School supply shopping can be stressful for everyone. If you're new to the game, or just looking for some hacks to let you end the experience without in-patient hospitalization, here are a few tips from a veteran that will hopefully help save both your sanity and your budget.
1. 1-inch and 1½-inch binders can be had for a song, but a 2-inch binder costs $7.84.
2. Two 1-inch binders are not the same as a 2-inch binder, but a 1½-inch binder is close enough for rock and roll.
3. Don't buy some of the things on the list that everyone's supposed to bring a lot of and will not last all year, like Kleenex and tape refills. Believe me, the teacher won't remember that your kid didn't bring Kleenex on the first day, but later in the year when she sends out an email saying they are out, and you send them then, she'll appreciate you more for going above and beyond.
4. DO NOT TAKE THE CHILDREN WITH YOU.
5. In the electronics department, where they sell earbuds, earbuds cost $10. In the lane by the cash register, where they sell beef jerky and dog treats, earbuds cost $5.
6. Plan and budget some rewards into your shopping trip, especially between stores if you need to go to more than one.
7. It's probably not a good idea for the rewards to consist solely of alcohol consumption, especially between stores if you need to go to more than one.
8. DO NOT TAKE THE CHILDREN WITH YOU.
9. Do your homework and know where you can cut or substitute. Rose Art is not the same as Crayola, I don't care what anybody says. Don't send your kid to school with the crap crayons. On the other hand, nobody needs 72 pencils. Give him 24 and tell him he better make them last.
10. Hypothetically, if the supply list asks for a clear plastic 6-inch ruler, a clear plastic 12-inch ruler from last year that's broken in half should suffice.
No comments:
Post a Comment