Yep, it happens once a year, usually at this time when everyone seems to need at least something and I decide to bit the bullet and go to Kohl's.

It happened yesterday with 4/5 of the kids. The remaining 1/5 went earlier in the week and I spent $37.61 OOP (A dress suitable for NHS induction and Christmas was $33.99 and a winter sweater was $19.99). I had a $10 off coupon and daughter put in $10 of her allowance because sweater was more of a want/need.

If only yesterday had been so easy: I spend just over $300. That got: one medium warmth winter coat (Columbia/I try to invest in decent coats as they move on down through the boys over the years), on Nike winter hat, one Nike hat/glove combo, two pairs of Nike gym shoes, two Christmas sweaters for boys, one Christmas dress for younger daughter, and a winter sweater for same daughter. I ended up with $60 Kohls cash that I'll use for DH's Christmas gift.

At $300, I probably could have done better at different stores shopping sales/discounts, etc. However at $240 (which is what I consider I spent given the Kohls cash) I think I did reasonably well.

I'm also investing in better shoes for the boys. Payless Shoes just don't hold up and if they at least look "cool" they are easier to pass down.

I defrayed a second winter coat by offering to spruce up a gently used North Face for 2nd son. He was in need of hat/gloves so he was very happy with the Nike combo he picked.

Still sticking to NEEDS versus WANTS. Spending was definitely within reason. Put it on the Chase Sapphire which has a decent reward after $3K.