While most people are happy not to think about camp items right now, having just finished packing away their last duffle, Fall is when I do my best camp shopping.

Many overnight camps require some clothing with camp names/logos, usually sold by specific camp clothing providers. These camp stores often have great deals during the Fall months, with sales of 20% off or more, including basic camping gear. When these sales come I print out my camp required clothing/item lists and dig out last season’s camp clothes. I then have my campers try on one of everything, make my best estimate on how much they will grow by next summer, and place orders for the following year. Required camp clothing costs can add up and the savings can be huge!

Another thing I like to do, again depending on what my child’s sleep away camp activities require, is to start collecting costumes. Immediately after Halloween is the best time to shop for costumes. Everything is at least half off. I have found some awesome headgear for “crazy hat nights,” as well as silly dress-up clothes for when they need something fun to wear for an evening activity. This is the perfect time to stock up on items for color war! Tights, necklaces, wacky tee shirts – all on sale!

The question then becomes: What do I do with all this stuff? It’s only October! My advice is to do one of two things. For items that don’t excite my campers (what kid is going to be thrilled with a new egg crate for their mattress,  I store it in their camp duffels (along with the camp list I just printed) so I remember I have it when I start packing next summer. If it’s something I know my kid will be thrilled to have next summer, I wrap it, label it with a sticky note (to remind me what I bought in October!) and save it for the December holidays. My kids enjoy nothing more than opening camping gifts in December. It starts them dreaming about going to camp next summer!

As always, you can find great items on our website www.tipsontripsandcamps.com under Camp Store. Happy Shopping!