3 Easy Back to School Tips on a Budget

Thank you JCPenney for sponsoring this post. Visit JCPenney in-store or online to shop the new fashionable picks at an affordable price!

Top: Arizona Dinosaur Polo Shirt
Bottom: Okie Dokie Pull-On Shorts

How crazy is it that it’ back-to-school time again?  While this time of year I wish I was still a stay-at-home mom so I could spend more time with the kids, Dylan and Mei have actually been really enjoying the different summer camps they’ve been going to every week.  Their last day of camp was actually just this last Friday and I can’t believe I have only a couple weeks from now until the start of school to get the last of their summer bucket list checked off!

It’s been hard for me to believe that Dylan is actually starting kindergarten this year (wasn’t he just a toddler??).  Luckily, we transitioned him into a bigger school last year so that will be one less change and we’ve had a couple playdates already with our new kindergarten classmates this summer!

Top/Bottom: Carters Cat Outfit Set

Mei is cheesing so hard and it seriously has me dying!  Mei also started school last year we transitioned her to attend full-time back in January.  It was a bit rough at first as she was always reluctant to see me leave in the mornings but the last few months she’s actually has leading the way in to the classroom!

Since school is starting so soon, I did an inventory of their closet a few weeks ago and realized that they had outgrown nearly half their wardrobe!  To get them ready for back-to-school, I took them on a little shopping with me.  Since they were little, I’ve picked up clothes for them from JCPenney as they have the latest styles from all the brands we love (Carters, OshKosh B’Gosh, Arizona, Okie Dokie) and deals that make it so affordable!  Updating the kids’ closet doesn’t mean having to break the bank and I’m sharing 3 easy back to school tips for getting your kids ready on a budget!

Take Advantage of Sales + Deals

JCPenney almost always has a promotion going and I love that I can save a little extra.  Can you even believe Dylan’s dinosaur polo is on doorbuster sale right now for under $5?!  And Mei’s entire outfit set is 50% off at under $15!  Plus there are always extra coupons and deals that you can apply for an extra savings (use code 34SHOP through today for an extra 30% off!).  Some states even offer a tax-free weekend to help parents out for back-to-school and it’s another great time save a few extra dollars (if you’re in Texas like me, it’s next weekend August 11-13!).

Look For Easy To Mix / Match Basics

While I love dressing my littles like mini adults in trendy pieces, I also stock up on basics for them that I know will mix and match well.  Especially when we’re on a tight schedule in the mornings (and most likely are behind on laundry!), having pieces that pair together is key.  Basic tees, leggings, and jeans are always a must — I’ll even buy items in multiple sizes when I see a great deal on something I love!

Know Your Kids’ Style

My kids are pretty picky when it comes to what they’ll wear.  Dylan only wears pants with elastic waistbands, graphic tees with Avengers characters or dinosaurs, and getting him to wear a button-down shirt takes serious convincing!  With Mei, she pretty much only wears clothes with cats or princesses on them (and ideally in pink!).  I’ve picked up pieces that I’ve loved before for my kids and sadly they’ve ended up unworn as it just isn’t their style.  I’ve learned my lesson and these days, they just request to go shopping for themselves with it comes to picking out new clothes!

I’ve rounded up a few more favorite picks if you’re shopping for your kiddos!  I’m in love with this chambray dress and how cute is little denim jacket?

pin now, save for later!

++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera and lens. ++
edited using Barcelona Lightroom Preset (tutorial)

Do you have any more back to school tips you would like to share with me?! I’d love to hear them!

 

Shop This Post: