back to school tips

Back-to-School Clothes Shopping for Two for Just $50? This is How I Made It Happen!

August 2, 2017 by Kathryn 2 Comments

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, I am passionate about saving every dollar I can. With two boys in grade school and a new baby as well, every extra cent counts right now! Value Village has always been a go-to for me when it comes to getting that all-important back-to-school wardrobe without breaking the bank. And this year, Value Village and Today’s Parent challenged me to make my money go even further by outfitting my boys for the new school year with just $50.

Want to know how I did? Read my full article on TodaysParent.com to see how much I was able to buy and the techniques I used to get the most out of every dollar! I’ve got five great tips to help you get your shopping done for less and send your kids off to school in style! After all, every parent can use a little more money in their wallet when the new school year kicks off! [Read more…]

Save on Back-to-School Shopping with 5 Tips from RetailMeNot.ca-Giveaway

September 8, 2015 by Kathryn 213 Comments

For some parents, back-to-school season is one that tugs the heartstrings and has them wiping away tears. For others, it’s a time to finally relax and take some time for themselves after a busy summer entertaining kids. But if there’s one thing that every parent knows about the new school year, it’s that it can be expensive! From school supplies to new fall fashions, I know I’m not the only mom that’s digging deep into her purse come September!

This year, RetailMeNot.ca has some great ideas to help make back-to-school more economical without compromising on the fun. If you want to save more this autumn, check out these five useful tips to help you save!

Hold Off On Trendier Gear

Thirty-four per cent of Canadian parents feel the pressure to purchase trendy items to help their child fit in at school. The problem is, trends come and go – and often very quickly! Kids may love a certain lunch box or pencil case they find in August, but once school starts and they see that their friends are all using another kind they’ll beg you to upgrade. Hold off on the more trendy purchases until school starts rather than spending double… it will pay to wait! [Read more…]

Come Join in the #TargetBacktoSchool Twitter Party August 7 at 9pm EST

August 4, 2014 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

I am one of those odd parents that LOVES back-to-school shopping. From checking all the items off my boys’ school supply lists to stocking up on the hottest fall fashions for boys, I revel in getting my boys geared up for a year of fun and learning with their friends.

Personally, I think one of the reasons I don’t mind back-to-school shopping is the fact that I space it out a bit. I start by going through my boys’ school supplies from the previous year and seeing if any are still useable. Scissors, unused notebooks and calculators are purchases I usually don’t have to make. Then I grab the items I know I’ll need when I see them on sale in the store. Finally, I head out to do a large shopping trip in mid-August to purchase everything else my boys need all at once!

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Three Tips for Keeping Your Kids’ School Gear Secure this September #LSSS

July 1, 2014 by Kathryn 26 Comments

Summer vacation may have just begun, but I like to get prepared for the next school year early so that I can enjoy the summer stress-free. For me, part of back-to-school preparation means helping my boys keep their gear safe at school and fortunately, with a little help from Master Lock, that’s no problem at all! In this video, I cover my top three tips for helping to keep gear secure at school!

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