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