The tween years are tough. I have 2 daughters, one at the beginning and one at the end of this strange purgatory stage.
Our 10 year old is still “little”. She shops in the girls section, and is on the lookout for pretty items, but ones that are comfortable too. She needs to be able to play, chase chickens and still feel “good” about what she is wearing.
Our 12 year old is just months away from becoming a full fledged TEEN. She wants cool styles, but clothing that isn’t too “grown up”. Even though she shops in the ladies section, she still wants items that are youthful and fun.
Add to this a mother who doesn’t really like to shop and we have the makings for a disaster.
I want to know that we can find what we need, and for everyone. I’m tired of tracking miles at the mall. Plus, when we leave our island we need to be quick in our activities to ensure we can catch the ferry home. Considering that my kids’ back to school list is quite extensive, I need a one stop shop for ALL their clothes.
I need clothes that last and are great quality.
And on budget!
It seems like a mission impossible, but it wasn’t. The kids and I ventured into the local Marshall’s store in Victoria and scored BIG! We grabbed sweet items for our Tweens for LESS than 100$
Our 10 year old went straight to the GIRLS section and started sorting through the selection of dresses. She wanted something comfortable, and interesting for back to school that she could change up as the weather changed. She loved this cute sleeveless grey dress ($12.00) and paired it with her favourite type of item- a fancy cardigan (19.99)
She LOVED (loved, loved) the details on the cardigan, and for a kid that lives for layering, this one is light enough to wear ALL THE TIME, hot or cold days! She thought it would be cool to layer a long sleeve and some leggings under the dress as well for those cooler days we have coming up.
Now, hitting it right for the 10 year old doesn’t always mean we can do the same for the “almost teenager”. Shops for these two ages are usually VERY different, and are niche marketed, so we were thrilled (seriously THRILLED) to see that Marshall’s had a HUGE selection of Junior styles, and ladies wear that FIT my girl’s interests.
We all know that after a certain age those brand labels MEAN something a little different, so when Amy found a row filled with American Eagle and Roxy Hoodies she was pretty excited. We had 7 different sweatshirts to choose from (the teenage uniform) all ranging in from price $24.99-$29.99. They were quality items that we would have purchased for A LOT more at different shops, so my girl was thrilled when I didn’t even bat an eye at her choices.
Item #2 of the teenager uniform is the ole pair of skinny jeans. I’m not a fan of my kids running around in torn pants, like so many of the styles out there now, so loved that she found this pair with the cool detailing on the side in a nice dark wash. (Dark washes always look nicer don’t they?)
And what is an outfit without a “nice top”?
are you even a girl if you don’t tell people you’re wearing jeans and a nice top ????
— ebony (@ebs_rose) June 19, 2016
Amy is all about the “nice top” so she found this sweet little loose black shirt. It is lightweight enough to layer, and is so many million times better than a t-shirt for school.
We left the store, with no arguments, or moping because someone didn’t get something they wanted, and we spent LESS than $100 on the 5 pieces. Both girls have key items added to their wardrobe, and can mix and match with their old items so they have some new inspiration for fall.
Marshall’s had an amazing selection of styles for ALL ages, including great choices for our 6 year old son, and even some great items for the Hubby! I “may” have added a few other household items to my cart (who can say no all those beautiful soaps??) Our “starting grade 2” boy grabbed a “big kid” backpack so he can feel even more confident about moving into the next grade, and we are keen to go back and continue to evolve the kids wardrobes over the seasons. Learn more about what your kids needs for Back To School with the BTS Supplies Checklist to ensure you are ready for that (most wonderful) upcoming day!
We don’t just WANT 1 stop shopping, our family NEEDS it. Balancing life on the farm, and ferry travel we don’t have TIME to go to multiple shops, and have the kids spend most of their day waiting for others instead of finding the items they needed. Marshall’s gave us what we needed, for everyone, in one quick visit. It is even a place that would fit the bill to supporting my shoe addiction (give me ALL the shoes)
And right now if you check out Marshall’s for your back to school shopping you will automatically be supporting their “Have a Kids’ Back” campaign with the Kids Help Phone. A portion of the proceeds* from all of their backpack sales (nation-wide) from August 1- 31st will be donated to Kids Help Phone – the only national helpline for young people in Canada. (to a maximum of $50,000)
So, if that doesn’t add some sugar on top of an already sweet deal!
Now, check and see if there is a Marshall’s store close to you (there is!!) and then get your kids out the door and prepare for the sweetest little back to school shopping trip you will have this year!