Smart Back-to-School Prep

I know it’s only July, but believe it or not, it’s already time to start thinking about back-to-school season. Seeing those back-to-school sections popping up in stores everywhere was a bit of a rude awakening!

One of our favorite traditions is taking a first-day-of-school photo. This year, I came up with a fun and easy way to display them using just popsicle sticks, paint, binder clips, and glue. I designed the frames to look like notebook paper, but you can personalize yours however you like. It’s a simple DIY that’s both creative and kid-friendly!

Another thing I like to do is create seasonal wardrobe mood boards. They help keep shopping focused and reduce overbuying since I already have a sense of the colors and styles we’re aiming for. Let’s be honest, shopping sprees can get overwhelming—mood boards help me stay grounded. Here's one I recently made for my kids!

To stay on track, I also put together a basic essentials checklist—perfect for kids who attend school five days a week. You can adjust the quantities based on your laundry schedule or lifestyle. I didn’t include socks or undergarments here, but don’t forget those key items! Mom brain is real, and having a list is a total lifesaver.

Before heading out to shop, I highly recommend having your kids try on their current clothes. Set aside anything they’ve outgrown and bring it to Once Upon A Child. I recently collected more than $100 from just one box! That was more than enough to refresh their wardrobes for the new school year.

While shopping, I was on the lookout for hoodies and joggers for my kiddos. They’re all set for summer, but we needed to round out their fall wardrobe with a few essentials. I lucked out and found brand-name rain jackets for both of them. It often rains unexpectedly where we live, so these will definitely come in handy. We also snagged a pair of joggers for each of them. The best part? I got everything for just under $50 after tax!

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer—and if you do a Once Upon A Child haul, don’t forget to show it off on Instagram using the hashtag #onceuponachild. Happy back-to-school shopping!

Blog By: Jenny Nguyen | @jenny8carrots