“In order to avoid all the lines, I do all
my shopping on Amazon and use the
Fairfax school link, which gives the
school credit for part of our purchase.”
Moms Speak
– Dona C.

WHAT LOCAL MOMS ARE SAYING ABOUT …
[BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING]
“We always like to ‘shop’ from home fi rst. They
may have asked for three dozen pencils last
TIPS, TRICKS & TIME-SAVERS
year, but one dozen came back home at the end,
or we have an extra pair of scissors in an old
pencil box. I also like to pre-buy the stuff we
need every year, like composition notebooks or
loose-leaf paper when it goes on clearance after
back-to-school shopping ends. Lots of times it’s
cheaper than the actual back-to-school sales.”
– Sheila S.

“I start a back-to-school supply list very
early on — checking and adding to it
until I know for sure that everything
needed is on there. Then, I make one big
trip to the stores. It prevents me from
having to waste time with multiple trips
because of forgott en supplies!”
– Rebecca L.

“With fi ve kids, but only four in public schools,
I make everyone get their own cart at the store
and go on a scavenger hunt themselves (I still
help if they get stuck). During checkout, I
make sure to keep their items separate in the
checkout lane so they don’t get mixed up when
placed in the bags. This saves SO much time by
not having to sort their stuff later on.”
– Anh N.

“I purchase basic school supplies at
Value Village thrift shop. If you go on
a discount day you can spend even
less. They often have new, packaged
supplies. Since I’m a teacher, I also
shop there throughout the year to
replenish items in my classroom.”
– Bonnie G.

“For school lunches, Nina’s
Flying Needle in Annapolis has
the best reusable snack bags! We
are obsessed!”
– Kate B.

36 August 2018
washingtonFAMILY.com BEST DRESSED FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
4 Trendy Consignment Shops for Kids:
529 Kids Consign
122A South Royal St.

Alexandria, VA
529 Kids Consign is
an upscale children’s
consignment boutique
specializing in the latest
trends. They call themselves,
“A boutique for hip moms
and cool kids!” You can fi nd
items here from brands like
Gymboree, Jacadi, Janie
and Jack, Juicy Couture,
Mini Boden, Oilily, Petit
Bateau and more.

The Growing Years
10303 Kensington Pkwy.

Kensington, MD
The Growing Years has a
wide-variety of gently used
clothing and shoes — from
adorable infant clothing to
trendy pre-teen styles. They
also offer new and unique
monogrammed jewelry and
accessories. Bonus: As you
shop, your kids can stay
entertained for hours in the
play area with non-stop
Disney movie showings.

Little Birdies Boutique
1526 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C.

Little Birdies Boutique
is located in the heart of
Georgetown. They offer
supper stylish children’s
clothing, shoes and
accessories, as well
as in-house custom
monogramming. You’ll
fi nd high quality and fun
brands like Bella Bliss,
Chloe, Darling Betty, Pixie
Lily, Stella Cove, Magnolia
Baby and Moschino Kids.

You can also shop online at
shoplittlebirdies.com. Little Lords & Ladies
14155 Sullyfi eld Circle
Ste. 1, Chantilly, VA
Little Lords & Ladies is
the largest children’s
consignment shop in the
area. They have thousands
of items to choose from,
sorted by color/size/style.

New items are placed on
the fl oor daily, and prices for
items go down after every
30 days, so you can always
fi nd extra savings!
TAX-FREE Save on qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear and
backpacks when you shop during Maryland and Virginia’s tax-free
holidays in August!
Virginia Tax-Free Weekend:
August 3-5
Maryland Tax-Free Week:
August 12-18
Eligible items:
• Qualifi ed school supplies –
$20 or less per item
• Qualifi ed clothing and
footwear – $100 or less
per item
Eligible items:
• Qualifi ed clothing and
footwear – $100 or less
per item
• Backpacks/bookbags –
fi rst $40 of purchase