Free School Supplies, Big Savings on Back to School Shopping

I can't resist free stuff and dollar stretching opportunities. I not only want the most for my shopping buck, I want it to sit up and bark! That's why I love these back to school promotions from OfficeMax (click for details).  First, spend $150 and get a free $58 value 3-piece bag set. Enter promo code "FREEBAG" at checkout. Also, buy certain ful backpacks, daypacks and laptop backpacks--Tremor, Sweet Melissa, Heartbreaker-- on sale for $18.74-$29.99, and they come stuffed with free school supplies. Links below say $24.98, but backpacks have been price-reduced even farther, saving you 53%! Oh, and orders over $50 get free shipping. Already bought your kid's backpack? Buy another for next year. Or buy one to donate. Operation Christmas Child is gearing up for their annual shoe box giveaway event. You could donate to Toys for Tots or church giving trees. For more back to school cost cutter tips, read How a Mom of Four Saves 80 Percent on Back to School Shopping 

Cheap Kids Parties--Throw a back-to-school bash for your kids

Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday. It's a time of summer endings and fall beginnings. Why not start the school year off on a fun note with a back-to-school party? Here's an easy and cheap kids' party plan for students in preschool to middle elementary. You can do this whole party for roughly $2-$3 per guest. Throw a back-to-school bash for your kids 

Best Prices on USB Flash Drives

Where to Find Cheap USB Flash Drives for College
Several of our sons' college professors are requiring students in class to bring a portable USB or 'flash' drive to class. I did some price comparison shopping. Here are the best sources and buying options of USB drives.
Read More

Back-to-School Shopping for Flip Flops and Shoes

Back to School Shopping: Comfortable Flip Flops for School
I don't get kids' obsession with flip flops as shoes for school. As a parent and teacher, I can speak to the fact that flip-flops are horrible school shoes. Flip flops are very popular; here are some safe, comfortable options for school footwear.
Read More

Back-to-School Shopping: Skinny Jeans Price Comparison

Back-to-School Shopping: Best Prices on Skinny Jeans
'Skinny Jeans' are the latest word in back-to-school clothing fashions. Skinny jeans are super snug, super narrow, very low-rise denim jeans. Here's my guide for finding good deals on skinny jeans.
Read on...

Back-to-School Shopping: Bargains at Old Navy

Back to School Shopping at Old Navy: Good Sales, Cute Styles and Quality Clothing
When I buy clothing, I rate the quality factor high priority. Here's the brand that I've found has the best ratio of cost to quality. Old Navy gives the most 'bang' for the buck. Great sales. Durable clothing. Cute styles.
Read on...

Back-to-School Shopping: Avoid Second Hand Stores

Back-to-School Shopping: Why You Should Avoid Second-Hand Stores
When you shop for back-to-school clothing for children, my advice is to avoid second-hand stores. I'm a penny pincher, but second-hand clothing isn't always a bargain. Sometimes it's not even sanitary or healthy.
Read on...

Back-to-School Shopping: Best Back Packs

Back-to-School Backpack Shopping: Best School Backpacks
Backpacks are a staple of back-to-school shopping. Backpacks are pricey. Backpacks usually become a portable locker. Backpacks are heavy and hard to carry. Here is a guide to follow when purchasing a backpack for your student.
Read on...

Back-to-School Shopping: Good School Shoes

Back-to-School Shoe Shopping: How to Choose School Shoes for Children
School shoes are chosen more for fashion than comfort it seems. That's not healthy for growing legs, back and feet. Here is my back-to-school shoe shopping guide for stylish, comfortable, reasonably priced kids shoes.
Read on...

Back-to-School Shopping: Great Prices on School Shoes

Back-to-School Shopping: Save Money at Amazon on School Shoes
What's the best way to give students a good understanding? Good quality school shoes. Ouch. But seriously, your friendly neighborhood penny pincher is always bargain hunting. And here are some back-to-school shoe bargains you'll love.
Read on...