This post is written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom. Please note that I was given a Target Gift Card to facilitate this 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…
It is Saturday night. I just came home from Target with two backpacks full of school supplies, and I am in a fabulous mood.
Yes, I just rocked my back to school supplies shopping duties and I am ready to celebrate…
If you are wondering why I am in such a darn good mood, well, after making some bad decisions last year, I made some wise shopping decisions this year…
Tip 1. I Shopped Early
I never shop early for back to school supplies. First, I am a skilled procrastinator – so putting off shopping for school supplies is par for my course. 
And second, I am not emotionally prepared to hear the words “Back to School” until we are so far into August that I can feel the September chill creeping in. And even then, I want to put my hands over my ears and sing “I can’t hear you!”
But this year, I was organized. This year I shopped early! Okay — I had to shop early because I needed to get this post written for all of you who go back to school in August, not the day after Labor Day like we do. But man, am I grateful!
Not only is my school supplies shopping done and checked off my to do list, (before I even had a chance to write it on my to do list,) but I didn’t have to worry about empty shelves or limited selection. Nothing was sold out yet. I got everything I wanted — in all the colors I wanted. Woohoo!
Tip 2. I Shopped on a Saturday Night
It might not seem like the most exciting thing to do on a Saturday night, but wow, did I have a perfect night at Target.
The aisles were clear, there were no lines at check out, and I had my choice of red-adorned suitors. I barely paused in an aisle before yet another smiling Target employee asked me if I needed help finding anything.
The whole affair couldn’t have been more peaceful. I felt like I had enjoyed a quiet vacation in the sweet land of Target, where sale prices decorated the shelves and the store stayed open late just for me.
Tip 3. I Shopped for Homework Supplies, as well as School Supplies
When it comes to shopping for school supplies, we can’t just buy what is on the list. Oh no — the well prepared parent must remember to shop for HOMEWORK supplies as well as school supplies.
And, in addition to the extra pencil crayons, rulers, paper, etc. I bought to stock up my kids’ homework stations, this year I also made sure to pick up a few things I forgot to buy myself last year — such as a three whole punch, an extra stapler, and new scissors that can cut everything from fabric to cardboard.
Oh, and lots of extra glue. Yes, this momma has glue!
Tip 4. I Shopped Alone
When it comes to school supplies shopping, do you shop with your kids or without?
I am always torn on this one. I loved shopping for school supplies when I was a kid. I can still remember the excitement of choosing out my supplies and planning out my organizational systems, while begging my mother for the extras I didn’t need, but I definitely wanted.
But, this year I decided to take just the school supplies list and go at it alone. While I did spend some extra time trying to decide which kinds of pens to get and which calculator my son would want, I felt like I had all the time in the world. I didn’t have kids nagging, fighting, or whining. And, I get to come home bearing gifts!
Tip 5. I Shopped and Shared
Right now, Target has a special promotion running — for every select up&up school supply purchased at Target stores, Target will donate one school supply item to a student in need. Target’s goal is to donate up to $25 million in supplies through this program and has already raised over $10 million.
Target has signs marking the up&up items included in the program, so it was easy to recognize which products I wanted to select.
This Buy One, Give One School Supply Program runs from July 13 through August 2. But if you miss it, no worries. Target modeled the program after the Target-exclusive brand of school supplies, Yoobi, who is founded on a “One for You, One for Me†mission, helping to support the Kids In Need Foundation.
The Yoobi line of school supplies is bright, colorful, and super fun — and no matter what time of year you purchase Yoobi, you are helping provide free school supplies for in-need students.
Do You Want to Win a $300 Target Gift Card?!?
Of course you do! And we want to give it to you.
So — enter now and we will cross all our fingers and toes for you…
Please note that the Target Gift Card can only be used in US stores.
Back to school clothes. My kids grow like weeds!!!!
I would buy clothes and school supplies.
I would spend this on clothes.
I would get new bedding for my son so he gets a good night sleep for school
clothes are needed here – i would buy clothes and shoes
School supplies, new shoes for the kids and some lunch snacks.
I would definitely shop for some clothing and home decor!
New outfits and office supplies!
I would split it between school supplies and new clothes.
Oh gosh, what wouldn’t I want to spend $300 on at my favorite store! My husband & I have been eyeing one of their beautiful gas grills but I could be torn to spend it all on a new wardrobe for me…or maybe a few books…or a gift for my sweet sister…hmm…I would love to win this one!
Target is one of my favorite stores, so the list of things I could spend this on is long, but to start with: I would buy back to school supplies for my kids, as well as some back to school clothes. Yay!
I would buy clothes, shoes, and pet supplies if I won this one.
I would buy clothes and supplies for my fives kids. As off now they are getting nothing new.
I would like to win and get the kids new jeans and shirts for school.
Groceries and new shoes for my six kids.
LO is still in the sensory learning stage so I would buy more supplies for our various sensory boxes, as well as some home essentials.
I’d spend it on school clothes for my son. Thanks so much for offering this.
I would use it for new back to school clothes for the boys.
I’d get extra school clothes for the grand kids!
thank you
I would buy clothes and school supplies for the girls
i would spend it on school supplies. i also love to shop at target cuz you can double up on coupons there and save even more! plus they have great clothes & i love their color selection of tights for women & girls!
I’d spend it on school supplies and a new printer.
I would use it for a couple of new desk chairs for my kids, since I homeschool. And some fall clothes for the kids
I would use this to buy printer ink!
I’d spend it on my son
I’d buy school supplies like a new backpacks, paper, notebooks, binders, pencils and I’d also buy t-shirts, underwear, socks, jeans and pants for my kids for back-to-school. Thanks!
I’d spend it on back to school clothing, plus some grocery items.
I would start on Christmas shopping if I won
I would buy school supplies, shoes, clothes for my boys, and cleaning supplies.
I would use it to buy new clothes and shoes for my 3 kids!
I’d spend the money on necessities for the home, organizing supplies and some great pens like Uniball Vision which almost write by themselves.
I would use for groceries
I would get jeans, backpacks, shirts and their calculators.
Clothes for the kids!!
I would use the gift card for back to school shopping and I appreciate the tip on shopping alone. Sometimes it’s hard to spot a deal when your kids are asking “when are we going go home”?
I’d buy new school clothes, backpacks and supplies
I would buy school supplies and clothes for our son!
I’d buy the supplies that my son needs for college.
School Supplies and snacks for back to school.
I would definitely use to buy kids new clothes and school supplies. Thank you for the chance 🙂
I have four children, so I would use the money on school supplies and clothing.
I Would Buy Clothes And School Supplies For Back To School!
I’d spend it on school supplies and clothes for my triplets who are headed into the 8th grade.
@bctripletmom
bctripletmom at gmail dot com
it would definently help with back to school supplies and 300 for target would go a long way they have great prices its basically the only store i shop at besides costco
I would spend the gift card on school supplies, uniforms and shoes for my kids
Back to school CLOTHES and shoes.. They have SUCH a GREAT selection!
I would buy new school clothes for my son and school supplies.
Back to school shoes (indoor and outdoor) for both kids! Then re-usable lunch supplies. 🙂
clothes and school supplies and food if there’s any left over
I would spend it on clothes for my son and myself, I recently lost a lot of weight and need new clothes.
If I won, I would save it towards Christmas. My son has been throwing hints he would like to have an XBox One, so, I had better start saving now! 🙂
Would love to get my daughter some new school clothes, school supplies, and something fun like a game!
I think I’d save it for the holidays:)
Definitely Christmas presents for my 2 toddler boys!
I’d buy pet supplies.
Oh, how I love Target! I would probably get some home decor items and some kids clothing.
I would by clothes for the kids back to school, school supplies and I’m always needing a good book or two for myself!!!
I’d put it toward school supplies for my nieces and groceries!
School clothes, school supplies and tennis shoes for my son. Thanks for the chance!
Clothes and shoes for our boys and then I would squirrel the rest away for Christmas gifts
I would buy more clothes and fun activities for my daughter
I would send it on things to organize the kid’s rooms.
I would buy groceries and clothes
I’d spend it on a new backpack, school supplies, and new clothing for my grandsons.
I’d use it in their grocery section.
Back to school clothes and supplies
I would spend it on back to school supplies for my older children.
School supplies, school clothes and new bedding for my kids
I would buy school supplies, diapers for my little guy and home supplies for our new home!
Back to school clothes and supplies!
I would buy all the basics, socks, shoes, supplies!
i would stock up on clothes for the kids.
I have my eye on a Slipper Chair at Target.
I would use this card for school supplies and groceries for lunches and snacks!
backpacks, school supplies and snacks
If I won I would buy back to school supplies and clothes for both my kids. I would also try to save some of the gift card for Christmas shopping.
School supplies of course! And anything else a Mama could need. 😀
School clothes and shoes for my daughters
I would spend it on my five grandchildren for school supplies and clothes.
I would spend it on clothes and groceries.
household items, new clothes for school, the possibilities are endless 🙂
I would take my son clothes shopping and let him go nuts! I would snag my daughter some cool outfits too!
Last minute clothes for school! And maybe save the rest for xmas gifts!
I think the question should be- what wouldn’t I spend $300 on at Target! I get lost in the awesomeness of Target every time I go in & only dream of spending that kind of money there. Currently, I would buy back-to-school supplies for my 3 kids, clothes, shoes and toiletry items that we need right at this moment in time.
How fun to have spent time at the resort & spa!
I would love to win this – it would not only buy my daughter her back to school supplies, but some clothes too! And there’s always the extra classroom supplies we are supposed to buy too!
I’d spend it on household supplies & school items for the kids.
We would stock up on lunch items and snacks. And we could use a new lunch box and ice pack while we’re at it.
Groceries and some stuff for my new house!
new bed linens
I’d spend it on non-perishable items to stock up for the winter and summer clearance clothes for next year
I’d use it to purchase a computer chair for my teenage daughter. I’d also get school supplies for four of my kids. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
This year we definitely need new binders, notebooks, expo markers, pens pencils… Jeans and shoes.. it goes on and on!
fall clothes for my son
I would use the 300 $ gift card for school supplies….
I would spend it on Birthday presents for my Dad, sister, and brother! They all have birthdays in September, and I can get some nice presents with this money!
Probably school supplies and maybe a little something for me. LOL
I would spend the money on school supplies and new school clothes and shoes – as well as some lunchbox treats! (And maybe a little something for myself!)
school supplies and clothes for the kids
I would buy school/church clothing as well as organizational items to help us during the school year.
I would buy notebooks, backpack and some décor for our apartment.
I would buy clothing for the family and some home decor
School supplies, school uniform clothes, probably some groceries and a new set of sheets.
the grandkids need backpacks and lunch boxes and jeans and sneakers for school,so I would use it to help my daughter buy school supplies,,she just got custody of 2 small children of a family member and is having a hard time getting school clothes etc for 4 kids
Baby Items and Groceries
omg back to school clothes for my kids. AND me. And school supplies.
I would use it to start some Christmas shopping!
I’d use it to buy clothes & supplies.
School supplies, new clothes and shoes.
School supplies, new school clothes and shoes.
I’d buy school supplies, new school clothes and shoes.
I already completed back to school shopping, and also at Target! We went mid-day and it wasn’t too bad. I would use the $300 on our normal grocery trips. We shop there quite often.
Clothes and school supplies for kids in crisis.
I would buy school supplies and school clothes for my girls.
We need school supplies, a new backpack, and some boy jeans!
I would spend the gift card on clothes, shoes, and household items.
I would buy some new clothes for school and definitely some school supplies. Thank you for the chance!
I would definitely buy school supplies and new clothes for me and my daughter. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway. Good luck everyone.
This year I will have a kindergartener (Thomas, 5) and a first-grader (Courtney, nearly 7). I would purchase layers of kids clothes for fall and winter. (: I love shopping at Target and so do my kids.
I would spend it all on school supplies for sure!! I have 2 kiddos & it does get expensive at times! but we also love giving back to the classrooms too & buy extra for the classrooms!! 🙂
I would buy school supplies and new clothes for my son, Thank you!
School supplies, clothes and lunchbox essentials for my three kids. Thanks for the chance to win!
School Supplies Yes!
school supplies, shoes for munchkin, winter clothes and more!
I would buy clothes and school supplies for my children.
A new laptop!
I would buy shoes for back to school and some new pillows.
I would use this gift card to buy some school uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and snacks for lunches.
I would get school supplies and clothes for my son.
My daughter goes to college in August so I would buy items for her dorm.
I would get groceries and clothes.
I would get groceries and back to school supplies for kids.
I would spend it on fall/winter clothing and accessories for my four girls
I would buy fall clothes for all 3 kids.
I’m not going back to school, but it might be fun to buy something special for my nieces/nephews. Or maybe some back to school supplies for myself anyway! 🙂
I help a lot to buy my kids school supplies and clothes for back to school.
I would spend it on back to school supplies
I would shop for school supplies and shoes for my kiddos
I would get school supplies, clothes, shoes, and some groceries to use towards school lunches for my daughter
New clothes for me, diapers, and groceries.
I would spend it on some home decor items.
I would buy Carter a backpack, school shoes, and school clothes for this year!
I would buy groceries and clothes!
I would spend the gift card on new jeans and shoes for back to school, plus crayons/markers/colored pencils, as well as the tissues and cleaner we are required to bring, and then save the rest for Christmas time.
I would spend it on things from Target.
I would buy some new kitchen items
School supplies and school clothes
Both my kids need backpacks and lunch boxes this year so I would buy those. I would get back to school lunch snacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, pencils, glue sticks, construction paper too. A few tops and pants for the kids. Lots more, with target $300 goes a long way.
I would buy seasonal clothing and writing supplies.
I love Target! I would buy school supplies and clothes for my three sons! =)
School supplies and a few more uniform pieces would likely kick that gift card! 🙂
Part of it would go to uniforms for my daughter. I’d definitely get some games for the family, too!
I would love to get school supplies and clothes for my kids
I’d spend it on food for lunches.
I would spend this gift card on back to school stuff for myself, because I am currently in school to become a speech pathologist and school supplies are expensive! Thank you!
We’d probably get clothes and school supplies!
I would buy clothes for my kids and for me — there are so many cute clothes at Target these days!
Really would love to get some new school clothes and school supplies & 300$ would be a major help for me and my little sister
My kids are in year-round school so I had to buy their school supplies 3 weeks ago 🙁 But I would use a gift card to buy stuff for my twin girls arriving in just a couple of weeks!
back to school clothes for my daughter, for sure. still trying to figure out how to cover that expense.
I’ve just recently lost a lot of weight, so I have very little clothing that fits correctly. I would also buy my bestie a few items from the Bridal Lengerie collection.
I’ve just recently lost a lot of weight, so I have very little clothing that fits correctly. I would also buy my bestie a few items from the Bridal Lengerie collection. 😉
School supplies for all four. Love those red doors as well.
Kids shoes, binders, backpacks etc and maybe a new book for mom!!
I would buy backpacks, books, pens, clothes and shoes for my kids.
Supplies and clothes for my son
I would spend the gift card on supplies and new clothes for my son who will start preschool this year. He is so excited to go to school.
Back-to-School Supplies and Clothing for my kids.
Definitely outfits and school supplies.
I have three little boys going to school this fall. $300 at Target will go a long way toward getting them ready for school to start.
Rain boots and gloves. I always forget to buy them and then when it’s time, they are all sold out!
I would Probably use it for school clothes for the kids
Probably school clothes for the kids
I would spend it on school supplies!
Clothes & school supplies for my little girl, plus some things for our apartment.
Sneaks and jeans for everyone~
School supplies and school clothes.
Buy some clothes for the kids and food.
Groceries, and my sons school supplies!
My daughter needs new everything this year. I would use the gift card to get her supplies, backpack, shoes and clothes.
With 3 kids, I need all the help I can get! we need new book bags, binders and tons of other supplies!
I would use the money to outfit the kids for school and some school supplies, perhaps some new underwear for myself.
school supplies for sure!
I’d buy some groceries, since my son isn’t in school yet! 🙂