No More/Back-to-School Supply Lists

Because of the new laws in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act retailers are choosing not to offer Back to School List in their stores, for fear of being fined for suggesting items to children under 12 that contain certain amounts of lead, or phthalates. For 16 years I have used a list to buy my kids supplies, and when you don’t have a list, you tend to over spend. Back to school shopping is the second most expensive time of the year behind the holiday season; the average family spent $600 on back to school supplies in 08 totaling $54.1 billion on items for school, clothing and college. Walking into any store without a list is prime for over spending, to help we have created a typical printout for essential Back to school items you use in grades 1st-12th grade. Just click here 

Starting now will save time, money and the stress of over spending with Back to School ...Here’s how...

First, using the printable list take inventory of reusable supplies at home leftover from last year, pack them away, check these items off your list and keep this list with you in your purse. 

Second, all the stores run online weekly ads from Sunday to Sunday. Sign up for the email alerts and check what is available on your list before going to the stores. No need to go shopping if the stores don’t have what you need. Techbargains.com has coupons for the stores below and many others.

Staples – Has a sneak peak of the week ahead and special saving on back to school items, example: 1” Avery Eco-Recyclable binders for $1.98, Dollar Days and Teacher Appreciation day, where the teachers can come in and have free breakfast and receive a free gift. 

Office Depot – Offers Mobile Alerts where you receive offers sent to your cell phone, of what’s on sale right now, Example: Black Sharpie’s 12 packs for $5.99, split with 3 friends and each Sharpie is a steal. 5% back to schools program and a Star Teacher Program, with rewards.

Target – has school supplies out already and I picked up 24 packs of crayons for .24 cents, 4 college ruled multi pack of notebooks for $1.47 and college ruled paper for .57 cents. 

Thirdly, visit A2zdeals.com and down load coupons from your favorite department stores. Take inventory of your child’s clothing and only purchase what is needed to start school, no need to buy a wardrobe before school starts, styles change quickly and one or two outfits are plenty to start off with. The weather stays warm into October, making summer clothes last longer. Buy just the basics, my family loves the KB socks from Costco, can’t beat 9 colorful pairs for $9.99. Buy one bunch and your set for the start of school.

Starting early will save a substantial amount of money. Waiting till the last minute will cost you more money and time trying to find certain items in stock. Starting now will insure that every one in the family starts school with what they need, less stress and more money in the bank.