Comments on: Saving on School Supplies

By: Melanie

Melanie — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:00:49 +0000

I don’t see the point in buying 3 years worth of school supplies at a time.

Part of the fun of a new school year is getting new supplies. Buy within reason. It will go no sale again.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:23:12 +0000

These are very good tips. Making a list is a must. I also save by buying in bulk and using coupons. Kids are most likely to lose their pens, pencils and other stuff anyway,at least we still have some spares. And coupons help lessen the cost.

By: Berenike

Berenike — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 07:10:31 +0000

Watch office supply stores (Office Max, Staples, etc.) for sales on heavy-duty presentation binders. They cost a bit more, but they’ll last many years. They come with clear sleeves on the front and back, as well as the spine, so kids can slide in a new picture or decorated cover any time they want a new look.

Also, if your school has supply lists for every grade, ask a teacher for one for each year–it will allow you to buy in bulk and put things away for future years. Your child may only be in second grade, but if you find a good sale, it may be easier to buy things for third and fourth grade, as well, and simply store them safely.

By: Donna Freedman

Donna Freedman — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:23:20 +0000

Probably this weekend, but certainly by the end of July, the big-box office stores (Staples et al.) should be running their loss leaders. They may start slowly but if this year is anything like the last few you will be seeing 10-cent notebook paper and 1-cent packages of pencils.

Buy the limit, whether it's three or six. As the OP noted, you will need this stuff all year long. And if you over-buy? You've got a head start for next year.

Also, some of these items make good stocking stuffers, birthday-party favors or small holiday gifts. For example, I packaged 5-cent crayons (24-packs, by the way) with some coloring books I got for 8 cents each on the clearance table after the holidays.

If you don't have kids, please consider buying a few of these super-cheap items and donating them to your local food bank (if they'll take them — the one in my neighborhood is screaming for the stuff, to hand out to parents), social services agency or area school (teachers end up buying stuff for the kids who come to school unprepared). Just a thought. A dollar or less out of your pocket and you've made a HUGE difference in some children's lives.

By: Black Friday Sales

Black Friday Sales — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:47:22 +0000

I always shop after major holidays and buy up the packets of holiday themed pencils, erasers, notebooks etc once they are supremely reduced, thus saving money and having a steady supply of school items on hand.

Warm regards,

Deliah

By: Jenna

Jenna — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:48:50 +0000

Also, make sure you get a list from your future teacher (or school) that way you know exactly what your child needs rather than just blindly guessing.