Back with a Bang

Smart Supply Stocking

Getting those lists of needed supplies in the middle of the summer is exciting, yet can also be stressful. We asked readers how they master their school supplies shopping for their kids. Here are their tips:

Esty Reich I go school supply shopping for the basics at cheap places, either in store or online, and save a lot of money. Dollar Tree has some great basics, as does Dollar General, and they both have websites. Then we fill in the missing items with cute stuff from other places.

Shira Schorr I turn school supply shopping into “special time with Mommy.” After a summer of fun, the kids usually dread getting those school supply lists from school. I started this tradition a few years ago to instill positive energy into the start of the school year. I take one child at a time (morning or nights depending on age and my schedule), and we have a special outing to shop for school supplies! Win, win.

Breindy Luss I have a large family so I do bulk shopping alone, and then set up my own school supplies “store” in the basement with all the basic necessary supplies. This includes folders, binders, composition notebooks, pens, pencils, and so on. Each kid comes and “shops” for what he needs.