Why I Dread Back-to-School Shopping (And How I’m Surviving It)
Can we talk about something no one warned us about in motherhood?
School. Supply. Shopping.
I’m just going to say it:
I dread it.
I avoid it like the plague.
I hate it more than matching socks.
Every summer, the supply lists hit my inbox, and every summer, I find myself fighting the urge to hide from the whole thing. I love my kids, I love their teachers, and I want to be helpful — but school supply shopping? It’s just not my thing.
Why Is This So Hard?
It’s not even about the money (although, let’s be honest — it adds up fast). It’s the hunting. One teacher wants yellow plastic folders with prongs. Another needs six glue sticks (not eight, not four — six!). Someone needs something specific that can’t be found.
Suddenly I’m driving to three different stores, ordering a pack of pencils off Amazon, and digging through a drawer at home trying to find supplies we already have.
Enter: The Pre-Packaged School Supply Box
I am grateful that our school offers those pre-made school supply boxes. You know the ones — you just click, pay, and the whole box gets delivered straight to your child’s classroom.
It’s a dream.
You don’t lift a finger. You don’t have to compare notebook prices or argue over which character backpack is too expensive. It’s all just … done.
Is it a little pricey? Yes.
Is it worth saving your sanity? Also yes.
The Year I Did It Myself
One year I decided to skip the package and do it myself. I had two kids in school and figured we had at least half the supplies at home already. And we did! That year, I saved a decent amount by shopping our house first, then picking up just what we needed. But I also spent a full day going store to store, managing meltdowns over markers, and fighting a cart with one squeaky wheel and no cupholder. So.
Affordable? Yes.
Fun? Not really.
Efficient? Debatable.
Shopping With the Kids: A Double-Edged Pencil
Last year I brought the kids along. I had a “let’s make it fun!” mindset. They picked out their backpacks and lunchboxes and helped choose their folders and pencil pouches.
It actually was fun.
But we definitely spent more money. They went full Target-mode and suddenly everything was “essential” (including a $19 water bottle and some neon pens they’ve still never used).
So while I loved seeing their excitement, I definitely paid for the experience. Literally.
Finding the Balance
Here’s the truth: every year is different. Some summers, I’ve had the energy to do it all myself. Other years, I’ve happily paid for the box from my phone in under 90 seconds and called it a day. It’s all about what’s going to work for your budget, your schedule, and your mental health.
This year?
Let’s just say I haven’t done it yet. I missed the deadline for the box. So here I am mid July with this daunting task hanging over my head while I try to soak up the last few weeks of summer with my kids. Wish me luck.
If you’re also in the “haven’t started yet” club, I see you. If you’ve already checked it off your list, teach me your ways. And if you’re halfway through and wondering if glue sticks ever go on sale—just know you’re not alone.
Tips to Make It Slightly Less Awful
- Shop your house first – You’d be amazed at what you already have in a drawer somewhere.
- Divide and conquer – Partner with a friend / spouse and split the store runs.
- Let the kids pick one or two fun things – Then stick to the list for the rest.
- Buy early – Or you’ll be the one digging through bins for the last purple folder in town.
- Give yourself grace – You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just get it done.
So here’s to all the parents out there, wandering through the school supply aisles, Googling where to find specific supplies, and wondering if maybe the package was worth it after all.
We’re doing our best. And that’s more than enough.
