Back-to-School Shopping Beckons

As little girl leggings, big boy button-downs and tie-dyed tees dominate Sunday circulars, back-to-school bargains can cause moms to, in fact, run circles.  

While price is important to most back-to-school shoppers, ideas from other shopping moms are often priceless.

In this article, experienced Edina mothers offer insight into clothing their well-clad kids. Pick and choose tips from the range of ideas below, meant to save money, time and perhaps your sanity.

Buy Basics for the Future

"I like to the buy basics on sale, so I buy a size or two up and keep them in a storage box on the top shelf of their closets," explained Meg Adkisson, mother of two growing boys.

She then brings the new basics out—khakis, shorts, jeans—as needed. Adkisson advocates buying quality basics over quantity of basics.

"I spend a little more on each, but buy less," she said. "I let them pick out some clothes, but I only take them to places (like) where I like most of it."

Set a Budget 

Setting a budget can save money, and become a valuable teaching tool.

Stephanie Platteter picks up a Visa gift card with a set amount of money on it, then takes her daughter out shopping.

"She is responsible for determining whether any given item is worth it," she said.

According to Platteter, it was more fun for her almost-teenage daughter and took some of the pressure off mom.

"l'd be tempted to buy more than I should," she admitted.

Utilize Retailer Replacement Programs

Carrie McIntyre, mother of three, said her favorite program for kid clothes is Kidvantage at Sears.

After filling out a short form with name and address, anything customers walk out of the store with comes with a wear-out guarantee.

"No matter what happens to it, if it falls apart you can have it replaced for free,” explained the appreciative mom. "This includes jeans with worn out knees, shoes that wear out, etc."

Adkisson recommends shoppers pick up gloves from Land’s End, as the store's Lost Mitten allows customers to buy an individual lost mitten.

Know Your Time Constraints  

Allison Nielsen, mom to three, values time. Shopping online saves her time and also prevents possible in-store tantrums.

"I'm still learning that lesson," she laughed.

Adkisson too, treasures time.

"I hate sorting socks," Adkisson confessed. "I buy a bunch of the exact same socks for my kids. Each little boy gets their own sock style, but all the same for each one."

Because Adkisson is a super stylish mom, I suspect she keeps a few different "dress pairs" tucked away in her storage box, not to be lost in the laundry.

Take Advantage of Everyday Values

Corral Johns, mother of two, appreciates price, but skips the busy sales for consignment stores, garage sales and Costco. Occasionally combing the consignment stores anyway, Johns recently bought beautiful, bargain-priced boots by Oilily and adorable Hannah Andersson dresses for her 6-year-old daughter.       

Johns' 10-year-old son practically lives in a brand called Grandma Pants, available at —or in Johns' case, a nearby garage sale.      

Sit Back and Assess

Kristen Smollen used to shop for school in August.

"Now, I get one or two fun outfits for the kids to start off the year," she explained. "I’ve learned that they like their choices better if we wait to see what the other kids are wearing."

Hopefully, by using a few tips from above, one things kids won't be wearing is "wearing their mothers out." 

Do you have a favorite tailor or know of a seamstress that will sew custom casual pieces, or even duplicate existing favorite clothing items? Email me your ideas and experiences for a future Edina Patch story. beputtogether@comcast.net Subject line: PATCH