If you have a child, you know that mid-way through summer the school issues its list of needed school supplies and in the next few weeks you will be trudging off to the local discount department store in search of pens, paper, folders, a new lunch bag, and some spiffy new school shoes. This is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids and parents both. A new school year is on the horizon and kids are excited to see their friends again, learn new lessons, and embark on another nine months that will bring them closer to graduation and adulthood. Parents love the idea their children are learning but they also love the fact they can get them out of the house, socializing, busy, and active for at least six hours each day. Getting the backpack filled up with new supplies is just the beginning of the exciting journey. And while specific supplies have changed over the years, some things on the list stay the same. You may find you need Macbook parts or your child is requesting iPhone parts but front and center on the list are pencils, erasers, pencil cases, and familiar items you had when in school. Many of these schoolhouse staples are also needed around the house and because the sale prices are so low during back-to-school shopping, it is a great time to stock up for everyone who is not matriculating.
Even those not in schools use many of the supplies on school lists. During back-to-school shopping, stores often create budget packs and you are able to purchase pens and pencils in bulk. This is a great way to stock up for the house. How often do you need a pen or pencil and there are none to be found? If you have a few hundred stored in the linen closet or desk drawer, you will never be without a writing instrument. How about school boxes? Chances are it will be tough to find them any other time through the year, but in late summer you can pick them up for under a dollar. These are great for organizing the house and you can use them in desk drawers, workshops, or for craft supplies. Pencil cases are also handy too, especially if you are an adult with a collection of markers or colored pencils.
You may want to get a jump on some holiday shopping while you are at it. By mid-school year when kids have winter break they are usually dealing with ratty supplies used up from fall. You can stuff stockings with erasers, notebooks, and rulers. Book covers often wear out pretty quickly so if you pick up a package of fun, colorful covers in the fall, they will come in handy when the ripping and tearing begins. Finally, the folder and notebook supply in late summer is like no other time of year. If you need folders during the year, you will only have to pick from basic, plain colors. But if you buy them during school shopping season, you will have your choice of cartoon characters, rock stars, athletes and cute and cuddly animals.
Leave a Reply