Monday Musings: Early Back-to-School Prep

I'm still enjoying the summer season (despite the unbearable heat), but now is a good time to prepare for the school year to minimize the stress and overwhelm. I dread shopping for back-to-school when stores are crowded and everyone is on a mission to purchase the same things - notebooks, lunch boxes, backpacks, shoes, clothes...the list goes on.

To address my aforementioned apprehension, below is a short list of things I've been working on this last week:

- Classroom Supplies - Walmart and Target have aisles of classroom items right now. Even if your child likes to buy fun folders and planners from a specific store or of a specific brand, now is the perfect time to get the necessities. For example, markers, scissors, glue sticks, hand sanitizers and highlighters are pretty standard and will be picked over in the next couple weeks. No need to wait! Amazon also offers a good selection. My kids chose a few fair-priced items that they couldn't find at local stores (like these sturdy binders and this pencil case).

- Backpacks - I'm finding online and in person shopping for backpacks is still good but not great. Some years my older children like to have sturdy backpacks from The NorthFace and LuluLemon that we replace every two years. Last week one of my kids went online and found what she wanted, but I suspect if you wait much longer, things won't be available or won't arrive in time for the start of school. My youngest found this great JanSport backpack last week.

- Clothes - I hit up some great sales and free shipping promos recently. You can find a good selection at American Eagle, Old Navy and Zara. Sizes selections are decent so I wouldn't wait too much longer.

I hope you are motivated to start shopping. If you don't mind the last minute crowds and scrounging for items, you have plenty of time to get ready for the school year. If you're like me and want to avoid the chaos, now is the best time to prep for the fall!

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