spurts are still going strong.
Keep PE and Special Days in Mind
Last year, I totally forgot gym clothes until the first PE day.
Now I add:
- A pair of sneakers just for sports
- Joggers or leggings
- A spare t-shirt that can handle grass stains
Don’t Shop Alone if You Can Avoid It
If possible, I take only one child at a time or shop online together at home. Trying to manage two kids in a store with different tastes is chaos I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
My Favorite Finds
Every year, I’ve found some of our best deals by browsing clearance first even at stores I wouldn’t expect.
Last year, I scored a $45 hoodie for $12 and a two-pack of uniform polos for under $10.
📌 I usually check: Back to School Clothing Sales | Best Kids’ Clothing Deals
Final Thought
Back to school shopping for clothes can still be a challenge, but if you plan ahead and make it a mix of practical and personal, it becomes less of a chore and more of a tradition.
I still keep my coffee in hand but now I come home with more than just socks.
