If you are a parent, 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 an exciting time of the year for kids and parents both. The new school year means 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 are thrilled kids will be socializing, busy, and active for several hours each day. Getting your pack filled with new supplies is just the beginning of your excitement. 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 included as always on the list are pencils, erasers, pencil cases, and familiar items you had when in school. Many of these schoolhouse staples come in handy around the house and because the sale prices are so low during back-to-school shopping, you can stock up and save.

Even those not in school use many of the supplies on school lists. During back-to-school shopping, items like pencils and pens can be found in bulk. This way you can stock up on school supplies or office supplies for home use. How often do you need a pen or pencil and there are none to be found? If you have a few hundred stocked away, you will never be without a writing instrument what you need}. Do you love school boxes? Chances are you will have trouble finding 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 they can be used in desk drawers, workshops, or for craft supplies. Pencil cases can also be handy, especially if you are an adult who collects colored pencils and felt tip pens.

This is a great time to get a jump on your holiday shopping while you are at it. By mid-school year supplies purchased in the fall are ratty and torn. Stuff those stocking 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, folders and notebooks this time of year are fun and artistic. If you need folders during the year, you will be stuck with 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.