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. The new school year means kids are excited to see their friends again, learn new lessons, and complete another year of lessons. Parents are thrilled kids will be 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 some supplies have changed; some things on the list are tried and true. 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 grown ups use many of the school supplies. 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 stored in the linen closet or desk drawer, you will never be without a writing instrument what you need}. 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 organization and they can be used 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.
This is a great time to get ahead 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. Stuff those stocking with erasers, notebooks, and rulers. Book covers often wear out pretty quickly so grab several packages filled with 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 be stuck with basic, plain colors. However, in the fall, you will have your choice of cartoon characters, rock stars, athletes, and cute and cuddly animals.