So, you've survived Christmas and New Year, and you've just settled into the holiday routine, when you realise...there's only two weeks left until the kids return to school!! The summer holidays will be over before you know it, and you'll be back to the daily grind. Lunches, books, homework, after school activities and more. It's time to get those school supplies sorted.
As a kid, my favourite thing about going back to school was fresh school supplies. Santa would deliver us a new school bag, colouring pencils and more. I thought it was the best! I'm kicking myself now that our Santa didn't think to start that tradition a few years ago, because going back to school can be expensive!! Thankfully, Target's
back to school supplies are really great for the budget, and great on quality. This year, Target have reduced our school shopping angst considerably by gifting Seth and Eme a back to school survival kit, including a new backpack each, filled with almost everything they will need this year. The school our children attend sends home a very detailed list of what stationery is required for the year, and thankfully we've been able to cross most of the items off the list (Target, you rock!)
Eme loves her new purple backpack. Can you believe that price? Only $8 for a backpack, lunch bag, pencil case, purse, and drink bottle!! Seth's new Piping Hot backpack is perfect for him. It's slightly larger than Eme's, and is really sturdy...perfect for rough and tumble boys who like to throw their school bag at the line, rather than place it there gently. lol. Seth's bag came with a tablet case, pencil case, wallet...all of which will come in handy (note...the tablet case will be staying home).
Inside the kids backpacks were all of the goodies pictured above. Target couldn't have selected a more perfect lunch set for Emeline. Super sweet kitties, featured on a zipped lunch bag, sandwich container and drink bottle (Rachael Hale designs exclusive to
Target). The purple lunch bag that was included with her backpack won't go to waste though. Eme has to carry her asthma medication and spacer to school each day, so it will be contained in there, along with some sunscreen...perfect. Seth was gifted a set of Nude Food Movers and Smash drink bottle. I love the Nude Food range. The containers are BPA free, sturdy, and easy enough for children to open. The wrap and roll container includes a reusable food wrap, which is perfect for our school's "no packaging" policy. To add to their containers, I bought some Nude Food snack tubes from Target as well (reduced to $3 each at the time of posting), for the kids to transport their "munch and crunch" and morning tea to school.
The kids have been absolutely busting to get into their stationery, and I'm doing my best to hold them out until school starts. There's just something so inviting about a fresh set of pencils and textas...you just want to start writing and drawing straight away!
Target's 42 piece Stationery set is priced at an amazing $5 only! Honestly, I'm shocked at how fabulous the value is there. Seth was sent this pack, and I was so impressed, I went and bought one for Eme as well. Since the kids generally leave their pencil cases in their desks at school, the containers of textas and pencils, extra glue sticks, and pens, will be used at home for homework. Eme's pens will be left at home as well...she doesn't have her pen licence yet!
Target also provided the kids with a gift card to purchase some school shoes...then began the dilemma. Do you choose classic Mary Janes, or a T-bar style shoe? Are we talking velco or laces this year? Our school is quite particular when it comes to school shoes. Black leather shoes for uniform days, and plain white joggers for sports days. Target's school shoes have a genuine upper leather, so they fit the bill. Eme, predictably, selected a pair of Mary Janes, while Seth will be wearing lace ups.
Tip: When you're school shoe shopping, make sure you take along a pair of your child's school socks. That way you'll get the exact fit. Sports socks won't suit, as they're generally thicker than school socks. For more tips, read this --> Useful tips for finding the right fit - school shoes
So, what extras might you need? I've created this back to school checklist so that you (I) won't miss a thing! Click on the list below, and print.
As promised...here's the giveaway! To help you purchase your back to school supplies, I have three
Target $25 gift cards to send to three lucky Life as we know it readers!
To enter*, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know...
What is your best back to school survival tip?
Target have your school supplies sorted this summer. Everything on the "Back to school checklist" and more, is available in
Target stores right now! In the meantime...enjoy what's left of the school holidays, and try not to stress.
*Terms and Conditions:
- Entries must be made via Intense Debate commenting system to qualify.
- Entries close midnight, Sunday, 26 January 2014.
- One entry per household. Open to Australian residents only.
- This is a game of skill. The judge's decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Total prize pool is $75.00, consisting of 3 x $25 Target gift cards.
- Three winners will be chosen.
- The winners will be contacted by email, then advertised on the Winner's Circle page here at Life as we know it.
- Life as we know it...will take no responsibility for any delay, loss or damage to prizes sent to winners.
