Shopping Strategy

Planning your purchases strategically can help reduce stress and ensure you have everything you need for your trip.

1-2 Months Before Trip

• Order specialty items that might need alterations
• Purchase investment pieces that you want to break in before the trip (especially shoes)
• Buy any French or European brands that require international shipping

2-3 Weeks Before Trip

• Purchase remaining clothing items
• Buy any baby items that might sell out
• Test all new clothing for comfort and fit

1 Week Before Trip

• Buy toiletries and last-minute essentials
• Purchase travel-sized items
• Make sure all clothing has been washed once to check for shrinkage

In Provence

• Consider purchasing a special local item as a memento
• Visit local markets for authentic Provençal items
• Look for baby items at French stores like Petit Bateau or Jacadi

Some items should definitely be purchased before your departure:

• Sun protection items - Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes - Need to be broken in before the trip
• Basic essentials - Items that might be harder to find abroad
• Baby's favorite items - Familiar clothes or accessories from home
• Special sizes - If you wear uncommon sizes, shop at home where you know what fits

Save luggage space by planning to purchase these items in France:

• Market bags and baskets - Authentic souvenirs from Provençal markets
• Some baby items - Petit Bateau has stores throughout France
• French-brand clothing - Often less expensive in France than when imported
• Local textiles - Provençal prints and fabrics make wonderful souvenirs
• Basic toiletries - French pharmacies are excellent for skincare and baby products

Note: French baby sizing is different from US sizing. French size 12 months is roughly equivalent to US 9-12 months.

Some items are worth investing in for quality, comfort, or longevity:

• One quality linen dress from a French brand - A versatile piece that will last for years
• Comfortable walking shoes - Essential for exploring Provence comfortably
• Versatile bag - That works for travel and everyday use
• Hanna Andersson baby items - Will last through multiple children if needed
• Quality sun hat - Provides proper protection and packs well

Ways to achieve a similar look and functionality at a lower price point:

• Replace Sézane items with similar styles from Mango or H&M - Both offer linen pieces at lower price points
• Choose Carter's or Primary for more baby items instead of European brands - Quality basics at affordable prices
• Focus on 5-7 key pieces for mom rather than full wardrobe - Create a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match items
• Look for end-of-season sales - Summer items often go on sale in early spring
• Consider secondhand options - Especially for baby items that are only worn briefly

Estimated savings with these alternatives: $400-600

Smart packing can make your trip more enjoyable:

• Pack by outfit - Plan complete outfits rather than individual pieces
• Use packing cubes - Keep mom's and baby's items organized separately
• Roll clothes - Saves space and reduces wrinkles
• Pack a laundry bag - Keep dirty clothes separate
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane - Saves luggage space
• Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on - Essential when traveling with a baby

Use this checklist to track your purchases:

For Mom:

• □ 2-3 tops
• □ 2 bottoms
• □ 2 dresses
• □ 2 pairs of shoes
• □ Sun hat
• □ Sunglasses
• □ Versatile bag
• □ Swimwear
• □ Light layer for evenings

For Baby:

• □ 5-6 daytime outfits
• □ 2 pairs of pajamas
• □ Sun hat
• □ UPF swimwear
• □ Light cardigan
• □ Socks
• □ Shoes/sandals (if walking)

Shared Essentials:

• □ Sunscreen (adult and baby formulas)
• □ Travel laundry solution
• □ Packing cubes
• □ Multi-purpose items (scarves, swaddles)