It’s almost here! It’s a funny phenomenon, when you’re 9 months pregnant everyone you encounter in that last week or so asks you if you’re “ready for it to be over”, and when you’re a stay at home (work from home, none of us “stay”) mom, the last week or two before school is the time when everyone you come into contact with asks you if you’re “ready for school to start”. I always answer with an exhausted “YES!” Of course, if I were to be totally honest I’d admit that yes there’s some reservation and sadness about my kids heading off to another year at school and growing year older but this year in particular is a celebratory one – it’s the first in thirteen years that I’ll be alone – at home – all day long (!!!)
Back to school prep has been coming along smoothly, and this summer we’ve had some extra help thanks to a partnership with Sport Chek and Canadian Tire, who sent us an awesome assortment of items to get us back to school ready.
Elijah, going into grade 8 and his last year before he moves on to high school (guh!) is sporting a look I’ve loved since I was a grade 8 girl – a boy wearing a hoodie (in this case his football team hoodie) and vest layered is such a great look! This vest is Sport Chek’s The North Face Harway Vest ($109.99), which is the perfect layer for transitioning through to the colder season. This insulated vest will boost your core warmth when the temperature drops! You know, when 13 year old boys decide that a hoodie alone is perfectly acceptable when it’s 0 degrees out. I’m hoping he’ll throw on the vest as an extra layer and then realize how warm it is (and that mom is always right!) Among the other fun items he’ll be going back to school with, a FitBit Flex 2 just like the one I have. While I use my FitBit to encourage me to get my steps in, this kid will be using it to ensure he doubles mine I’m sure. Still, I like that he has a device to keep him accountable on those days he’d rather put in the XBox hours.
Nevaeh, going into grade 4, is fierce in her Diadora Girls Hug Me Hoodie ($33.74) which lives up to its name – super soft and cozy, this hoodie will take her right through fall and will be perfect through the winter in school is a cozy layer. Her Firefly Girls Graphic Tee ($14.99) compliments the look well, and I’m crushing hard on her Adidas Girls Superstar shoes ($84.99).
Everleigh, oh my little bug! Off to grade 1 this girl goes and she’s been ready since she started scooting at 4 months old. My youngest has always been the one most eager to grow up and off she goes. OK, yes, this is the point on the first day of school that I become a sobbing mess. She’s ready to go in her adidas Girls Logo T Shirt ($20.99), Gravity Skinny Jeans ($24.99, yes Sport Chek has jeans!), and Under Armour Prism Shoes ($59.99). She even has a “big girl” backpack instead of the character ones of years past – this Dakine Girls Grom 13L Backpack ($44.99).
I take a photo like this every year before school starts, and wow are those shoes getting bigger! Elijah’s Puma Men’s Tsugi Blaze Shoes ($119.99) are size 9.5!
Finally, everyone needs a space to call their own, and the middle child lucked out with this beautiful furniture combo from Canadian Tire! The CANVAS Clara Desk ($199.99) is a gorgeous shade of grey, with a large drawer including built in dividers inside for important items like crayons, markers, and her glasses case. Currently used for colouring and playing school with her sister, I’m so happy she will have a space to get homework done this school year. The CANVAS Blaire Office Chair ($139.99) in white just completes the overall clean, modern look.
Thanks to Sport Chek and Canadian Tire we are more than ready for back to school and beyond. Am I ready to have the entire house to myself after thirteen years of pitter patter under-foot? That remains to be seen.
These are some great back to school suggestions! Thanks!
So thankful there is a Canadian Tire where we live! So many nice finds online and in store!
My daughter just bought a pair of Adidas at Sport Chek as well!
I really appreciate all these back to school suggestions and I am so grateful to live close to a Sports Chek and a Canadian Tire.We do alot of our shopping at both places.
love canadian tire they have so many things to choose from, wish we had a sport chek here used to love the one in Edmonton when I lived there
Some nice clothing and I love that chair!!
Haha… I love how your girls are still willing models and your son has graciously bowed out ๐
I love the idea of a vest. Cool enough, but really warm, too.
You’ve picked up some great items whilst shopping for back to school, I love the desk and chair.
I had no idea that Sport Chek was a one-stop shop for back-to-school wear!
Love Sport Chek, they have great back to school gear and for mom’s too!
oh I always enjoy reading your articles. its true time to get back to quite time but we miss the kids at home
Thanks for the suggestions,love their outfits !
I love the clothing looks and the desk and chair is especially nice.
I love that white chair in front of the desk!
Sports Check has some great items. I love Canadian Tire, I shop there all the time.
I was prepping all summer for my daughter to enter into grade 3 at a new school. Went off without a hitch ๐
Great suggestions! I love that desk and never would have thought to explore Canadian Tire for furniture!
Super back to school finds for the kids, they look great!
I love shopping at Sport Check & Canadian Tire, they both have a good variety of products.
I’m really digging the CANVAS Clara desk. It’s so beautiful and functional
Love this list of ideas. Back to school definitely involves looking and feeling good.
Really great choices at both locations! I don’t tend to think of CT for furniture, but they do have a great selection
I love shopping at sport Check and canadian tire – swear between the two stores I can find nearly everything I need!!!!
We love Sport Chek especially when it comes to back to school and Canadian Tire well who doesnt love that store. Can find so many great things there.
Sport Chek and Canadian Tire are two of my favourite stores. They have amazing things for back to school!
We love shopping at Short Chek! I always find what I’m looking for!
Question about the desk – does a chair fit under it? It looks like it doesnโt so how does one air comfortably without legs underneath it? Just ordered one and worried!
The chair in the photo, with the arms, doesn’t slide under. If you had a stool or something it would fit. I’m not sure on the rest of your question, what you mean specifically?