The Best Stores for a Back-to-School Shopping Day
Bass Pro Shops
Despite what you may think, there’s more to Bass Pro Shops than fishing gear. They also have functional back to school must-haves like backpacks, water bottles, and water-resistant clothing. Bass Pro Shops is also a great place to stock up on gear (flashlights, tents, etc.) for school field trips.
REI
REI is another outdoor shop that makes for a fun father-son outing. It’s also the perfect place to pick up some durable running shoes or boots for the playground. While you’re there, also check out the clothing section, as you’ll find some great deals on warm sweaters, rain jackets, and utility pants.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s may not be the first store you think of when planning your back to school shopping day. But look around and you’ll find some great deals on kids’ clothing and footwear. From colorful hoodies to glow-in-the-dark graphic tees, Cabela’s is one of the most underrated places to go back to school shopping.
Target
When it comes to a back-to-school shopping day, Target is the best place to go for all the basics. They usually have a dedicated back to school section, which makes it easy to pick out all the essentials for your little one. Whether you’re shopping for notebooks, clothes, or tech gear, Target is guaranteed to have what you need.
Walmart
Walmart is another shop known for its low prices and massive selection of back to school items for a back-to-school shopping day. This is the place you’ll want to go to stock up on basics and essentials (think pens, lunch boxes, socks, etc.)
Eddie Bauer
If you’re looking for high-quality warm-weather clothing, look no further than Eddie Bauer. This is our go-to shop for layerable items, like fleece jackets, hooded puffers, and soft flannels. They also have a great selection of warm-weather accessories, including gloves and beanies.
Old Navy
For budget shoppers, it’s hard to beat what Old Navy has to offer in terms of clothing. They often have huge back to school sales, although their low prices make it an affordable place to shop any time of the year. We recommend picking up some basics like jeans and activewear.
Nordstrom
Although it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, Nordstrom is the place to shop for name brand fashion. It’s also our recommended choice for formal wear or elevated basics, like polo tees and button-up dress shirts.
Adidas
If your son is on the sportier side, then you’ll find everything for your back to school shopping day at Adidas. Grab a pair of trendy sneakers (Sambas are huge this season!) or a matching hoodie and jogger set.
Pacsun
Not sure what your tween or teen wants in terms of fashion? Then take them to Pacsun, where they’ll have a plethora of fashion-forward items to choose from. They have a great selection of basics as well as popular name brand items like Converse and Vans.
Mango
Mango is the best place to shop for straight-off-the-runway looks. Your son will be the talk of the classroom when he rocks their line of printed sweatshirts, denim button-ups, or graphic tees. We also recommend checking out some of their blazers and suit pants, which are suitable for school dances or formal events.
Dickie’s
For over 100 years, Dickie’s has been known for their durable and rugged workwear. Today, they’re now a top choice for students looking for fashionable streetwear-inspired fits. We also love how timeless their pieces are, especially when it comes to their jackets and work pants.
Tips for a Successful Father-Son Back-to-School Shopping Day
- Mix online with in-person shopping: While going out is a great opportunity for bonding, it can be less stressful to do some of the shopping online. That way, neither of you will get too burnt out from long lines or crowded stores!
- Set a budget: It can be easy to overspend on back to school items. Before you head out, set up a spending cap to limit any unnecessary purchases.
- Divide up tasks: If there are a lot of items on your checklist, it can be helpful to split up the shopping duties. For example, one of you can browse for clothes while the other shops for supplies.
- Add a fun detour: Break up the routine by doing something fun in between shops. You can visit an arcade, go watch a movie, or visit a game or book shop to mix things up!
- Don’t forget the snacks/food: Shopping on an empty stomach is no fun. Therefore, make sure you plan for a lunch or snack break to ensure that everyone stays happy and satisfied!
Planning a Fun Back to School Shopping Day
With the right mindset, a father-son back-to-school shopping day can be a fun event for both of you. Now that you know which shops to visit, you can pick up everything you need without the worry, hassle, or added stress! But remember, planning a back-to-school shopping day is only one thing to consider as the new school year approaches. It’s also important to make sure both you and your pupil are prepared with these back to school tips for a smooth transition!
back-to-school shopping day prep is about more than just checking off items on a shopping list. It’s also a chance to start conversations with your child about what they’re looking forward to, what might make them nervous, and how they can set goals for the upcoming year. Whether it’s talking about new classes, meeting teachers, or staying organized, the time you spend shopping can also be a time to connect and support your child emotionally as they transition back into a school routine.
Once the bags are packed and the supplies are sorted, take a moment to celebrate the day together. Grab a favorite treat, play a quick round of catch, or just enjoy a relaxed dinner where you both can reflect on your back-to-school shopping day. These simple moments help turn an ordinary errand into something much more meaningful. A successful back to school shopping day isn’t just about what’s in the cart, it’s about creating memories that stick long after the first bell rings.
