BTS Shopping: Children’s Place Backpacks, Dick’s Kids Coat Clearance And When To Say “No” To Your Kids

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Yesterday I spent the day shopping with Jackson and Reagan (Caroline is away at camp this week), and goodness gracious, we wore ourselves out! This has been a big summer for us as Jackson's had his first experience at summer jobs, and it's been amazing to watch his view of money change.

Because my kids have plenty of clothes right now, I really just wanted to find them each one super cute outfit to wear on their first day of school. I knew we'd pick up a few extra pieces (but wait until later in the season to buy fall clothes), but was determined to especially let Reagan pick out something special just for her because she wears hand me downs most of the time from her sister or free clothes thanks to Schoola so I thought she'd love a special outfit for her first day.

We went to Children's Place and found a huge selection of clearance items, and Reagan scored big when we tacked on this extra 20% off coupon. For $70 we got a backpack, lunchbox, water bottle and a bunch of tops and shorts (she did need some new shorts!), but she was determined to shop at Justice for her first day outfit.

So, after shopping a few stores with Jackson and lunch, we headed to Justice.

Yikes.

I'd seen several signs about the “new” Justice, and while I usually don't just love their clothing, I knew it was something she really wanted and thought it might be worth checking out. Reagan found a pretty cute outfit (a little more trendy then I normally buy, but she looked darling in it.) I didn't see any sales on any of it, but thought surely I could hunt down a mobile coupon.

I searched and searched, but nothing. However I've never know Justice not to have some sale or coupon, so took the outfit to the register and asked. The outfit (only 3 pieces mind you ~ for an eight year old) was going to cost $72.

C.R.A.Z.Y.

When I asked the cashier, she informed me that Justice was no longer offering as many sales and coupons, just “every day lower pricing.” 

You can bet this penny pinching momma did a double take.

I politely asked if she really felt that a $72 outfit for an eight year old was every day low pricing? 🙂

She informed me that they were still working to adjust lower prices on everything.

Ahem.

My daughter was a wee bit crushed, but I snapped a picture of the outfit and we agreed to watch the items online to see if they go on sale. Then we went to a few other stores, and as we talked about it even she realized she really was completely okay without that outfit.

Success!

Guys, it is so easy in the moment to think our children need something they really don't need, or choose it's not worth the fuss to walk out of the store.  (Honestly, she really loved the outfit and there was a tiny part of my brain that knew we could afford it, so maybe I should just give in? I quickly realized that was ridiculous though!) I want my daughter to feel like she fits in, want her to feel every bit as cute as she is, but a $72 outfit just isn't going to do that.

I'm so thankful my kiddos are starting to understand how money works (it's been huge to watch this transformation over the last few years.) While they still have their moments of disappointment, I love that they're starting to see what abundance comes when you choose to live on less.

And because I don't want to miss this, Dicks Sporting Goods had quite a few crazy good clearance deals on kids winter coats. Our store had Obermeyer, Columbia, Spyder brand and more an extra 50% off dropping their prices to around $50 (regularly $125+) and you can use this $10 off $50 coupon. You're welcome! 🙂 

Do you have any suggestions on helping your kids learn the value of a dollar? I'd love to hear ~ leave a comment to share!