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The school year is almost here! While we love summertime and all the fun it brings, we also know that the school year can bring a level of routine that many families thrive on. With school starting comes shopping for back-to-school gear! Make sure that your child has everything that they will need for the new school year, and set up your child for success on day one!

Below, we have our top tips for making sure that you shop for school like a pro!

Stick to the List

Make sure to get everything that your child’s school list has on it. We know that getting normal folders with plain colors isn’t as fun as the crazy folders you might have picked out as a child. But, many schools have found ways to help everyone stay more organized. Make sure to stick to what they are asking for.

Many schools these days are asking for their students to have wired headphones. These are the wired headphones that we recommend!

Buy with Quality in Mind

It’s so temping to pick something cheap in order to save money. But, make sure to keep quality in mind! A $15 dollar backpack might only last year the one school year. If your child (and you!) are happy to buy a new backpack every year then that method might work for you!

But, if you want a backpack that could last your child for years make sure to buy with quality in mind. It will be more upfront, but the cost will become less over the years!

We love this Under Armour backpack for quality!

The same goes for simple things like scissors, binders, and more. Quality products can be less frustrating to use, break less-often, and make for a happier child in class.

Teachers love these pencils and these scissors!

Keep their Growth in Mind

Some families refresh the whole wardrobe of a child at the start of a new school year. Others choose to add new things as needed throughout the year. Either way is great! But make sure to keep in mind your growing children when you buy new school clothes. Kids growth spurts can be unpredictable, so make sure to not pour all your clothing budget into one size!

Another thing to consider is buying stable clothing pieces that are a bit more basic. As interests and favorites change, having stable pieces not be a specific TV show or game can be helpful!

Have an A+ Start

While many families don’t choose to buy a whole new wardrobe of clothing for the start of school, it can help fun (and helpful) to have a new first-day-of-school outfit. Help your child start off school feeling confident in what they are wearing. Sometimes, something as simple as wearing clothing they are excited by can make a difference in attitudes for the start of the school year.

Buy Used

Buying used and thrifitng for back-to-school items can make a huge difference! For exapmpe, if your child is starting a new sport make sure to check around for used items. Check in with other parents on the team or look online for used options. Especially when kids start a new activity that they are not yet committed to, it can be nice to let them try it out with used gear first!

Buying used can be a great option even for families who are not on a clothing budget! Thrifing can not only be a fun activity, but it’s also a great way to shop environmentally friendly. Teach your child that buying used is a great way to take care of our planet!