Back to School with Visa Canada! #Giveaway
Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.
If you’ve been following my blog posts and tweets, you’ll know that this is – GULP – the first “back” to school shopping I’ve ever experienced… yup, my little guy is starting JK next week!
(Sit tight… I feel an emotional moment coming on. False alarm, it was just a sneeze.)
Hence, it’s been pretty surreal for me – because let’s face it, I really don’t know what I’m doing with this whole school shopping thing. Clothes? Shoes? Lunch box? Do they still make lunch boxes? Or is it all about the lunch bags now?
( ← This was the lunch box I wanted when I was small. Pretty sure I never would’ve used that flask, though.)
As you know, 99% of the time I’m on online shopping ninja, preferring to surf in the comfort of my own yoga pants home. I’m not alone; according to a July 2012 survey of Canadian online shoppers commissioned by Visa Canada for back-to-school, a whopping 72% of Canadian shoppers plan to take their shopping online.
This number does not surprise me at all. I mean, who wants to brave the mall crowds? And, it’s not like Christmas shopping when adults go alone; this time, they’re dragging their whiny kids with them! It’s actually quite daunting.
Well, the good news is that Ryder is enrolled in a swanky school which requires a swanky uniform, so I didn’t have to put much thought into his clothes. Did you know that the average Canadian spends $677 on back to school shopping? Yep, his FALL uniform alone certainly put a dent in that. #firstworldproblems
When that was taken care of, I did something very uncharacteristic… I crossed the border and shopped in person. Scandalous! I actually went against the norm for most people – this year, Canadians plan to keep the majority of their online spend within Canadian borders (72%), while 83% of their in-store purchases will also be local. However, we happened to be in Niagara Falls over the weekend, and no trip to The Falls is complete without making a run for the border – and Target, to be exact.
SO happy we popped in. Found two perfect pairs of shoes (for under $20 each!). First, a pair of black uniform shoes for just $19.99, and next, Paul Frank for Target (!) sneakers for just $18.99. Coupled with a lunch bag for $4.99, I’d say he’s ready for his first day of school!
(Side note: THIS is why I can’t wait for Target to arrive in Canada. I mean, c’mon, Paul Frank for Target? So awesome. When was the last time you saw “Insert Celebrity Designer Here” for The Bay?)
If you are shopping online (or in-store) for back to school items this year (hint: try the first week after school starts for even better sales and savings!) be sure to check Visaperks.ca first. Yes, it’s safe to say I’ve had a love affair with the site for some time. Habitual Visa-slinging shoppers such as myself will appreciate the perks that come with being a patron; the discounts are often an unexpected, sweet incentive. Case in point:
- Purchase any regular-priced merchandise totaling $99 or more at scholarschoice.ca with your Visa card and receive a $15 discount
- Purchase from an assortment of select Dell PC’s, such as XPS Notebooks (LOVE my #XPS13!) and Desktops with your Visa card, and save up to $200
- Purchase select regular-priced adidas merchandise with your Visa card and receive a 20% discount
Click here for more Visaperks.ca offers.
This September, although I’m still a little shaky emotionally, I’m quick tickled with my first foray into back to school shopping. With just under a week to go, best of luck to all my readers and their kiddos!
Want to offset some of those shopping bills? One lucky reader will win a $50 Prepaid Visa Gift Card courtesy of Visa Canada! Simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
Well, that’s a tough question. I do my school via correspondence so technically I’m buying all that off the internet (text books, labs, other materials) but the books and binders and things I buy in town!
I could use this.
We do a big chunk of it in store and the bigger items, we get them online.
most will be instore but some will be online
A bit of both – I bought some uniform shirts online last year during the sale – and scored some stride rite leather school shoes at Winners in store (last year I paid $60 a pair for the same brand of shoes!). Am still going to use their lunchboxes and backpacks from last year – so we’re good to go :-)
in-store
We do a bit of both, some things online that we can’t get in town, but some local as well.
I’ll complete shopping in store but have done alot on line so far
We did most in store with the rest being sent via Grandma
I do a bit of both
Only in store, we don’t need a whole bunch, son is done school and daughter has decided its more economical to re-use most of her stuff from last yr
I completed all my shopping in store
I shop mostly in store, but sometimes online when there’s a good deal.
In store… I buy things online VERY rarely, mostly just books from Amazon! I don’t think I’ve ever bought a clothing item online! I much prefer to try clothes on, and to see items in person before I purchase them.
In store, not exciting on line!
Unfortunately, most of it had to be done in store as I could not find all the kids school supplies online.
Online! Good way to avoid the crowds.
Big box stores work for me.
Most of it in-store with a few online purchases.
Online for sure! Way more options! :)
Thjs year it was mostly in-store as it’s my first back to school shopping that wasn’t for me. My son is also starting JK. So I let him choose most of the things.
Instore
I like shopping in store for school stuff, get a better idea of what Im getting, plus I like the sales
Both
I will be doing mine instore
thanks
online
I usually buy instore so I can return right away if it doesn’t fit.
I do about 75% in store, and the rest online.
We will do alot of our shopping in the stores for school.
silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com
in store! i love picking out the items! i get a thrill from shopping!
I plan on keeping most of my shopping online. Back to school is crazy enough without fighting the crowds!
All of it is done in-store.
In store once my daughter goes to kindergarten.
When I did back to school shopping, most of it was done in store.
We do a bit of both. Some great deals online but it’s not the same as going out with the kids to get them prepared.
Most of my shopping will be done in store. I hate paying crazy shipping fees.
In stores.
I prefer in store shopping because you can make sure to get the right item and dealing with delivery issues can be a hassle.
Definitely in store.
I do my back-to-school shopping in stores!
I did both, online and in store shopping.
A bit of both, but mostly instore
Don’t like to pay for shipping and handling – all my shop is done in store – my poor feet !
Mostly done at the last moment in store.
In store
I have completed most of it online,but finished it up today at Walmart!
ksceviour at hotmail dot com
I’m almost done and i did it all instore
I shop in store. Chances are I will find some unadvertised specials.
Probably alittle of both :)
Ill complete mine online!
In store
I enjoy both – as you call it …Jedi in training thru clearance piles and ninja online!
I could totally use this as I’m heading back to work this week .. gulp.
in the store
Backto-school shopping in stores. I’ve not gotten into online shopping yet.
I will do a bit of shopping both online and in the stores this year and probably every year forward :)
I’ll be shopping in stores this year and on a side note I think I had that lunchbox as a kid and even used that flask! What a memory. I can still smell the lunchroom.
Mostly in-store. Easier to find specials.
Mine will be done in stores.
in store
A little bit of everything – wherever I can find a bargain.
My hubby does most of the shopping at the mall for our daughter.
Online
I’m kind of a “shop all year ’round” kind of gal. Lol. I bought Charlotte’s school shoes and boots at the Olly Warehouse sale back in the spring (although my hubby says it’s not “saving” if I buy 7 pairs. I disagree given I was able to buy several pairs of GEOX winter boots, a pair of gold-toned leather riding boots, New Balance running shoes etc. for less than $250). I bought her 2 pairs of Keen’s (less than half-price) at Winners in the summer. As for clothes — again, an ongoing affair. I almost buy NOTHING online (unless it’s a cute tutu or something, lol). I shop all the end of season sales (Carters, Oshkosh, Gymboree, Baby Gap etc.) and I also go to mom-to-mom sales in the fall and in the spring. That being said, I will confess I do buy things at (gasp) full price when I think they’re adorable. Oh, here’s a tip — I just picked up Charlotte’s “big girl backpack and lunchbox” yesterday at Baby Gap — where they’re clearing them out at 50% off. (Which is a savings, given I’d fully intended to buy her a set at Pottery Barn, at twice the price). Of course, I then spent over a $100 on a snowsuit for her at Baby Gap (no sale), so I’m not quite the frugal mama you are. But come on — they sell out of the sizes/pieces so quickly! (That is my justification, and I’m sticking to it).
In store as I prefer the kids to see what they buy. They change their minds too much already.
We complete most in store while on vaction in Oregon! No sales tax and lots of outlet stores!
In store this year
I’ve done about half and half
Will be doing in-store.
in stores
Both. School supplies offered for purchase online through our school. Thought I’d give it a try. Clothing purchases in-store with research online
Mostly instore
A bit of both actually!
I will complete my in store this year
I like to buy things when I see them, but for school related items it’s all in store.
I’ll complete it in-store but do a lot of browsing online first.
rafflecopter name: Lisa K
in store because I left it too late to do it online
Still shopping mostly offline and not on.
I prefer to shop in person.
In store…
Mostly in store.
I do 80% of my shopping online because I just don’t have time to shop store to store for deals. Working full-time and attending college maxes out the day.
I did most of it instore, although I scoped everything out online first ;)
This would be awesome as I always need stuff with a newborn.
My son didn’t need much this year except for a microwave. Bought it in store. Got a great deal at a Zellers going out of business sale.
Looks like u found great deals :) I work w children so I tend to buy supplies on an as needed basis both in stores and online.
I buy from the weekend sales in store, tend to use the flyer to price match at stores that will do so though..
Depends on what I’m buying – mostly instore.
In store this year
Both… but I do more on-line shopping these days!
my back to school shopping is done in store
Stores… Always!
A little of both, although ours is just getting ready for fall shopping since we are not at the school stage yet
mostly in stores, I only buy things online occasionally & I’ve never had any luck with clothes
I do most online since I live in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! lol…
I don’t have kids/go to school myself, but I love still getting in the back to school spirit and picking up some new things for fall! Normally a mix between online and in stores.
On stores for sure!
Either works – where I can find the best deal.
in-store
No kids old enough to be in school but it doesn’t stop me from picking up some great deals-in store and online!
90% online had to hit the stores to try on pants to get sizing but ended up buying them online – better prices
I prefer in store shopping!
will be finishing it in store, once I know everything my son needs
in store, and maybe cross border shopping for back to school
in-store
mostly in-store.
Probably all in-store.
sadly in stores!!!! Need 4 kids to try clothes on!!!
still prefer brick stores
My boys are grown so I don’t have to do any back to school shopping but I used to take them with me to the stores to try everything on.
so far its the store thats in the lead!
Combo of in store and online
I like shopping in person mainly but there have been a few ebay and amazon purchases throughout the year.
In store — it makes it easy to grab things that don’t easily come to mind!
I did my back to school clothes shopping online and for the supplies we went to Wal-Mart. So we did half and half! :)
Mostly done in store
I shop mostly in stores
In store. While I like the convenience of online shopping, I do love to go in to stores and touch stuff.
I did about 90% of my back to school shopping online this year. I love the opportunity to get it done from my desk…uhh…I mean my couch at home…and not have to schlep through the chaos in the malls. In addition, I oftentimes find the pricing to be much better online, what with sales and coupon codes.
Brick and mortar for the most part.
As most stores are closing in my community, I prefer online for choice.
Shopping online only!
My shopping was done all in stores.
In store mostly but for some items online works better.
I thought it would be online but it turned out to be mostly in-store this time.
In store – I like being able to actually touch things.
Definitely in store!
All purchased in store. :)
When I have the time I like to buy at the store.
Most of it will be instore so that everyone can try everything on.
When I have the time I prefer in-store so I can look around for other items.
I did all my back to school shopping instore.
In store
in store
I did most on-line.
(entered as Jennifer)
Depends on my mood.
In store this year! It was very minimal and I was lucky :)
Mostly a tradionalist – in-store for the most items.
Instore
online
All in-store.
It will be all in-store for me.
In store
I did all of my back to school shopping in store.
Most of my shopping was done in store.
Actually Im not a big fan of online shopping. I like to see and feel the things Im buying AND try them on. Call me old fashioned …!
Mostly instore but online when there’s a great bargin.
Up until recently I mainly shopped online. The convenience of choosing what I want when I want it is too tempting to pass up, so I now buy everything (except groceries) online.
No rules – whatever I feel like at the time.
I complete most of my shopping instore!
instores… when i buy stuff online ..half of the time the stuff don’t even arrive…
I did it all in store this time – my first real back to school shopping – had to experience it.
Some of both but mainly instore
Online!
Just gotta say, first time entering… love the Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox. Just bought a Strawberry Shortcake tin from 1982 a little while ago. I’m pretty sure I might carry one now if I bought one for myself.
Usually instore when I see a good special.
Depends on the situation and what I feel like doing.
all done in stores
definitely in store shopping
In store to support our local economy :)
I like to touch and feel things I buy so I’m an instore person for the most part.
Online, I can not drive so online shopping is a saviour for me!
We aren’t quite ready for back to school.. but we get our markers, paper, etc. in stores as locally as we can.
I’ve done both but prefer instore.
in store
I did most online and a couple little things in store!
20th – correct tweet link is – https://twitter.com/Vesper1931/status/248781924926103552
We did most in the store. But I like to shop for Christmas all online, which is what I would save this for!
I will complete my back to school shopping both online and instore
mostly I’m an instore shopper.
Partial to instore but not opposed to online when necessary.
In store
In store. Only thing i got online was lunch boxes.
So much more interesting visiting the store.
Instore is my perferred way
I did a bit of both.
Cheers.
We need to support our local stores – I’m an instore shopper.
in-store
in store
online for sure!
I do most of my shopping in store. I like to be able to look at and touch things before I buy them.
In-store so I can see what I’m buying.
Love Target all we need now is Kohls
in store shopping is so much more fun!
Did all of mine in the store – it’s more fun!
I do most of my shopping “in store”. Love the Paul Frank shoes!
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
both in store and online
Most of my clothes shopping was done online.
janicebudgellpollard at hotmail dot com
Online shopping is a last resort for me – I’ll take instore anytime.
In-store.
All in store this year
In-store – a great getaway.
Online and in the store
In-store when I have the time to do so
The kids are taken care of for back to school. Now for some back to mama shopping.
In store because my autistic boys are very picky!
I’d rather buy in-store – I like seeing exactly what I’m buying
I like to research online but shop in person.
I bought most of my stuff in store this year. But I do buy quite a bit online usually.