10+ Genius Hacks To Save Money On Back To School Shopping

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10+ Hacks To Save Money On Back To School Shopping – here are over 10 practical hacks to help you save money on back to school shopping. From money saving hacks for supplies to clothes these tips and tricks will help you save hundreds of dollars this year.

here are over 10 practical hacks to help you save money on back to school shopping. From money saving hacks for supplies to clothes these tips and tricks will help you save hundreds of dollars this year. #backtoschool #savemoneybacktoschool #waystosavemoneyonbacktoschool #savemoneyschoolsupplies #moneysavingtipsbacktoschool

Did I ever tell you folks that I was a teacher?

I’ve taught everything from first grade through 11th and every summer when I drafted my school supply list I struggled with trying to save money on back to school shopping for parents and including everything kiddos would need for the entire school year.

In my last three years of teaching I actually came up with a system where I’d call each and every kiddo’s family on my class list and arrange for parents to give me money so that I would buy all the school supplies for my entire classroom for the entire year. This was a great way to save money on back to school shopping for my students families.

I’d essentially create a school supply fund that I’d use to purchase everything from pencils to Kleenex boxes so that every kiddo in my room had exactly what they would need. In order to do this I’d shop deals and scour for the best prices so I could come up with the lowest fixed amount contribution I could. This was a very effective way to save money on back to school shopping.

It worked well for my groups because parents were happy to have the burden of school supply shopping off their plate,  every kiddo ended up with the same supplies and I could save money on back to school shopping by applying my teacher discount at various stores in our area that gave teachers a little kickback on supplies. Win. Win. Win.

Did you know that in 2010 (yes dated but for the purposes of this discussion it  works well) the average American family spent about $600 on back to school per child? That’s a heap of money isn’t it? If you’ve got 2 kids we’re talking $1200 which is a hefty amount of money to dish out in one shot at the end of the summer know what I mean?

In a perfect world, parents would put aside a few dollars every week and save up for this expense but I know all too well how difficult saving any money at all can be when you’re faced with costly living expenses.

So, today I want to share a few tips for back to school shopping that will hopefully reduce the expense and financial burden on your family as we approach a fresh and brand new school year.

10+ Genius Hacks To Save Money On Back To School Shopping

Money Saving Tips For Buying Kids Clothes

Top hacks to save money on back to school shopping. #backtoschool #backtoschoolshopping #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshoppingtips #savemoneybacktoschool #budgetbacktoschool #shoppingbacktoschoolonabudget

#1 Consignment shop barter deal

Got a local consignment shop in your area? Well, I’m sure you’ve also got a heap of clothes that no longer fit your kiddo laying around in drawers and closets. Why not give them a call and see if they’ll make you an equal trade? This is my favorite way to save money on back to school shopping  Not all stores do this but you’d still be surprised at how many do. An equal trade means they’ll either give you a piece by piece trade or they’ll value what you’re bringing in and give you immediate store credit. If you can manage to pull this off you’ll be spending basically nothing to get your kiddo(s) a new school wardrobe.

#2 Craigslist/Facebook Group barter deal

Same as above. Get online whether that be your favorite local Facebook buy and sell group or on Craigslist and see if you can find another family willing to trade out clothing and other school accessories.

#3 Shop sales and discounts

Around this time of year major retailers are having great sales to help reduce the costs of back to school wardrobe shopping. If you’re confident you can get sizes right get online via Amazon or a similar seller and take advantage of reduce costs and free shipping!

#4 Shop Garage Sales

August is an awesome month for garage sales. I know tons of families who have garage sales right before the start of a new school year to unload the stuff their kiddos no longer need. Take advantage and build a super cool back-to-school wardrobe for your kiddo at a tiny fraction of the cost.

Money Saving Tips For Scoring Cheap School Supplies

Top hacks to save money on back to school shopping. #backtoschool #backtoschoolshopping #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshoppingtips #savemoneybacktoschool #budgetbacktoschool #shoppingbacktoschoolonabudget

#5 Create a list and a budget

Shopping by a list is a sure way to save money and only buy what you need. If you’re school doesn’t provide you with a list for your child stick to buying essentials that you know your kiddo will need. If you can stay away from pricey novelty items (think binders with paw patrol characters) because the mark up on these products is astronomical.

#6 Shop the list and only the list

School supply shopping can be an exciting time for parents and kiddos alike and there may be a tendency to overbuy if you’re not careful. So, another essential way to save money on back to school shopping is to stick to the list! Sticking to your list to make sure you get only what you need will save you a ton of money. If something is missing or your child runs out part way through the school year you can always pick up an item or two that you need.

#7 Hit up your local dollar store

The dollar store offers a great selection of school supply items at tiny prices. This is another great and super easy way to save money on back to school shopping. The dollar store is a great place for pencils, paper, coloring pencils, glue, highlighters, paper clips, staples and even copy books. Peruse through your local dollar store and see what deals you can score!

#8 Source Supplies Online

Sometimes online shopping provides the best deal. Sometimes not. Always have a look online to see if you can score some of your required supplies at a lower price. Here are a few online alternatives that are cheaper than store prices. Keep in mind that I’m comparing to the cost of supplies in my area so these might not be the cheapest alternative for your family. Always price match before committing!

Top hacks to save money on back to school shopping. #backtoschool #backtoschoolshopping #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshoppingtips #savemoneybacktoschool #budgetbacktoschool #shoppingbacktoschoolonabudget

  1. Paper Mate InkJoy 100RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens 
  2. Elmer’s Liquid School Glue, Washable, Pack of 12
  3. Sharp EL-501XBGR Scientific Calculator
  4. Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 12-Count 
  5. Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Cosmic Color, Limited Edition, 24 Count 
  6. Mead Spiral Notebook 1-Subject, 70-Count, Wide Ruled, 4 Pack 
  7. Mr. Sketch  Scented Twistable Crayons, Assorted Colors, 12-Count 
  8. Packit Freezable Lunch Bag, Assorted Colors 
  9. KITTRICH – Stretchable Book Covers Jumbo Size 
  10. Everest Basic Backpack, Assorted Colors 

save money on back to school shopping: A Few Back to School ideas to keep in mind

Top hacks to save money on back to school shopping. #backtoschool #backtoschoolshopping #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshoppingtips #savemoneybacktoschool #budgetbacktoschool #shoppingbacktoschoolonabudget

#9 It’s not all our nothing

Often times parents would come to me asking if it was necessary to buy everything on the list all at once.

The honest answer is no – it is absolutely not necessary.

If money is an issue it’s perfectly okay and acceptable to buy your child a starter kit (the bare essentials they need to get them through the first few months of school) and then supplement as you go!

So, don’t feel pressured to buy everything in one shot if you really can’t afford it. School supply lists in our district are more of a one-time buy all to keep things simple for parents but more often than not kiddos wont touch a good chunk of those supplies until well into the school year.

#10 There’s still time to side hustle and earn a bit of extra cash

There’s still a good amount of time until the start of the of the school year for most kiddos who follow a September start schedule.

If you know that money is tight why not have a garage sale of your own or take up one of these 50 side hustles to put away a bit of cash to lessen the financial burden of back to school shopping.

#11 Try avoiding using credit cards unless you know you can pay it off in full

If at all possible avoid buying school supplies and school clothes on credit unless you can pay for it in full to avoid racking up debt. There are quite a few ways you can make a little side-cash to pay for back to school needs without accruing any consumer debt!

What is your favorite part of back-to-school shopping?

here are over 10 practical hacks to help you save money on back to school shopping. From money saving hacks for supplies to clothes these tips and tricks will help you save hundreds of dollars this year. #backtoschool #savemoneybacktoschool #waystosavemoneyonbacktoschool #savemoneyschoolsupplies #moneysavingtipsbacktoschool

554 thoughts on “10+ Genius Hacks To Save Money On Back To School Shopping”

  1. Great tips! We have one in public school (7th) grade and the other two are home schooled. In looking at the public school list the last couple years it’s gotten out of control. Not only do you supply the kids needs but now the copy paper, scotch tape, staples, paper towels, and even snacks for when lunches are forgotten…it’s nuts and financially just not doable.

    Our favorite part of back to school is the time together. The kids call it “time with mommy” not school and they ask for more of it.

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    • My nephew has one of those list this year. His list included dry erase markers, ziploc bags etc. Last year he was asked to bring double the supplies that he needed so that when a new kid moves in they don’t have to purchase supplies.

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  2. Great tips! Our favorite part of back to school is getting the list of things immediately and getting a jump on the tax free allotted time at stores for items needed. Save all the coupons to start shopping for back to school.

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  3. I enjoyed your B2S tips…I am Autism mom so I still buy a few kid items and those skills grade books for my tween son plus rewards such as stickers, healthy snacks ( I find great deals in the Target clearance sections) and flash cards. My son loves everything including oceans, heroes, animals, food so I use this to help motivate him to do non-digital activities before YOUTube, movies, iPad!!

    I hope to win this for my son!

    Ursula

    aka Blueridge Beauty Blogger

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  4. My favorite thing about back to school is the “schedule.” I love routines, but we have really gotten off of one this summer. This will be our 3rd year of Home Educating (8th grade), so I have not had a “required list” in 3 years for back to school. I have made the supplies last for 2 school years, but finnaly, this fall I will need to replenish much of my school supply box. I am grateful to you for your post about this.
    *********************************************************************
    I remember the first year of my son’s going to school (Kindergarten).. I was SHOCKED at the cost of the supplies, the fall clothing, and the general cost of sending my son to school. Shopping for all of that stuff made me super nervous, I was afraid I would not get something essential. So glad those days are in the past! Now we always get him a new, exciting backpack for his birthday (in April), Notebooks on clearance on tax free days, and desk supplies whenever there is a sale. I spread all of the spending out over several months, plus I NEVER pay full price anymore. I know I would have LOVED having you for my child’s teacher as you obtained all the supplies for your students at a huge discount. Thanks for your wonderful blog. I receive your email alerts and am loving it!

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  5. Thanks for the tips! My favorite part of back to school is hearing about how much fun my daughter is having with her new teacher and classmates!

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  6. Thanks for the great tips! My favorite thing about back to school is a fresh start for everyone! Students, teachers, administrators, coaches, etc. Changes are always made over the Summer to make school better for everyone! That excites me!!!

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  7. While it stinks that summer is over, I remember being excited to go back to school.

    While the prospect of being back in a classroom didn’t appeal to me, I was excited for some of the things about being back in school. Of course I loved all the shopping that led up to the first day of school. The new shoes, clothes, backpacks and school supplies.

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  8. I love the money saving tips you provided! My favorite part of back to school is the new supplies and clothes. Something feels great about all of the new items ready to be “broken in.”

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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  9. This is our first official back to school season, as my oldest is entering kindergarten after a summer break from pre-k. He super social and is incredibly excited about meeting all the new kids! I’m a bit weepy about this new season, but his enthusiasm is so fun!

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  10. Thanks for the tips! My favorite part of back to school is the excitement that my son and all the students have about starting a new year

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  11. Love the subject! I have grown boys but also a daughter starting 1st grade. I am loving back to school this year because she is so excited !(especially about her wardrobe)

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  12. My favorite part of back to school is finding deals on school supplies. I love being able to have what I need for the entire school year because I stocked up at the beginning of the year for incredibly cheap.

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  13. I really love it when my kids are home, so back to school is a favorite of mine, by it I were to pick one positibe is that I like when my kids get back into a routine. Makes life a little easier being on a schedule.

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  14. Thanks for these back to school tips! My favorite part of back to school is the supplies…especially colored pens and a new planner!

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  15. I hate to spend the money but the shopping is so fun! I used to work in an office supplies store so I do like buying supplies too, so many choices out there, can’t help but have fun!

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  16. My favorite part of back to school is all the new school supplies. Even as an adult, a brand new box of crayons, map colors and markers is exciting.

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  17. My favorite part about back to school is getting back into a routine and I love all the creative things the kids do at school!

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  18. I love back to school because i am able to meet new friends and get and education! Sometimes I forgot how lucky I am to be able to have the opportunity to have an education! Not everyone in the world gets that opportunity, so that is why I love back to school!:)

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  19. My favorite part of back to school shopping is the getting all the supplies. The new notebooks, pencils, binders, and everything else in between gets my children organized for the new school year.

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  20. I love my son getting to go back to school each year and having a new story or activity to talk about everyday when he comes home.

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  21. My favorite part of the start of school is supply shopping – I could get lost in an office supply store for hours! Thanks!

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  22. I definitely agree about the garage sales! You can find things you didn’t even know you needed.. 🙂 I also enjoy all the back to school sales on school and office supplies.

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  23. My favorite part about back to school is getting back on schedule, and not having to pay baby sitters while I work.

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  24. I don’t love back to school shopping because it means that school is getting ready to start and life is getting ready to be even more stressed and hectic! However, I do love shopping the back to school clearances after school has already started. I can usually get some good deals on stuff for next year and stuff that I can use in my office.

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  25. Awesome Tips. One of my daughter’s favourite parts of starting a new school year is clothes shopping. The beginning of a school year means a couple of new outfits. Thanks for the chance.

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  26. Being a full-time homemaker, my favorite part of back to school is some time to myself every day so that I can be refreshed.

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  27. I shared your giveaway on Twitter, but I’m not able to copy my link – Idk what happened. My twitter name is @JenD83.

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  28. My favorite part of the start of school is the kids being all excited to see their friends and getting them new school clothes and seeing how cute they look in them!

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  29. My favorite part about going back to school is getting everyone into a daily routine again! Oh and the first day outfit choices!

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  30. I love seeing the kids all excited about going back to school. It is so fun to listen to their school stories and see what they learn.

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  31. As stressful as it can be, my favorite part about back to school is taking my daughter shopping and getting her all the stuff she needs to start. I love to watch her excitement over picking out school supplies with all the cute stuff on them. I love watching her pick her new shoes and complaining over buying uniforms.

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  32. The best part about back to school for me is the return of high school sports and college football! I also love getting great deals on back to school supplies.

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  33. My avorite part of back to school shopping is that everything feels so fresh–a new start! **Yes–the Dollar Store!

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  34. My firstborn is going to head start, she’s 3, and I’m a little frantic but you just helped me out a ton. My favorite part of back to school shopping is getting new outfits and cute little trinkets for her supplies. I’m sure she won’t need much but I’m so excited for her.

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  35. As a college student, my favorite part of going back to school is seeing the friends that live in different states and countries!

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  36. My favorite part of back to school shopping is shopping for clothes! I love picking out cool clothes for my son to wear.

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  37. My favorite thing about Back to School shopping is having the confidence that I am sending my child into the new school year with all new things.

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  38. The favorite part about back to school shopping is having held off buying quite a few things, so it seems like a real haul when you get a whole bunch of things and more, and so many good deals, you are glad you waited!!!

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  39. My favorite part of back to school is getting ready for that exciting first day of school. Planning the outfit and meal and lunch and taking photos.

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  40. My favorite part is actually the need to get organized, sort through clothing and downsize and donate whatever doesn’t fit or work anymore, etc. Going back to school helps energize me to get myself and my home ready for the new (school)year!

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  41. My favorite part about back to school shopping is all the excitement my daughter gets over getting all kinds of new things for school with all the cute logo’s and themes to it.

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  42. I homeschool my kids, and my favorite part of back to school is receiving their curriculum and finding out what we’re going to be learning about throughout the year.

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  43. My favorite part of back-to-school is picking out an outfit for the first day of school. And for letting the kids do that and have fun with their fashion choices!

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  44. My favorite part is picking out the school supplies. The kids love being to pick out their own stuff based on what they love.

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  45. My favorite part of back to school is the shopping! I love the new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies! It’s like getting a fresh, new start each and every year!

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  46. The best part of back-to-school is shopping for school supplies. I recently went back to grad school and shopping for binders, notebooks and pens still brought the same joy as when I was in high school. I also shared this on Pinterest and Twitter! Thank you <3

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  47. My favorite part of back to school shopping was always a toss up between getting new stationary tools and my first day of school outfit!

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  48. My favorite part of back-to-school is getting back into a routine. Being in a routine makes things run smoother during the school year and I feel like I accomplish more things.

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  49. My favorite part about back to school is goingnclothes shopping and figuring out the cutest style to do my daughter’s hair for the first day of school

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  50. My favorite part about back to school is school supply shopping with my grandsons. They get so excited to pick out colors, etc of their supplies!

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  51. My kids are all grown now, but I enjoyed going to the store and seeing what they were into that year. It’s nice to know what the trends are.

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  52. My favorite part of back to school shopping is seeing the excitement on my daughter’s face when she gets to pick out all new supplies! Also, it’s so much fun to shop for new clothes for her!

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  53. My favorite part of back to school is my kids getting to see all their friends and making new friends. Also back to school time means we start our football season back.

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  54. I actually like back to school shopping my kids do too. The worst part has got to be the crowd. Always fighting a crowd

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  55. I think the best thing about it is all of the deals you can get, especially when they’re are sales on supplies.

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  56. My favorite part of Back to School is picking and looking for supplies. I love looking for materials that are cheap and work pretty well.

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  57. My favourite part about this time of year is the sense of a new beginning – of learning and doing new things.

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  58. My favorite activity is going Back to School shopping, I like finding cute notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, etc for my kids and picking a new backpack is so fun! Thank you for the chance to win!

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  59. My favorite part of back to school season is the change of weather. Summer is way too hot and I always look foward to cooler weather.

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  60. My favourite part of school shopping is coming home and laying out all the stuff that was purchased and watching the excitement on the children’s faces.

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  61. My favorite part of back to school is seeing the kids get excited about learning again and really adjusting to a set schedule. My kids always thrived best when operating under a set routine and structure.

    shared on twitter : @ZajisSylvia
    shared on G+: Sylvia Zajis

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  62. My favorite part of back to school is getting my house back. It will be nice to buy groceries and have them last a little longer.

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  63. I love finding great deals on supplies! It’s like a scavenger hunt for me! I love school/office supplies anyway, especially when they are new and pretty!

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  64. I love back to school! These are great tips. I just wish all three of my kiddos were old enough for school. I have two at home and one in school right now. I love the excitement of field trips and actives.

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  65. Oh I have to say my favorite part of back to school is once they are back in school and I can go to the grocery store alone…and take my time! 🙂

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  66. Our favorite part of back to school shopping is the post shopping (late) lunch at Camelia Grill in New Orleans. Its all counter seating facing the open kitchen. We went their after school shopping when i was a kid and when my mom was a kid they went there too.

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  67. My favorite part is being able to clean my house little by little, closet by closet and get rid of odds and ends. We have 10 years of accumulated stuff. I am so done with stuff! We could use some money to help us with organization.

    mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com

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  68. Thx very much for sharing the great tips! Our favorite part of back to school is going shopping for new clothes, shoes, backpack, lunch bag, & supplies.

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  69. My favorite part of back to school shopping was always looking for a backpack. For some reason that always seemed like a big deal to me! I remember shopping with my parents who were probably so stressed! These are helpful tips!

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  70. My favorite part of back to school shopping is all the new pens, pencils, and notebooks. I like to get colorful supplies, they make the school year seem fresh, bright and new.

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  71. My fav thing about back to school is taking the kids and letting them choose their own backpacks and clothes and supplies…. I want them to learn to be their own person with their own style

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  72. I really love Your awesome tips, especially “Shop the list and only the list”. It sounds simple but I always forget it 🙂 Thank You for sharing them!
    My favorite part about back to school is shopping for school supplies 🙂

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  73. My favorite part of back to school is getting everyone back in to a routine again! Shopping for supplies is fun, too. I really like new school supplies and markers and fun notebooks!

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  74. I like getting into a set routine and back to school shopping is a lot of fun too. Love the smell of a fresh box of crayons! haha

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  75. My favorite part of back to school shopping is spending time shopping with each of my girls. They each get their own day and we make a great “Mom and Me” day out of it. Get supplies first, then clothes, Lunch and a Movie.

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  76. My favorite thing about back to school shopping is the special bond and memories we share when doing it. We have so much fun finding everything on the list. It is almost like a scavenger hunt. After we are done we always go for ice cream.
    Laurie Emerson

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  77. My favorite part of back to school was always picking out new school clothes for my girls, it was great to shop together

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  78. I am most excited for my little girl because this is her first year. She is an only child so I am excited to her to make new friends and just have a blast.

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  79. My favorite part of back to school is watching my boys grow and pass into the next phase of their lives. I enjoy watching them become more independent, even if it means that I am less a part of their lives with each passing year.

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  80. My favorite part is the kids going back to school. I will be able to sleep finally!! Gets hard to sleep during the day with loud kids and I work overnights, so it has been a long summer!

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  81. I’m grandma nanny to 5 grandkids and My favorite part of back to school is that they are ALL ready to go back and excited to start a new school year

    Reply