I remember when I was young and started elementary school. My back to school supply list consisted of paper, pencils, crayons,
markers, glue, scissors and folders.

We are definitely on the dawn of a new era, the back to school list has now  developed into a Super Supply List.
These things were never on my list before:
tissues
hand sanitizer
freezer zipper bags
highlighters
steno pads
individually wrapped candy
clorox wipes
paper towels
“activity fee”

WOW!!!! Things have definitely changed!!!
For new parents, my suggestion is to keep an ongoing mental list for these items, especially for when they go on sale!

This was an interesting time for me to step back and analyze where I buy my kids’ supplies and what each big box’s marketing has done to influence my buying habits. In no particular order:

meijer
“Back to School Price Drop. It’s baaaaack!”
This one’s simple – meijer is the closest to my home.  Word of mouth among my mommy circle is that they have the best bargains by far! They are also offering a Back to School Sweepstakes.

Wal-Mart
“Get A+ Savings on Back to School Essentials”
I consider Wal-Mart my old faithful.  There’s always one nearby. You can also order online and get free shipping on uniforms.

Dollar General Store
“Fall 2010 Back to School. Get Smart Savings”
I have been a proud supporter of DG Back to School supplies since I was a first grader in 1981.  Some folks have a tendency to snub DG, but I don’t. When it comes to simple things like paper towels and tissues, you can buy name brand and save money.  Just toss the bright yellow bag when you get home.

Target
“Check off your list”
Why do I go to Target? Actually, I don’t. My daughters have wonderful grandparents who consider back to school shopping an annual event and it always starts at Target. I tend to label them as the upscale shopping source. They have great sales and a great selection of what my daughters refer to as “sassy items.”