This is Janice here, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom. I was given a Target Gift Card to facilitate this review/giveaway post. But, gosh darn it, if you know me at all, you know I adore Target and get giddy every time I enter those magical red doors…
I asked for it.
I prayed for a daughter — a sweet, pink-loving girl to dress up and photograph. I dreamed she would be full of giggles and spunk, with a personality all her own.
And wow did I get her! My Olivia is a hoot and a holler.
She came into this world looking for fun — and she finds it in every hour of every day.
She is happy, confident, and determined to do things her way — even down to what she wears and how she wears it.
But when I was dreaming about all those wonderful days of shopping and dressing my precious baby girl in all shades of pink, I didn’t realize something:
The great thing about being a growing girl is every six months you need a new wardrobe.
The brutal thing about having a growing girl is every six months she needs a new wardrobe.
Yes, this shopping thing is an ongoing and very expensive blessing.
Enter our best friend: Target
Yes, Olivia and I both adore our bestie Target.
Olivia gets all kinds of sparkle and spunk and I can keep my daughter dressed without going broke.
Olivia and I spent over four hours trying on almost all of Target’s new Back to School fashions. Olivia would kick me out of the dressing room, put together an ensemble, and then come out to surprise me.
She did great — and I can’t even admit to you HOW MUCH we bought! But I couldn’t resist. The prices are so reasonable and the clothes are so fabulous.
Our Favorite Looks this Back to School Season
I can always count on finding our favorite basics at Target, but it is also fun to try out some of the new style trends each season.
This year, for boys the “Varsity Sport” looks is showing up with collegiate graphics, knit tops with football details, pull over sweatshirts, and knit joggers. As well, Target has the “Factory Made” look with denim, woven shirts, industrial inspired graphics, and knit bomber jackets.
For girls, the two big trends at Target are “Neo Traditional” with preppy kitsch, collegiate colors, classic plaids and stripes, and pins and patches, and “Vintage Romance” with Victorian influences, rich tones, cosmetic pastels, painterly florals, feminine fabrics and lace.
As I said, Olivia took full control of her styling during our Target haul. Here are a few of our favorite looks Olivia came up with for her second grade wardrobe…
Cowgirl – Pull on those Plaids and Don’t Forget Some Cowboy Boots!
Olivia spotted the red cowboy boots immediately and they were the first item in our cart. (I actually love them as much as she does – I wish they had them in my size.)
Olivia is obsessed with horses and the Canadian TV show, Heartland. So she had a blast putting together a cowgirl look for herself. The knotted plaid shirt is a ton of fun and the fabric is soft and comfy.
We added a white tank under the shirt and a pair of skinny jeans with plenty of stretch to keep Olivia comfortable for the long days in the saddle school desk.
A Little Lace is Always Lovely…
Olivia loves dresses. Her top goal for our shopping session was a new dress. She ended up buying a couple — but this black lace dress is both of our favorite.
The dress is actually a super comfy knit with a soft black lace overlay. It fits Olivia perfectly and feels as good as it looks.
The red cowboy boots work just as well with the jeans as with the dress. In fact — I think I love them even more paired up with the black lace dress. I need to find myself some red cowboy boots!
Get Jumping with Jeggings, Tees, and S Sport by Skechers
Every kid needs a great pair of running shoes. I regularly buy Skechers for Olivia because they have nice support and can stand up to Olivia’s very active lifestyle.
The new Girl’s S Sport Designed by Skechersâ„¢ is fantastic – super light, with good support. I also appreciate that they have a S Sport in white so I can use them for Olivia’s cheerleading uniform!
Olivia lives in leggings and jeggings. Under dresses, she always wears leggings or shorts so she can cartwheel and play on the playground. When she wears t-shirts, Olivia usually chooses jeggings so she can get the look of jeans with the comfort of leggings.
Last But Not Least, a Maxi Skirt…
Livvie choose this striped pink maxi skirt and paired it with a sparkly tank top and a flowing, open cardigan. (The cardigan isn’t in the picture below.)
Yes, Olivia and I had a terrific time during our Target back to school shopping trip — and thanks to Target’s prices, we were able to get so many awesome outfits.
So, thank you Target — going back to school would be so hard without you!
Do You Want to Win a $300 Target Gift Card?!?
We have a $300 Target Gift Card for one of YOU!
So — enter now and we really, really hope you win..
Please note that the Target Gift Card can only be used in US stores. (So if you’re Canadian like us but live close enough to the border to shop in the US, go ahead and enter.)
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at http://pinterest.com/5minutesformom/
I’d probably use it to stock up on winter stuff for my kids! They both need new jackets, boots and snow pants. It adds up quick!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
If I win the the gift card I would love to pick up a few things each for the grandkids for the extra back to school items and the “cool” accessories as they say. LOL
i’d buy boots and sweaters for fall
We have never owned a couch! Can you believe that? So I’d get their Templeton sofa bed, and still have $100 left for TP, kitty litter, seventh generation household products, and all the other stuff we always buy at Target 🙂
I would spend my $300 gift card on crocheting and embroidering supplies for a new business I’m hoping to start in the near future. 😉
I would spend it on my kids for christmas. Thanks!
I would buy school clothes for my daughter..
I would love to purchase new fall décor and scented candles with amazing fall scents — apple spice, pumpkin, etc.
I would buy Christmas gifts for my grandkids.
I would use the gift card for winter back to school items such as coats, gloves, scarfs and boots.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Clothes and a blender
I would really like a new mixer for the kitchen. Maybe a new coffee maker too.
We’re expecting a baby so we would use the gift card towards the many baby things we will be needing in the next few months! We’re also registered on target 🙂 We love target!
Target makes things so much better! Really, anything I’m looking for can be found at Target!
We are moving to Gatlinburg in the next few weeks so, there are a lot of items we will need for our new home. I will spend the card on stuff for the new house.
Clothes and groceries are a must.
I will get some fall/ winter clothes for the kids and boots too!
I would spend it on new winter clothes including boots, coat, gloves, hat, socks, pants, sweatshirts
I would use it for Christmas shopping.
I would spend this awesome gift card on clothes, school supplies, food and gifts!!
Thank You for the great giveaway
I would buy new winter boots for myself, groceries, and buy a Christmas present or 2.
I would buy fall/winter clothes for my kids!
Yes, I would love to win this awesome giveaway! Thanks for sharing!
I would get the Destiny PlayStation 4 Bundle!
I would love to win this. Thanks for the giveaway!
Since I am done with back to school shopping, I think I would get new bedding for my son’s room since he is 8 and just informed me that he is too big for the Thomas the Tank Engine bedroom that he has had since he was one.
I would like to get printer ink!
a new laptop
new kitchenware for me–it’s been 20 years
I would buy school supplies and household cleaning items
I need new car seats
We recently moved, so a few more things for the house + new shoes for my back to school girl who has outgrown everything 😉
I would help my mother and he friend from work. They work so hard and really deserve the help. I would buy school supplies for her friend’s 2 girls and buy food so my mother would not have to worry about that.
I would buy shoes and a coat with the GC.
I really want to get a carpet shampooer so I don’t have to lug that big one home from the store!
The kids could use some new outdoor gear and clothes!
I would love to buy some winter boots & coats for the kids!
I would use this to buy tons of groceries!
I would take my granddaughter shopping and let her pick out a few new outfits and shoes.
I’d get my daughter some more clothes for school and a bedding set
Gosh.. I would save it for Christmas presents for my daughters.
My daughter could really use some new items in her wardrobe, so this would be awesome!
My daughter could really use some wardrobe help for the fall! That’s where the $$ would go…
I’d use it towards Christmas!
Lots of things – mostly we need clothes for back to school, especially those largely neglected items like socks and underwear
I would spend it on groceries.
New winter coats and boots…they grow out of everything soooooooooooooo fast…thanks for the chance!
Clothes and shoes for my three kids and a little something something for myself and hubby.
I would buy clothes.
I would like to get shoes and some ballet clothing for my children. This would be helpful
Oh I would love to spend it on fall school clothes for Carter!
I’d buy a KitchenAid mixer!
I would spend it on my daughter’s uniforms from school, her dance attire and shoes, her Christmas presents and something for my doggies.
I would use the gift card on some office supplies to get everything for my new at-home business organized!
i would start by getting some early christmas shopping done, i would get my sons some warm winter coats and some new shoes and then get some household necessities like laundry soap and toilet paper
I would spend the gift card on groceries and household supplies. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d spend the $300 on much needed clothes and shoes for my family! If there’s any money left over I may use it on stockings for x-mas this year!
i would buy school clothes and household items that we need
I would buys my kids shoes then help my nieces with buying some school stuff for their kids
I would use the giftcard to decorate my house. I have been very down lately and recently discovered getting my house in order has provided a HUGE pick me up! My walls are still barren and I would love to make my house feel like a home. To let me kids feel like they have a place they like to come home to!
with me being grandma nanny for FREE and grandpa going back to school and on unemployment >>>Use Christmas club for Health Ins. and this for Christmas
I’d wardrobe my family!
I would give it to my daughter to buy her children school clothes/shoes etc. She has four children and I would love to help out. 😉
I would buy diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies and paper products.
I would buy all of the back to school items for my kids. Backpacks, and supplies.
Our son is currently obsessed with Spider Man and desperately needs a bedroom accessory upgrade.
I would get my daughter some clothes and get her some birthday presents for her upcoming birthday. I would also start my Christmas shopping!
I’d buy my son some school things. Maybe clothes and supplies.
I’d buy my son some school things
I would love to buy some new workout clothes, new tennis shoes, and some new bedding for my bedroom!
Shoes for everyone and Christmas gifts!
I would use it for school clothes and Xmas gifts.
we’d use it on a desk and bookshelves probably
I would use half the money for my two granddaughters and the other half to try to make my husband and I’s room look nicer. I’ve looked at Target so many times, but just dreamed about an oasis for us, as I have not been well for so long, but now I believe the time has come! 🙂
I would probably buy more school clothes and supplies! 🙂
Clothing most likely. We do need some new sheets though, and I might see something else we need (or want).
I would use this for a few clothing items but I think the majority of it would be used towards Christmas.
Back to school clothing and Christmas gifts! 🙂
I would get back to school stuff…and look at some new patio furniture since it’s probably on clearance and we need it!
I’d give it to my niece to buy new clothes for her 2 fast-growing little girls!w
I’d give it to my niece to buy new clothes for her 2 fast-growing little girls!
Fall and winter outfits would be amazing! Plus school supplies to start the homeschool adventure!
A printer and copy paper for sure. thanks!
I would buy back to school supplies and clothes for my kids.
A new DVD player! Ours is broken! 🙂
With 5 of the 7 in school this year it would be on all the “extras” – the lists they came home with the first week from their teachers: notebooks, binders, folders, markers etc, etc, etc!
I would buy school clothes and supplies for my son.
I would buy children’s clothes and groceries
Back to school clothes for my daughter. She starts preschool on the 9th of Sept.
We still need a lot of gear for back to school – and I need fall clothes too!
I would buy my son some clothes.
id buy things like lamps pencils for my kids desk at home
I would finish back to school shopping then start ack! Christmas shopping!
I would buy new clothes for myself and kids
Shoes and clothes for the kids!
I would buy clothes for the family & groceries!
I would spend it on clothing. So much clothing.
School clothes & shoes for my son and classroom supplies
I would split it between my 2 kids for their new clothing they have been needing.
the kids are hounding me for an xbox so maybe that
Oooh I love Target! I’d spent the gift card on clothes for my kiddos and some groceries. 🙂
Pants and shoes for the 6 year old growing by leaps and bounds.
I would buy my daughter some new clothes.
Fwed get clothing and shoes. Towels fornour daughter off to college. Boots for fall. Dishes.
Fall clothing for back to school! We got a couple decent summer items for the beginning of the school year, but fall is coming soon!
I have 3 children and another on the way, so i could definitely use this helping buy new baby items…due Christmas Eve!…and getting my other girls some new clothes, too. It’s amazing what happens when they have growth spurts!
I would get socks and blue jeans for the kids. And back to school supplies, too. Maybe Mama would need a treat, too!! 🙂
Some clothes. But I would definitely save some of it for when my 4th baby comes in November!!!
I would spend it on my daughter, she needs school clothes. Thank you
I would buy clothes for my grandson….and maybe a few toys 🙂 🙂
With $300, I would definitely buy food and snacks for my teenage girls. They may be girls, but when the snacks come home, the food is gone just like that! *snaps*
Clothes for me and the kids
I would get some new clothes for the grandkids and put the rest towards a stroller.
I’d buy new clothes for my three kiddos.
Well, my second child seems to be going through a growth spurt and he’s about to catch up to his brother in sizing so I might save it for a couple months in case I have to buy a whole new wardrobe for him!!! Eek!
Of course I might throw in a few new fall decor items for the home too!
Clothes for my boys! They are in dire need. Who knew boys play so hard?!
my grandkids clothes
I would use it for Christmas for the kids.
Great video! LOVE it.
still need lots of clothes!
I would use some of it on clothes for the kids. The rest I would save for Christmas shopping.
I’d spend it on new clothes for my kids and groceries.
i’d buy new clothes for our whole family, we could all use a few things!
I would buy some decor items to update our home.
i would use it to buy new dorm furnishings for my nephew!
My kids are growing so fast that I’m constantly needing to buy them new clothes and shoes, so I would use this gift card to buy them more clothes and shoes!
We just moved into a new house so I would definitely buy house stuff! Ok that and of course something for my two girls!!! You can never go into Target to JUST buy what it is your list! lol
I’d probably spend this on fall/winter clothing for my grandsons, like long-sleeve tees, pants, new jackets, etc!
We’d do some serious back-to-school shopping …and I’m kinda hoping I could find that pink maxi skirt in my size!
I’d get clothes for my daughter.
I need new shoes and a desk lamp.
Autumn clothes for the entire family
I would put it towards a camera or a laptop!
New teacher clothes for me!
Seriously, y’all. Hair dye. Chocolate. Nail polish. Repeat.
New clothes for this family of 5!
I would buy new clothes for my family.
I Would buy school clothes for kids- ages 4 and 16. Thanks for the opportunity
I Would buy school clothes for kids- ages 4 and 16.
I Would buy school clothes for kids- ages 4 and 16
Would buy school clothes for kids.
I love Target! Was just there today getting the last of the school supplies and goodies 😉 I would spend the $300 on myself, of course!
Would buy school clothes for kids
I would buy supplies for my daughter, she just moved away to college!
I would buy my daughters some new school clothes
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
Um…I’m about to have a baby. There are SO MANY WAYS I could spend that money. 🙂
Clothes for my daughter!
I would buy red cowboy boots for my girls for sure!!! There are so many cute things for back to school!!!
If we won I’d buy baby gear and myself some new stuff since I am due any day now with baby #3.
Our grandkids started school a few weeks ago and we did do our shopping contribution at Target. I I am lucky enough to win this giveaway I would start my Christmas shopping.
School clothes for my daughter. School started today and we haven’t gotten any new school clothes for her.
Clothes for my kids and some new linens for our home.
I’d use it to purchase athletic pants and socks for my teen son, and some jeans for my step-daughter. Thanks.
I would love to get some school supplies for my grandkids
Stuff for my son’s dorm room. Sheets, towels, coffee maker, etc. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I’d buy my boys fall/winter clothes.
I would spend it on school clothes for my nieces and nephews!
I would spend it on movies…!!! All Robin Williams!! 🙁
I would use it on my two kids. Buying clothes and school supplies. I would buy my bonus child what she wanted for clothes too.
I would buy clothes and shoes
I’d Christmas shop for the grand kids – clothes and toys.
Talk about fun!
thank you
I would definitely buy school clothes!!!!
My girls would love new clothes
My girls would love new clothes!!
Home items, food and clothing
my little one is growing like a weed so I need to buy him some new clothes
I would buy each of my kids a new pair of shoes, or red cowboy boots!
If I won this, I would use it towards new shoes and clothing.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I would spend the $300 on dorm room supplies for my daughters.
i would love to stock up on clothes
I would get back to school clothes for daughter, and her misc school supplies.
I need to fix up my bedroom – comforter, curtains, curtain rods, etc.
I would buy clothes for my 2 year old. And a couple of new toys.
I would spend it on sale items we need from the weekly ad to maximize savings.
School already started here.
so i’d use it for x-mas gifts!
I would buy clothes for my kids for school and for winter.
I’d put it towards groceries and new clothes.
I would get my kids clothing and shoes. And some groceries and other household items.
I’d get clothes & extra school supplies.
Clothes and groceries
I would buy my daughter a chromebook.
I would stock up on groceries and paper products.
I would buy kids clothes and school snacks.
A comforter and sheets.
I would spend it on clothes and groceries.
I would quickly get spent on baby gear since im due in november!
Much needed clothes for the my kids.
I would definitely use this to get clothes for the whole family. We LOVE Target!
New sneakers for the famiy
I would buy my kids clothes and shoes and myself a little something of course.
I would honestly start christmas shopping for the kids!
back to school clothes
I would buy gps.
My vacuum just broke so I would use it towards a new one.
I would buy fall clothes for my kids.
I would get shoes & clothing
I would use it to buy a new bedding set.
Honestly we have all the back to school stuff we need and then some, so I would probably use this to fill up several shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
I would use it toward new bedding.
My daughter had always wished for a shopping spree. Where’s the magical fairy dust I need a little magic sent our way!
Oh what wouldn’t I spend $300 on at Target! Probably books, clothes for the kids and christmas presents.
I don’t know exactly what I’d spend it on, but I shop regularly at Target (more than any other store), so I wouldn’t have trouble coming up with something.
I would get my two youngest daughters clothing
I would buy my son an XBox One.
I would buy dresses and leggings for my daughter and jeans and t-shirts for my son.
I would get my son lots of jeans and shirts
I have 3 children who seem to have all at once grown out of their clothes! so I would put this towards new clothes for all 3! Especially jeans!
i would buy new clothes for my child
i would buy new clothes
I may get a mix of kids clothes, school supplies, and groceries! Thank you!
I would get my son new clothes for school.
I would use it for socks, underwear, towels and cleaning supplies.
My kids need new clothes so this would be awesome
i would probably get some extra school supplies and kids clothing. Thanks so much! Great Giveaway!!
I would buy lots of new fall clothes and school supplies.
back to school clothes for my boys!
I would use it to get shoes and rest of back to school supplies for kids
I would use it to get shoes and rest of back to school supplies for kids.
I would spend the money on clothes and shoes for my kids, but I’d have to throw in something cute for myself, too!
Also, I like to get my kids’ lunchbox snacks from Target as well, so I’d stock up on those, as well.
I would buy a TV.
I would buy new clothes and shoes , Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I would buy clothes for myself and my kids with the $300. Love Target so much!
I would use it to buy fall clothes for my kids. It’s still so hot here so we wear shorts and tees until October. I will get them long sleeve shirts, new jackets and jeans!
Our family could definitely use some fall/winter outfits. I would get my kids some cozy winter coats!
I actually need to get my kids a new tablet. Theirs is old and becoming obsolete.
Clothes and shoes for my girls!
I would buy clothes and groceries
I would buy new towels since we really need them and clothes.
I’d save it for Christmas shopping!
Clothing and household items.
I would buy some new dishes and some clothes
I would use it for clothes and school supplies for the kids!
I would buy bathroom decor and clothes for my little ones!
Oh gosh, that would make such an impressive dent in the much needed column; like shoes, boots (slippers!), back packs and jackets.
Clothes! With 4 growing kids, we’re always looking for clothes. 🙂
I would spend the gift card on Christmas shopping for my three kiddos.
new clothing for my husband and our son, food, and home decor
I’d spend the GC on clothes & shoes for my high schooler & preschooler.
I would use a $300 gift card to Target on Fall clothes for my two boys and on organizational supplies…I’m ready to cut clutter and organize my life 🙂
I would probably spend this on my daughter’s bedroom as we’re in the process of redecorating it!
I would buy my kids their uniform shorts, skirts and pants for back to school along with a new pair of shoes for me!
clothes and shoes sound good to me!
I’m always shopping for my kids so id have to use this to freshen up my own wardrobe.
I would buy School supplies with this money and school clothes.
Oh, there’s always something written on our Target list, so I’m sure it would be spent in a heartbeat!
I would use to buy some cute stylish clothes for my kids back to school and bookbags
I think this will be to the winner! I love Target (and that little video is spot on!) and would be so appreciative of this gift card to buy back-to-school clothes for my three boys!
i would buy bedding, a new fry pan, clothes
Well, I have 4 kids…clothes, shoes, diapers, food, toys, movies….just to name a few.
I would hold onto it for a while and then use it to help me with expenses I will garner when I move.
I think I’d use it on flannel sheets for the winter for all 5 of us, and perhaps an accent chair for our living room 🙂
There is so much I could buy at Target with $300 for my 3 kiddos!
School clothes for my daughter!
I have 3 kids so they would all get new fall clothes!
I’d buy the kiddoes some clothes and then update the living room (our school area).
We would buy much-needed clothes and school supplies if we won!
Target is definitely our go to when shopping for my 10 year old fashionista.
I would use it to get a fee more back to school outfits form my daughter and a tv and blu ray player for her bedroom as birthday gifts.
I have a son who just started 6th grade. We still need some school supplies and some clothing plus shoes. I also have a daughter starting college on the 25th so I would help her buy some of the items she needs.
I’d love to get some new towels and bath items.
I would use it on school clothes, shoes and supplies for my daughter and a new scratcher for kitty
If lucky enough to win, this would be spend on clothes, clothes, and MORE clothes!
I have 4 girls who need back to school clothes and supplies…this would be a blessing!!!!
I would spend it on my children for back to school supplies, clothes, and maybe include a few Christmas items to get my shopping started early! Happy fall, y’all!
Lots of clothes for the kiddos, maybe a few groceries (boring, I know), random clearance finds, & hopefully I’d have time to go through the racks of clothes for Mom too!
I’d buy groceries, or possibly baby wipes and diapers. Having a newborn. They go through a lot!
I would use it to buy clothes for our kids, myself & my hubby!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
I would buy party supplies and serving dishes for a bridal shower im hosting!!
We’re moving our grandson to a bigger bedroom so he can have an extra bed for sleepovers. I’ll be needing to buy some new sheets!
My oldest two kiddos need clothes!
I’d buy some dresses, a pair of boots and a fall jacket for my grand-daughter.
I would buy clothes and shoes
Back to school supplies
I would use this and get shoes for my grandchildren!