By Gina Roberts-Grey

The new school year is just around the corner. Along with preparing for new classroom arrangements and making new friends, the ritual of shopping for school supplies and clothes sends countless families to malls, department stores and super centers. Rising gas prices along with other expenses means budget cut-backs for many families. Though necessary, shopping for new clothes and supplies can be more of a burden than a fun way to commemorate the start of a new chapter in your child's life. Here are some tips on how to stay sane, save money, and help give your kids a great start for the new school year.

Review Your Options. Before heading out the door, have your children review and try on the staples of their wardrobe. Determine what they like and dislike, what needs to be replaced and what is ready to be handed down. Remember that donating gently used items often has the added financial value of becoming a tax deduction. Make sure that you also take inventory of your left over craft supplies. Often extra glue sticks, highlighters and markers are forgotten but still have life enough to complete several art projects left in them.

Make a list. Have your child compile a list of 'must haves' and 'dream supplies.' Together with your own list, you can determine what items must be purchased immediately, what can be put off for a bit and what can be suggested as potential holiday gifts to family members. Comparing your list to store ads and catalogs will also help you determine where to find the best prices and eliminate the need to run to numerous stores. Comparing prices on-line during down time can help too.

Buy in Bulk. Most office supply stores and "big box" stores offer terrific discounts on supplies such as glue, glue sticks, loose leaf paper and Number Two pencils. Stocking up on supplies that your child will use throughout the year when they are on sale will be kind to your wallet and eliminate the need to run to the store the night before a science project is due. Also, many stores run "Door Buster," "Early Bird," or special discounts on a few items on a given day in these weeks leading up to school. The five cent box of crayons, 10 cent folders, and 50 cent glue sticks are a great opportunity to stock up for the family, charity, and your school's longer term needs, so watch for them.

Shop the Spurts. There is no steadfast rule that says you must buy all your kid's clothes for the entire school year before they crack their first book open. Kids grow, and your clothes shopping should follow their spurts. Stores help by stocking the current season's goods, and buying hugely discounted end of season clothing in larger sizes at regular and consignment stores is a win-win. Many retailers offer up to 90 percent off clothing as the seasons change. Staggering your purchases will offer a fresh and periodic infusion into their wardrobe and ensure you're not buying clothes they'll never wear.

Consignment & Outlet Stores. Consignment and outlet stores can mean terrific savings on clothing, accessories, backpacks, outerwear and more. Stocking up on no-name brand gym socks and gently used goods can save you enough to buy a lot more food at the grocery store.

Quality Counts. Make sure that your hard earned dollars are used to purchases reliable and cost effective items. Check the button holes, zippers, seams, and care directions of all items before leaving the store.
Shopping for school clothes and supplies also creates a wonderful opportunity for you to teach your kids about spending habits. Sit down with your children and decide on a budget. Encourage older children to do some of the comparison shopping and point out that if they get the expensive sneakers, they have to cut back in other areas. Not only will your children learn about smart shopping, they will value what you buy for them.

Gina Roberts-Grey is a freelance writer living in Baldwinsville and frequent contributor to GVP.