Page 2: Ten trendy school supplies to look for

by Tali Toland

“Back to school.” That phrase can be painful, both for your kids’ ears and your wallet. There is so much to do, the stress can make the last few weeks of summer unbearable. But if you plan ahead, it can actually be fun.

One important element is shopping for school supplies. This process usually takes about eight hours, with trips to at least three stores to find the exact items your child wants and/or the school requires. Purchasing these tools early and with the many options available, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Most schools provide parents with a list of items children will need for the school year. “These lists include the basics: pencils, markers, crayons, folders, rulers, dry erase markers, binders and hand sanitizer,” says Chris Persson of The School Box, a school supply store. “These lists also include specialty items that, as parents, we aren’t used to seeing on lists. Things like educational handwriting paper, pencil grips and specialty math tools are now making their way onto school lists.”

Getting the basics, while still pleasing your child, can be quite a task. Here are a few trends to watch for so you’ll be the coolest mom in the neighborhood:

Camouflage: Whether it’s incorporated on book covers, backpacks or notebooks – this design is definitely hot this school year. Camo school supplies are available in pink, traditional green, as well as other bold colors.

Binders: “Funky designs and bold colors are the way to go with binders,” says Persson. Trapper Keepers and ones with clear pockets for children to make their own collages are also very popular.

Stylish Backpacks: Boring black is out this year. “Safety backpacks that are mesh or clear are available,” says Persson. “Colorful ones with a lot of pockets are more popular with the kids for sure.”

Organizational Tools: With everyone being so busy, student planners, zip-up binders and pencil pouches will help kids stay organized. Persson recommends locker shelves for older kids who tend to jam lots of stuff into those tiny spaces.

You don’t have to stick only to items on the lists. Resource materials on grammar and math are always helpful to have around to help with homework and projects. “Multiplication flashcards are a great extra if you have a child entering third grade,” mentions Persson.

Shopping Options

Going to the store, school list in hand, and going up and down each aisle is usually what we all do. “As long as you hit the stores at least three weeks before school starts, there will still be a good selection,” says Persson. “But the sooner the better.” Most metro-Atlanta schools have supply lists posted on their websites, some local stores also have them available at the customer service desk.

Many chain office supply stores have improved their selections of school supplies in recent years, making them a top choice for back-to-school shopping. Discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target also keep a wide variety of school supplies on hand. Another option is local stores, like The School Box, which are ideal for finding specialty items and also have a terrific selection of all the basics.

For the busiest parents, School Supplies Network is at your service. This Atlanta-based company offers parents online, fax and phone order options, then they do the shopping for you – decreasing shopping time from hours to minutes. “We started School Supplies Network a year ago,” says Jim Norman, chief of operations. “We felt there had to be a better way for accomplishing this annual task of buying school supplies.”

SSN’s better way: the KwikPak. The average KwikPak costs between $45 and $55, depending on the age of the child, and includes one of each item on the school’s list. “Most schools specify brand, size and color for school supplies,” explains Norman. “If parents want more control over what supplies their child will have, they can opt for the Kreate-A-Pak.” With this customized choice, parents can choose precise items and amounts for their child’s back-to-school needs; prices will vary. SSN recommends parents pre-purchase school supplies to make their summer more enjoyable. “We will take orders up to the last week of July for delivery before school starts, but we start taking orders in the spring,” says Norman.

Giving Back

When making these necessary back-to-school purchases, you can often help your child’s school raise funds. Office Depot’s “5% Back to Schools” program gives shoppers the opportunity to help local schools receive credits for free school supplies. At checkout, you can designate which school you’d like to receive your 5 percent. Staples donates $1 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every Easy Button sold.

“School Supplies Network benefits local schools through a variety of fundraising programs,” says Norman. Parents can round up their purchase price to the nearest dollar and allow their child’s school to “Keep the Change.” Parents can also “Donate-A-Pak” for children who may have a hard time obtaining their own school supplies. School Supplies Network also donates funds through its “Partners in Education” program.

The School Box prefers to give to the community at large, including Children’s Restoration Network, an Atlanta organization that helps homeless children. “We are involved with the Ron Clark Academy,” says Persson. “We also honor the Class Act teachers from 11 Alive and make a donation to their classrooms.”

Page 2: Ten trendy school supplies to look for