Your One-Stop Shop for Family Vacations: How Once Upon A Child Makes Packing Easy (and Affordable!)

Whether you’re headed to the beach, camping in the woods, or cruising to Alaska, packing for a family vacation can feel overwhelming — and expensive. I’ve learned that the best way to take the stress (and sticker shock) out of vacation prep is by starting at Once Upon A Child.

On my last trip there, I was stocking up for our upcoming getaway to the happiest place on earth — think sunny days, pool time, and magical park adventures. I found adorable vacation-ready outfits, swimsuits, sun hats, and even a hard-shell rolling suitcase for Coco — all for under $50 total. Total win! Plus, the Once Upon A Child store we visited had a fun customer appreciation coffee and donut truck! 

While browsing, I actually ran into a friend who was shopping for her kids, too — but for a very different vacation. Her family is heading on an Alaskan cruise, and she scored cozy jackets, boots, and layering pieces to keep the kids warm while sightseeing and exploring.

That’s the magic of Once Upon A Child — it doesn’t matter if your destination is tropical, chilly, or somewhere in between. You’ll find everything from:

• Beachwear: Swimsuits, flip-flops, rash guards, sun hats, sunglasses, and beach toys
• Theme Park Gear: Comfy walking shoes, lightweight clothing, themed outfits, backpacks
• Camping Supplies: Sturdy outerwear, water shoes, weather-friendly outfits, travel games
• Cold Weather Adventures: Jackets, thermals, boots, beanies, and cozy layers
• Travel Must-Haves: Luggage, portable high chairs, travel strollers, and more

And since kids outgrow things so quickly, buying gently-used vacation gear just makes sense — for your wallet and the planet.

So before you book your next vacation, swing by your local Once Upon A Child. You might find more than you expected (and maybe even run into a fellow mom doing the same thing!).

Blog By: Shelbie Todd | @sincerely.shelbie