Three words right now that are leaving my heart feel heavy while simultaneously joyful, BACK TO SCHOOL. Yes, it’s that time of year where every student, mom and dad are embracing the time they have left of summer while crossing off things on what feels like an endless list of items needed for school.
This time of year always brings a bit of nostalgia with it. Which makes things equally as exciting for them as it does for me. I used to love getting all the new things for school. From picking out my backpack and lunch box, to new clothes, shoes and supplies for my desk. I always found back to school shopping to be a highlight of summer.
Though prepping for the new school year would remind me that school was near and summer was soon over, there’s something exciting about the fresh new start on the horizon.
Now with three little ones of my own, I get to relive some of those fun memories. This year, they’ll all be heading off to school. Which means planning our list, meeting their needs and coming up with a budget that is friendly for all is a mindful process that takes a bit of strategy.
In recent years, I’ve been more intentional about shopping and not just buying because it’s a good deal. I’ve found great success in mindful shopping. In fact, by paying closer attention to textiles and fabrics, the value of how things are manufactured, colors, pattens, etc. I’ve noticed we’re getting longer wear out of things we do buy.
Approaching school shopping this way does pose some challenges. Especially now as my eldest two daughters have grown to develop stronger opinions about the clothes they wear. It’s rather become a game of compromise, balancing needs with wants, and keeping the peace, while at the same time trying to make smart purchases.
I love that Garnet Hill Kids offers the best of all these worlds. Not only are they thinking of the wellbeing of the child by offering smart, quality craftsmanship like their backpacks for example. But they’re keeping Mother Nature in mind too by using recycled products where they can. They carry a wide variety of colors, quality textiles, unique and artful patterns that keeps things simple for mom, yet celebrates the spirit of play by creating clothing and accessories that are fun for them.
As much as I’d prefer to pick out my girl’s outfits everyday I’ve learned, especially as they’ve gotten older, that it’s better to leave that job up to them. It promotes creativity and self-expression while empowering them to make their own choices and learn responsibility.
I love that Garnet Hill Kids makes this an easy process for all of us by offering designs that delight them and feel good in, while also supporting my desire to be an intentional buyer.
At the end of the day, I want to them to feel good in what their wearing just as much as I want to feel good about they wear.
A special thanks to Garnet Hill Kids for sponsoring this post and having us a part of this special campaign. And thank you , dear reader, for supporting us and the brands that help support this space.