Congrats to the winners: Daffys: Elka and Old Navy: Vanessa

Back to school shopping was one of my favorite things growing up. It was a big thing down South to look “brand new” on the first day of school. I now enjoy that tradition with Michael. I think that I overdid it a little on the shopping front for him last year. (He never actually wore some of the clothes that we bought him before out-growing them!) We’re on a tighter budget this year, so I’m a bit more conscious of how I’m spending funds. Fortunately, most (if not all) kid staples can be found at bargain or discounted prices at a variety of stores. Below, I’m highlighting one national and one regional chain. (At the end, I’ll be giving away a $50 gift card to each store.)

Last week, I went to an Old Navy 2009 Back-to-School Event. It was so much fun. They had great food (Michael still can’t stop talking about the food from that event?!); fun activities for the kids and shopping. Let me digress for a moment. Sometimes, I’m so clueless that it cracks me up. I had received the invite which said “feel free to bring the little ones along…to enjoy the kids’ activities while you treat yourself to a $200 shopping spree”. The email was also clearly labeled “Old Navy Back To School Event”. For some reason though, I thought that the shopping spree was for me (?!) I was all like, “That’s so smart of them. They realize that we moms are going to be spending all of our money getting our kids ready for school. That’s why they’re treating us. That’s what I’m talking about!” So, when I got to the event, I was looking around on the ground floor (where the women’s clothes are) and I saw nothing. Then, I was directed to where the event was actually taken place – up in the kids’ section (duh!) I couldn’t stop laughing to myself. That song, “You’re so vain…I bet you think this song is about you…” popped into my head. “You’re so vain….I bet you thought this shopping spree was for you, for you…” Oh, well – at least I can laugh at myself!

Back to the event – it was wonderful. The kids both had a lot of fun and I had fun shopping for them. I was able to buy 14 items for $146. There’s $54 left on the gift card balance. There are Old Navy stores nation-wide, so I’m giving the gift card to one of you! (They currently have a “Class of $10” promotion featuring 1,000 items for $10 or under, so this is a great place to get kid basics.) Meanwhile, here’s a little clip of me asking the boys what they liked in the store…

Daffy’s also had a Kids Fall Fashion Preview & Shopping Event earlier this week that I attended. (This time, I knew full well that it was all about the kids. Smile.) I have shopped at Daffy’s before. It’s a regional (NY-NJ-PA) store that sells a variety of designer labels (60-70% of their inventory is European) at discounted prices. Their prices are a little bit higher than other discount stores, but the overall value (in my opinion) is comparable. Since Daffy’s is a little bit more fashion-forward, I asked their buyers what were the fall fashion trends for kids. The top trends are: resurgence in denim (with our without embellishment); black & white and red and grey color palettes; plaids; 60s inspirations (A-lines, peace signs); pea coats and boots. Silhouettes are more traditional – classic and fitted.

I received a $50 gift card at this event. Since “my guys” have plenty of clothes at the moment, I’m giving it away to one lucky regional Mom in the City reader! Below, are some of their fall items:

To win, please share one of your favorite Back To School family traditions in the “Comments” section below by August 31st. (Be sure to indicate which gift card you’re interested in receiving.)

For an additional entry (and to help me out), please fill out this super-short survey regarding my upcoming local parenting guide site. (It’s only 1 question!) Thanks in advance.