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School Supplies: stock up, get organized, & make those kids get it themselves.

August 2, 2011 17 Comments

OK.  Back to school shopping time.  I love that I can get a pack of 12 pens for 5 cents, or a composition notebook for a quarter.
(Honestly, why is there a box of kleenex on the school supply list…?)
Anyhow.  Now is a good time to stock up and prepare for those terrible nights in February.
You know what I’m talking about… it’s some random Tuesday, you’re all comfy and relaxed.  Maybe you’re in your jammies.  Maybe you’ve been out all. day. long. and all you want is to be at HOME.
It’ll happen… Usually after 9:00 p.m.
Kid: “Mom? I forgot.  I need 4×6 index cards and a new 3 ring binder….”
Mom: “OK.  When do you need it?”
Kid: “Tomorrow morning.  Uh, Mom, why are you turning purple…?”
That’s why I buy extra supplies in August and stock a drawer full of the supplies.  The kids know where everything is and can help themselves.
Among other things, there are:
  1. Extra packs of markers
  2. spiral notebooks
  3. crayons
  4. report cover folders
  5. lined filler paper
  6. composition books
  7. #2 pencils
  8. tape, erasers, kid scissors & glue sticks
  9. highlighters, dry erase pens, misc pens & pencils
  10. calculators
  11. various sizes of index cards
  12. rulers, protractors & compasses
Not shown (but shoved back in the drawer once I took the picture…) Book covers, locks for lockers and extra 3 ring binders.
Oh, and one more thing.  The worst thing ever?  “Mom? I know it’s 9:30, but I need a poster-board for tomorrow morning… Mom…?”
Yep, I have extra poster board behind the dresser that the supply drawer is in.
The lesson here?  Buy extra supplies when they’re dirt cheap and store them somewhere where those little monkeys can get them on their own.
You save your sanity, they take a step towards self sufficiency.
It’s win-win for everyone.
A few months ago I did a super frenetic and wiggy vlog about this drawer.  I don’t photograph well, but if you care to see it, it’s here.

*** UPDATED TO ADD***
I forgot! Even if you don’t have older kids in school yet, you can still take advantage of these sales and stocking up.  You can get packs of crayons, markers, paints, glue, scissors, etc. Stock up for your own kids to use at home, but also so you have items on hand and can put together Art Supply Gift baskets.

I can’t tell you how many times I was grateful to be able to grab these art supplies, add a coloring book and put together a fab last minute gift!

Filed Under: Let me help you, organization, Tip of the Day, Tips & Tricks

Comments

  1. The Tablescaper says

    August 2, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    This is a great idea. I too have a stash, but it’s not so neatly organized.

    – The Tablescaper

    Reply
  2. Maggie @ Midwestern {Sewing} Girl says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I do this, too…it’s saved me many many times…;) – and seriously, Kleenex? whatevs…

    Reply
  3. Danielle says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    this gets filed under “why didnt I think of that” great idea i’m running out for extras today!

    Reply
  4. Connie Weiss says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    You save me!!

    I picked up extras while I was shopping….I now have a supply drawer!

    Reply
  5. Kelley says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    You are such an awesome mom! I know I always feel loved when my mom took care of me by providing these like this… Speaking of…I need to go shopping!

    Reply
  6. Johanson Family says

    August 2, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    2 more years before this routine starts for me, but I will have to check back for your advice b/c I know I’ll need it!! Maybe I should start stockin up now. hah!

    Reply
  7. Lesley says

    August 2, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    ” Mom, why are you turning purple?”
    You so funny.

    Reply
  8. Kelli says

    August 2, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    So true…now is the time to stock up. I picked up a few things for Jamison last night but the good sales haven’t hit us yet…maybe next week. I was excited to get a ruler for a penny!

    Reply
  9. Kelli says

    August 2, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Oh and I am SO with you on the tissue…and Clorox wipes…really…really?

    Reply
  10. Stacey says

    August 2, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Same thing done here. Pretty soon we will have to supply their desks and chairs!

    Reply
  11. Richella at Imparting Grace says

    August 2, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    You’ve inspired me to get going on my stash of school supplies! You’re right–it’s definitely worth the effort to stock up now.

    In addition to keeping supplies on hand for a last-minute Art Supply gift, you can also stock some things that would be great to include in an Operation Christmas Child (or similar) shoebox.

    And if you score some dirt-cheap pencils, you can make a cool gift for a teacher: (see http://www.impartinggrace.com/2010/08/easy-gift-for-teacher.html if you’re interested.)

    Your school supply dresser is a much prettier place than my school supply cupboard! And the idea of stashing some poster board behind it is great.

    Reply
  12. Jaime says

    August 2, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Viv glad to see I’m not the only crazy one who buys an entire cart load of ‘extra’ supplies in Aug. Only glitch – I have to hide the extras in my ‘special drawer’ otherwise my kids would always be taking the new stuff!

    Reply
  13. Surrounded-By-Boys says

    August 3, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Oh yes LOOOOVVEEEE that idea! I do buy a little extra, but never thought to purchase that much extra! Thanks for the great ideas!

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    August 3, 2011 at 3:38 AM

    Kleenex and Clorox wipes really help out the teachers. As a former teacher we were given a measly budget and many of the classroom supplies came from the teachers own wallet 🙁

    Reply
  15. Becca @ R We There Yet Mom? says

    August 4, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    I was inspired this year to grab extras based on a little tip by little ole’ you!!

    ~Becca

    Reply
  16. The Outlaw Mom says

    August 13, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Great idea! I do the same even though my kids are too young for school. I get those great $1 teacher supplies and books from Target and buy crayons, markers, gluesticks, etc., in bulk whenever they’re on sale. My daughter can finally use some of the stash now – but really I’m a school/office supply addict, so this is all for me right now!

    Reply
  17. Jami says

    August 15, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    So smart & organized! Thanks for linking to the Tuesday To Do Party!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

    Reply

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