| For most parents, late August and early | | | | of the bulk order. |
| September means back to school. This is | | | | Not only will this mean better cost |
| the time to start buying school supplies | | | | savings - it additionally saves you all |
| for your children--clothing, bags and | | | | the hassle of finding supplies, shopping |
| the inevitable decisions and arguments | | | | around or dealing with complaints about |
| about whether to buy brand name or no | | | | brands or colors. |
| name products. | | | | ** END OF SEASON CLOTHING ** |
| If you are a parent buying for your | | | | Now is the time to stock up on summer |
| grade school children, you have been | | | | and sport related clothing. If your |
| learning the ropes for a few years now. | | | | child intends be taking part in after |
| Even so, if your child is new to school | | | | school activities like swimming or |
| or you are doing your own school | | | | gymnastics, you can get a great deal |
| shopping for the very first time, you | | | | from clothing stores with their |
| can learn from a heads up on how, what | | | | end-of-season sales. |
| and where to purchase the items you | | | | Pay attention for double-duty clothes |
| need. | | | | that can be worked into fall and winter |
| Here are five tips that will help you | | | | wardrobes as well. Skirts worn with |
| save money AND keep your sanity! | | | | thick tights, tank tops worn layered |
| ** PURCHASE EARLY ** | | | | under long sleeve shirts and sweaters or |
| Wait too long and you are sure to find | | | | cropped pants tucked into high boots are |
| the shelves void at all of your favorite | | | | all trends that move summer staples into |
| discount stores. If your biggest concern | | | | trendy fall and winter wardrobes. |
| is getting a good deal, start shopping | | | | As a note of caution: make certain you |
| early. | | | | are aware of school dress codes when |
| There will be plenty of supplies on | | | | making style choices. Some schools |
| special by August. Do not forget dollar | | | | forbid bare shoulders or skirts shorter |
| stores for low prices on pens, paper and | | | | than a standard length. |
| a myriad of additional essential items. | | | | ** FINDING THE RIGHT BAG ** |
| If you have waited too long already, | | | | Do not forget the bag! Kids bags are |
| your first bet is stationary or office | | | | often far too large and weighty for them |
| supply stores. While they may not always | | | | which leads to sore muscles and even |
| be the cheapest, they are more likely to | | | | headaches. Try to select a backpack that |
| keep their accessories in stock. You | | | | sits no lower than the waist and look |
| will also protect yourself from running | | | | for styles with padded shoulder straps |
| about considering they are sure to | | | | and a waist strap for additional |
| possess all things you need. | | | | support. |
| ** BUY IN BULK ** | | | | Teens and college bound students may |
| If you have a few friends that require | | | | prefer the look of hobo bags and slouchy |
| supplies for their kids (or college | | | | purses, but heavy books are best carried |
| buddies), ponder buying in bulk at | | | | in a backpack that is properly worn. |
| membership stores or other bulk stores. | | | | Carrying a pack on one shoulder is just |
| You may not be capable to get everything | | | | as damaging as a purse. If you still |
| you need but essentials like paper, pens | | | | prefer a sac or bag find one that has a |
| and the like can be loaded up and split | | | | strap that crosses above the body to |
| among everyone saving you money. | | | | spread the weight. |
| ** BUY THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL ** | | | | The beginning of the school year can be |
| If your school has not previously | | | | both exciting and stressful for parents |
| brought in a pre-packaged purchasing | | | | and children. Take your kids shopping at |
| system, inquire about it. If each | | | | clothing stores and supply stores to |
| classroom has a basic package then | | | | prepare them for another memorable year |
| parents and students can split the costs | | | | at school. |