Game #8: School supplies That Don't Break the Bank

Replies:

• 
• by
  • ahenry262
  on Aug. 28, 2008 at 3:48 PM

• I would definitely buy everything from walmart, before school season starts.

• 
• by
  • EasternOreMom
  on Aug. 29, 2008 at 3:44 PM

• I watch the ad's did most of this years shopping at Staples and Walgreens,  a few things at Wal Mart but not much. I lucked out and found the Alg. Calculator at a Yard sale for $3 and it works.  I also knew from a friend that he would need a Thumb drive in Dec. so bought it now when it was on sale.   I also by extra  and have a rubbermaid tote I have FULL of supplies.  for during the year.  And still I had to go out an buy a Sketch pad for Art.,  What killed me this year was PE Clothes and Shoes $20 a set and had to have 2 sets purchased thur the school/ and then white tennis shoes with white soles ended up paying $45 size 9 1/2 mens for my  6th grader

   

  Mom of Scotlyn a Football playing, Fishing, and very helpful 6th grade Middle Schooler.

• 
• by
  • LADYLadylady
  on Aug. 29, 2008 at 4:19 PM

• Usually buy, when things go on clearance, for the next year. Couldn't do that last year. This year my eldest took her Girl Scout camping backpack the first two days and my little one took a clear backpack (I think came w/ bed sheets) the first day, but only to find the folder her teacher gave her didn't fit, so she took her Kindergarten backpack, which clearly was not up to second grade standards, the second day. I found Walmart's were more expensive than Kmart's, but I did find spiral notebooks w/ the perforated pages for a nickle. I bought $1 worth. Going back for more! I found nice backpacks and giant magnetic wipe-erase boards $5 each at Five and Below. Also I found a set of five Hanna Montana buttons at Walmart for $2 for Lady to decorate her backpack. I also found 24 packs of pencils at the dollar store, actually for $1. The kind w/ the good erasers!

• 
• by
  • AuntieV
  on Aug. 2, 2009 at 1:17 AM

• I get some school supplies like pens and stickey pads at the doctors office. The pharmacy reps give my doctor so many freebies that they put them out for patients to take home. If I use a pen to sign in that "feels" nice I have even been known to ask if I can have it. They have never refused and it sure beats buying a bunch at back to school time. 

  I was also know as the a Momzilla about the schools requesting "community" supplies. When I purchased  supplies I made it very clear that I was not supplying the whole school with supplies. I would send a note with the supplies stating that all supplies were labeled with child's name and I expected my child to use them. I also made it very clear that if during the year my child would be supplied from home with additional items when they were needed.

  I also lobbied for the PTA to have a "giving barrel" in the school lobby for donations rather than the teachers deciding that each student needed to supply extras for the needy. They would let us know at the PTA meeting what items were needed and we could donate if we wanted by sending them for the "giving barrel" with the kids.

  By the way I always purchase extra crayons, spiral notebooks, notebook paper and pencils at the back to school sales so I am able to replenish during the whole school year and have extras for homework..

  

• 
• by
  • NovaChk
  on Aug. 3, 2009 at 1:36 PM

• At the end of each year, I go through my kids' backpacks and sort through their supplies, put them in a separate sack in their closests and save them for next year, because usually they need the same things most every year (in elementary at least). This has saved us so much money throughout the years.

  I also start shopping as soon as the stores put out the supplies, to make sure I get the items we need, but also to compare prices (we shop all over: Target, Walgreens, Walmart), then I watch the ads for sales and get the items when I'm out & about running errands.

• 
• by
  • fairymom2316
  on Aug. 4, 2009 at 4:10 PM

• Wal-Mart is my answer!!! And buy ahead, little by little. Even if it's one item per paycheck.
  

  
  

  My husband is finally home! =)

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

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