TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — Holiday shopping is as much of a tradition for some families as putting up the Christmas tree, but pricier.

Now, though, students at one Hillsborough County elementary school are ahead of the rush — all of their shopping is complete, thanks to a special holiday shop on campus. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Roar Store at Temple Terrace Elementary School is open to students year round

  • Students can use points earned throughout the year for good behavior to purchase items from the store

  • Items can be donated to be "sold" in the Roar Store by dropping them off at Temple Terrace Elementary

  • School administrators say the store rewards good behavior and teaches students valuable lessons about finance

Temple Terrace Elementary’s “Roar Store” holiday shop is officially open for its holiday shoppers.

Rosalee Torres and her classmate Brandon Williams were some of the first shoppers, and they were on a mission.

“I’m going to shop for my mom and dad,” said Rosalee.

"And I’m going to shop for my mom and dad, too,” Brandon added.

At Temple Terrace Elementary, the Roar Store is open to students year round, but this time of year, it’s a special holiday shop where students can “purchase” gifts for their families.

“Definitely this, for my dad,” Brandon said, holding up a mug. “Every single night, he will love this for his tea, so he can drink his tea.”

There are some pretty hefty price tags on some items in the store, like $100 purses that Rosalee is looking at for her mom.

“This would be a silly one for her,” she said, holding up a blue furry purse with the Wonder Woman logo on the front. 

She explained that students pay for things in the store using points they’ve earned throughout the school year for good behavior. 

“So you’re not paying $100 for this little silly purse, all you’re doing is shopping for your family and you don’t have to worry about the prices," Rosalee said. "Like, ‘Oh, I don’t think I can afford this, but it’s really cute.'”

Since money isn’t an issue, even the youngest shoppers, like first grader Dakota, who was shopping for her mom and grandmother, can be proud of the gifts they’re able to give their families.

Dakota has a budget of 30 points she said she’s earned this school year by, “listening, following directions, stay in line properly, put your hand behind your back."

School administrators say the Roar Store teaches students many valuable lessons, like the importance of earning “money” and budgeting. 

“We have the option to save up, or spend, so it’s really good,” said Rosalee.

The Roar Store’s merchandise is all donated, and the school is always accepting items to keep it fully stocked. Anyone interested in making a donation can drop off items at Temple Terrace Elementary during school hours.