5 Ways to Keep Back 2 School Shopping Easy

July 19, 2023

We’re starting to think about back-to-school and getting our kids ready to transition from relaxed summer energy to the start of a busy school year! Here are five tips to keep back to school shopping easy.

1. Build a Capsule Wardrobe

We wrote a blog about how to set your kids up with a capsule back in February, and we recommend you try it for back-to-school! A capsule wardrobe for school includes a few classic items that are made to be worn together interchangeably, which allows you and your kiddo to mix and match to easily create different outfits. (Less morning stress!) 

2. Maximize your $

Since a capsule wardrobe has fewer pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, the cost per wear is lower, and the overall amount you spend on clothing is reduced. 

Cost per wear is a concept used to determine the value of a piece of clothing by dividing its cost by the number of times it is worn. For example, if you buy your kiddo a new $20 shirt and they only wear it twice, the cost per wear is $10. If they wear the same shirt 20 times, the cost per wear goes down to just $1. If you have fewer items in your kids’ closet, they will likely wear them more meaning the price per wear goes down and so does your clothing budget!

3. Prep before shopping

Before you start shopping for back-to-school take an inventory of your kids’ current wardrobe to see what they already have and need. This can help you avoid buying unnecessary items and focus on the essentials. If your child is old enough, you can also include them in the inventory process. You probably already know, but ask them questions about their clothing preferences. (Warning: you might end up with an all-superhero costume closet. 😉) You likely know which pieces your kiddo gravitates toward - what is it about those items they like? 

Including them in the inventory process can help them feel more invested in their clothing choices and be more likely to wear and appreciate the items you purchase. 

4. Buy high-quality, flexible items

Choose items that can be worn for different occasions and mixed and matched to create different outfits. This can help you maximize your purchases and reduce the need for additional items. Also, select items that will last for a long time and can be passed down to younger siblings or friends. Look for well-made items with durable materials, such as cotton or wool, that can withstand multiple washes and wears.

5. Make shopping easier with a bag from Hand Me Up

Hand Me Up offers high-quality, gently-used clothing at affordable prices, making it a great option for parents looking to save money on their children's clothing. You don’t have to go to the physical stores and sift through racks of clothing. Instead, you take a quiz and get a bag of clothing delivered right to your door. 

Because Hand Me Up only selects clothing in excellent condition, the only person who will know it’s secondhand is you! Shop Now>>