School is around the corner, which means I’m about to hemorrhage money on shoes, clothes, and gadgets — all while pretending I’m “budget conscious.” Spoiler: I’m not. This is my survival list for getting my teenage son ready without selling a kidney… probably.
1. Shoes: The Olympic Sport of Negotiation
Child: “I want the ones all my friends have.”
Me: “Cool. Do they also have parents with unlimited credit?”
We meet in the middle with sneakers that look like the expensive ones but cost less than my monthly electric bill. Will they still get scuffed in two weeks? Absolutely. But for now, he thinks I’m cool, and that’s worth $159.99.
2. Clothes: Somewhere Between School Uniform & Runway
Teen fashion rules: if it’s cheap, they hate it. If it’s overpriced, they suddenly “need it for their self-esteem.” I managed to score these jeans and this hoodie that pass the “Will He Wear It?” test while keeping my checking account alive. Bonus: I get to strut around pretending I have style too.
3. Backpack: The Locker You Wear
His old backpack is now “embarrassing” — which is weird, because it survived two field trips, one mystery smell, and a chocolate milk explosion. We compromise with this sleek, multi-pocket miracle that can store books, snacks, and maybe my patience when report cards come out.
4. The New-Used iPhone: The Holy Grail of Cool
We “go green” by upgrading him to a certified refurbished iPhone. It’s cheaper, eco-friendly, and apparently restores his ability to exist in his friend group without social ruin. That’s a win for both of us — and my credit card.
Simply Sanely Mom Tip:
Do the shopping now, before the stores turn into a scene from the Hunger Games. And yes — some of these are affiliate links, which means I might earn a tiny commission if you click them. It’s not enough for a yacht, but it might cover my coffee. It doesn’t cost you anything extra to give this site a little extra.