As a seasoned mom, I’ve learned a thing or two in the past 17 years and with this being my 12th back-to-school year I finally know what I can skimp on and what items need to be top quality. I’d like to say I learned early on, but with all things in life, there was a trial and error period.
Good Will, thrift stores, clearance, sales, those are all my jam! In fact, when we enter stores I often remind the kids that the back of the store, the clearance, that’s is where we “live”. Don’t get me wrong, I will have them peruse the front of the store, to find items they might be interested in in the future. It is really exciting when you find that dress, purse, etc. that you had an eye on that is now in the off-season clearance section and what was originally $70 you can score for just $6. I think it’s important that children learn how to budget, the ramification of impulse buying, and what items to spend more on and which ones they can save on. This leads me to the one item I think all parents need to prioritize quality over quantity and that’s shoes!
In the past, I have tried to purchase cheap shoes for back to school and it only ends up costing me more in the long run. For example, a $28 pair of sneakers that I purchase in August and replaced four times due to shoddy construction and kid’s feet growing, end up costing me $112 come February of the same school year! Never again!
My best advice for back-to-school shopping or simply shopping in general for children is to budget for quality footwear. Pretty much from the moment, your child starts walking, you want to make certain the shoes they have to provide adequate support and structure, are bendable, and have a bit of room for growth. One of my favorite brands that check all the boxes is Addidas!
Not only are they comfortable and durable they are also cute! My kids love shopping for their own unique style of shoe, and let me tell you, there is no shortage of options, and best of all, they have their sizes! They even have a men’s size 15 basketball shoes which is what my son takes…and they have shoes for any and every sport your kiddos might be playing including basketball, tennis, soccer cleats, football, volleyball, etc.
I shared mine now you tell me yours…what are your shopping tips, recommendations, and/or suggestions when it comes to clothes shopping with kids?
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 
I have a pair of vegan white Adidas in addition to my asics trainers but my DIL loves Golden Goose shoes.