I dedicate this to those of you who still have school supply lists taunting you from the refrigerator. It will be ok. True, tax-free weekend is about over. The crowds were no where near as bad as I thought they'd be. But the sales have only just begun.
Shopping for school supplies used to be an obsession of mine. Nope. No shame here. Those brand name "preferred" pencils really are better than the cheap ones. Kids know it. Teachers know it. And if you try to save a few bucks buying the unsharpened pencils, you will know it too. Nothing says, "I love you!" than buying quality pencils and erasers. Except for the spreadsheet. One year, I kid you not, we resorted to the sheet. Four major retailers and all their specials and sales were diligently tracked for weeks. It was like trying to break a cipher. Even though my kids are older now, I still keep an eye on the prices of the basic items.
Best prices on spiral notebooks? $ .17
Composition notebooks? The basic black and white comp books can be found at $.25 in most stores.
Folder paper? Don't pay more than $.50, but the best price is usually $.25 (If you find it cheaper, holla!) And watch out for those pesky limits. They sure know how to take the fun out of a shopping trip.
For those of you who live near schools like we do, the gig is up. Traffic will return to its glacial pace. Children will dash out in the street. Parents will park in no parking zones and (I kid you not) block intersections while their kid hops in the car. Tempers will flare (it is August in Arkansas, after all.) So take a deep breath and enjoy the last few weeks of summer with your kiddos.
School fundraisers and Fall Carnivals are right around the corner. We would love to share and support your school's events and fundraisers. (Especially if you have those chocolate bars!) Just email sandrao@macaronikid.com with your event information or submit it on the website.
Personally, I can't wait to scream "It's Fall y'all!"
Aloha,
Sandra
