My kids and school shopping do not

[browneyes]

go well together. They think I'm a bank.:rolleyes:

Anyone else dread school shopping? It wouldn't be so bad if my dd didn't like such ugly clothes and my ds could be a tiny bit more patient about shopping.:rolleyes:

[iluvorlando]

I feel very lucky that our elementary school went to uniforms. Otherwise, with 2 DD's, shopping would have been a nightmare. Just check my tags!!;)

[browneyes]

I'd love for my kids to go to uniforms. It would make my life so much easier. Maybe I should move to a district that makes them wear uniforms.;)

My kids get excited about buying the school supplies, too though.

[supercarrie]

I remember fighting with my mom over the $$ spent on back to school shopping...now she just gives me a monthly budget for everything - clothes, lunches, allowance, etc, and I have to work with that - it makes things a lot easier! It really doesn't work, I guess, until they are of an age that can handle it...

[Cindy B]

I just finished all my shopping up. Did the school supplies, clothes, you name it...

I know what you are saying about girls clothes Shannon... when did girls pants suddenly get really ugly! (It looks like I stepped into a 1970's revival.. all the time!)


BTW, go online... I found some really fabulous stuff at great prices online.. at JCrew of all places... the clearance prices were cheaper than say "regular" stores, and I didn't have to drag them out!

[kejoda]

Uniforms won't work Shannon. Kevin has to wear them for school and its a dialy whinefest aout having to wear them. You can't win get earplugs.;)

[browneyes]

Beccy, we get into an argument because they have such silly dress codes at my kids school. She'll tell me "so and so gets to wear this to school, it's ok". Sure as I let her wear whatever isn't approved, they'd call me to come get her.:rolleyes: We get the stuff out the night before and we argue about all night, and thru the next morning sometimes.:rolleyes:

Cindy, it's worse than the 70's. Much worse.:(


Supercarrie, I dread seeing the age where my dd can be given a monthly budget. We'd fight over the budget amount. She likes money too much.:rolleyes:

[Chattyaholic]

of when my kids were in school. When they were young I basically just ordered everything from Penneys and Sears...then when they got older and were more interested in helping to choose what they wore, I started something....took each one of them (I have a son and daughter) separately for a day of school clothes shopping and out for lunch. It was a yearly tradition that stuck for many years, until they each were 16 and got their own part-time jobs and started buying their own clothes. They still mention those shopping trips occasionally, saying how much fun it was just to spend a whole day alone together without the other one "tagging" along. :) I'm now starting the same tradition with my granddaughter, she's 9. Yesterday I took her to Sears and let her pick out a few things, and we chose a few things for her two younger brothers...the boys could care less what they wear, but eventually....when they start caring....I'll be happy to take them each for a day of shopping and out for lunch too, if they want to go with ol' grandma....:D

[ZPT1022]

You guys made me laugh- the other day I saw my mother's favorite commercial- the one where the Dad is at Staples buying school supplies and he is gliding down the aisle on the cart singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year" just like the Christmas song. She loves that commercial. Thankfully my DD is only 1, so I have awhile before these battles start!!!

[browneyes]

ZPT1022, when my dd was 1, she was very demanding about clothes then, too. She's 9 now and has only progressed more.:eek:

Chattyaholic, I have 1 of each also (dd=9 yo, ds=6 yo). That's a good idea. Why didn't you tell me that before I took them shopping today?;):p LOL! I'll try that next year.:) Thanks!

[nativetxn]

Nope, all finished :teeth: Of course, ds still manages to get me to take him shopping for clothes at regular intervals, just not for school. He's actually finished with school :)

[ZPT1022]

ZPT1022, when my dd was 1, she was very demanding about clothes then, too. She's 9 now and has only progressed more.

Oh my!! My daughter only complains about WEARING clothes. She'd much prefer to be naked!! I am hoping this is a stage!


Becky

[Cindy B]

Our public school is kicking around the idea of uniforms...

My peeve is that I can't find normal looking pants for my daughter. Everything has flares/sparkles/appliques/rivets.... what's up with that?


Good luck!

[ellyn2000]

Our state (NC) as well as (SC) has a "tax free" holiday for back to school items. All clothing, school supplies, computers (up to $3,500.) are exempt from the 6 1/2% sales tax. Doesn't sound like much, but it really adds up. I'm only 20 minutes from an outlet center in SC and we went there yesterday and got some great bargains. DS got Polo jeans for $19.99 and 2 button down Dockers shirts for a total of $14.97. DD got Express tops for $3.00 each and the most expensive thing she purchased was a pair of black leather Sketchers slides for $29.00. I don't let them get an entire wardrobe, just enough to go with what they've already got and then they'll get other things when the weather turns colder. We actually had a good time looking for bargains. Today, it's off to get pens, paper, etc......Our kids go back Aug. 12th.

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

My kids each had their own day this week. Took DS shopping and to lunch one day. We got supplies and clothes. Took DD shopping and lunch the next day. The other child stayed with the Grandparents:D ! It was actually enjoyable and we had some interesting conversations. SO much better than dragging them both along:rolleyes: ! At least my DD still likes, and can wear, cute clothes;) ! When she moves up to a 7, that may change :( !

PS-this is the first year in ages that FL dropped the tax free week. Just as well as stores seemed to not have good sales at that time anyway. I guess this is to make up for the effects of 9-11 on tourism.

[Disney Dee]

I only have one left to shop for (thank god!) But he is 14 and very much into clothes (Abacrombie especially) He won't get much thats for sure:rolleyes: .

[browneyes]

Kath, you're so lucky!

Ellyn2000, Georgia is having the free tax this weekend, too. Stores have been packed! I know what you're saying about the savings. I think I saved about $20 yesterday in the no taxes. I have to go back today to buy shoes.:(

Becky, my dd liked to do that at that age, too. But in the stores she would go nuts over clothes then, too.:rolleyes:

Cindy, I know! Sara's into the flare pants, too. She wanted some that tied instead of zipped and I wasn't sure if she'd be able to wear them to school (not sure if those would be in the school guidelines). Luckily, they didn't have a pair in her size.:teeth:

BibbidiBobbidiBoo, I wish I'd thought of that idea. It would've greatly reduced my headache of shopping. My dd is a shopaholic, my ds hates to shop. I've got the ying and the yang.:rolleyes:

Disney Dee, luckily my dd hasn't thought of going to Abracombie. She's into Limited Too and that's just as bad.:rolleyes:

[Lars624]

My DD is 13 and she wears both Abercrombie & Limited too. When Abercrombie runs sales their prices aren't that bad. Actually comparatively Ltd 2 may be a bit pricier. DD can't wear Abercrombie & Fitch yet, only Abercrombie so maybe things will be more expensive when she can get into the bigger sizes. DS 13 isn't into labels at this point. He says why should we pay more just so I can wear someone's name on my shirt. DS 6 doesn't care what he wears, yet.

[Rock'n Robin]

Thank you lord for the blessing of my oldest! She is already a bargain shopper. She went to the neighbor's garage sale (neighbors who have more$$$ that is) and got a bag of American Eagle and Limited Too stuff for $10. She is nagging me to go to the local resale store "before the selection gets bad"!!! Last year I got all of her pants resale!
I'll take her to Penney's as well, probably, or Kohls'--don't like Dillards or anything more expensive. I have $400 budgeted for all 3 kids--DD#2 has some hand me downs that still look good from her sister, and DS is only in preschool--I did a lot of his shopping at the resale store as well.
School starts 3 weeks from Monday--I have to get on the ball! My dad has surgery the 15th and my DS has eye surgery the 22nd, so I don't know when I'll go shopping. And of course there are my things like LESSON PLANS!!!
Oh well, can't do it today so I may as well go swimming!
Robin M.:D

[Lola]

Lol, My mom said to me the other day that she is just going to give me money, and one of my friends can take me shopping - b/c I'm such a pain! I don't know what she is talking about :rolleyes: . But then I said that this is basically the last year she will get to take me back-to-school shopping ..

We went to Penney's last week, and my sister and I both got some cute jeans ..

Ew ew, and I don't like some of the stuff that has become popular .. What I affectionately call - "bohemian crap." LOL. I don't like the whole 'peasant' style ..

[Cindy B]

wow, you should all come to PA... its tax free on clothes all the time, and shoes as well. Same with grocery items (necessities), but not luxuries, like soda.



NJ has tax free on clothes, shoes, and I think groceries as well.

Delaware is a tax free everything state....



I've never paid tax on clothes...but the high house prices, I think make up for it...


:rolleyes:

[Kitty 34]

I know, it seems like school clothes shopping gets more expensive each year!!!

My oldest (the one in college) is so big being 6'6, his clothes seem to be super expensive!!

My middle son loves to go shopping and is pretty good about going for the "sales"

The youngest detests shopping but yet is the pickiest about what is cool to wear!!:rolleyes:

By the time I'm done with them, there's little $$ left over for my teaching clothes!!:(

[Pin Wizard]

Thank goodness DS is in uniforms and has been since kindergarten. ;) The only thing we may disagree on are which sneakers for PE.

[iluvorlando]

Cindy B. - do you pay state or other taxes? As far as plain pants, I have been real lucky at Old Navy or even ordering from Land's End.

I hope the uniform thing works. DD #1 said she doesn't care if someone (who wouldnt be wearing the uniform) made fun of her. She would just walk away. Not bad for a 7 yo, I thought.

[poptartlette]

I do not buy anything until after school starts
So we know the fads and styles that are "needed".

No sense buying the shoes with 1 stripe when they should have had 2 or 3.
Or Flares when they should have been bootlegs and so on.

If my child ever complained or moaned while clothes shopping,
well that would be the end of shopping.
No Ifs Ands or Buts.
Logical discussion is acceptable, but moaning complainers get nada!
Ha Ha, no room for unappreciative children on my boat.

[tiggerlover]

I am lucky that my DS (6) still could care less about school shopping, so I usually do it on my own.

:bounce::wave::bounce:

[Cindy B]

What do you mean by state tax?


There is a 6% on purchases, but not for clothing or groceries or shoes...

It would cost 6% if I went and bought a lamp for example, but NOT milk or a pair of shoes...

I do have state tax taken out of my paycheck... if that is what you mean...

I can't imagine paying tax on clothes, I never have in my life!

[ellyn2000]

We have a state SALES TAX in addition to the state tax taken out of my paycheck. It is 6 1/2% on all purchases. Now there is also a luxury tax on items like cell phones. The FOOD TAX is 3 1/2% if I'm not mistaken. On my grocery receipt it's divided by food and non food items (band-aids, paper towels, soap) Our state is so broke it's sad, but a lottery is out of the question according to the legislature. I would love to move to a state with lower taxes, but hubby will never go for it. Our county property taxes on our home are $125.00 per month and then we have taxes on our vehicles that are about $175.00 annually on my vehicle alone.

[browneyes]

Cindy, just be glad you don't live in TN, the taxes there would make you :mad: They have the highest sales tax in the country, I think it's like 11% or so. Outrageous! Sales tax in my area of Georgia is 7%. Tennessee doesn't have a state tax taken out of their paychecks though. And the state political people wonders why they have money problems.:rolleyes:

Ellyn2000, we have the Georgia lottery. It doesn't really affect our tax system, I don't think. A large portion of the lottery proceeds go towards education.

[zurgswife]

I was discussing this the other day with somebody....I must be the worlds worst parent....Other then new shoes....everybody's feet have grown....I don't do traditional new clothes shopping for school....

If there clothes still fit then they still wear them...

PS we have no sales tax on clothing here in PA

[Cindy B]

Kim--

Thats exactly what I told my son about his clothes... some pants had holes/worn spots in the knees so that was green light for new jeans...If they still fit, you can wear it...



11% that is outrageous!


The PA Sales Tax is ok, I guess. Now here is where it gets really confusing, in some portions of NJ.. have a lower sales tax 3% versus the usual 6%.

My parents live near a 3% town, so they do most of thier shopping there.

[Lars624]

I always make sure that each of the kids has a brand new outfit for the first day. They wear shorts for the first month so there is no rush for new jeans. My mom & dad also take all three of them shopping every year. They are given $50.00 each to spend any way they want by my parents.
MI has a 6% sales tax on all non food items. We don't have any no tax days for school shopping yet. There is also state tax taken out of our paychecks. We have lottery and that $ is supposed to go directly to the schools but there are a lot of questions about wether it actually goes to the schools at all.

[Boots]

Well I miss back to school shopping! I always thought that new clothes, pencils, notebooks, etc. just looked so fresh and all. You know what gets me is now it seems like everytime you turn around they are wanting money at the schools. When DD and DS were in school they only had individual pictures made in the fall and group pictures in the spring. There was one fund raiser. The kids across the street had three sets of individual pictures made, about three different fund raisers, and their mother says that they can buy ice cream for an afternoon snack now. My goodness how do your parents afford it all! Their mother was telling me too that now the more the children sell the better a prize they get. My children didn't get prizes for fund raisers!

[Fire14]

I am no longer in School and I'm sure I was/am far from being my parents worse nightmare. I like plain and simple.
One thing that I always treasure and still look forward to is the day my mother and I go out shopping just the 2 of us. For us it was usually Christmas shopping, I mean my mom came with me to shop for my wedding dress but when you have a dream dress it makes that simple too. I found my dress on the sae rack 15 min and i found dress of my dreams:)

[cotye]

Well at this point, I'm avoiding the malls... just the sight of hundreds of kids and teens fighting over the last pair of hip hugging jeans makes me cringe. LOL... ;)

[ellyn2000]

I realize a large portion (if not all) of the proceeds from the lottery go to education, but a large portion of our state taxes also go toward education. If education were largely funded by a lottery, there would be more money to fund other needs in our state. We're operating in N.C. under a deficit of millions of dollars and there are still people who freak out at the thought of an education lottery. I work for the state and I've lost longevity pay, annual performance raises, cost of living and a cut of 2 hours pay per paycheck. In addition my health insurance will now start paying less and cost me much more. According to state and federal standards, I'm also doing the work of three employees. Now there's talk of more layoffs of state/county employees. I'd be happy to have the chance to have a lottery in our state just to shift the money around a little. Thanks for letting me vent a little.

[Rock'n Robin]

One word of advice: the clothes on the new JC Penney commercial would not make our dress code! At the school where I teach there is no belly showing allowed, or tank tops.
We bought 14 items at the resale store for $70! 3 sweaters, 4 pair of jeans, one nice outfit, and 6 tops. So that's a good start.
Robin M.

[ZPT1022]

! At the school where I teach there is no belly showing allowed, or tank tops.

Out of curiosity, do you mean those little tiny tank tops or just any sleeveless shirt?

[iluvorlando]

Cindy B,

In FL we pay sales tax, but no state tax. I was really bummed that they did away with the tax free this year. Oh well...

[browneyes]

Originally posted by ellyn2000
Thanks for letting me vent a little.
You're welcome.;) I'd vent too. I hope something changes for your state soon.