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