Summer is almost over for many of us and school has started or will be starting shortly. For my family, school starts this week and we are always looking for ways to save money and time during this hectic period. I’m happy to announce in partnership with Nestlé, I’m bringing you some money saving and time saving tips using some of my favorite Nestlé products.
Let’s start with lunch.
As the price for school lunches increase each year, you can save money by packing a your child’s lunch a couple of days of the week. Skip the prepackaged lunches and create your own healthy alternative. NestleFamily.com has many fun lunch ideas such as Sports Time Lunch Fun to get your creative juices going.
We don’t pack a lunch everyday but we try to do it 1-2 times a week during the school year. During the summer is actually when we make lunches for day camp on a daily basis. To save time, I like to buy a combination of prepackaged items for convenience as well as buy in bulk and make my own smaller packages.
For example, I will buy $0.50 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct. or larger in individual packages for those quick mornings when we are scrambling to pack a quick lunch – which is most mornings. For those days when I have actually planned their lunch, I will pack their juice in a sports bottle to save money as it is less expensive to buy Juice in a larger package than the convenient individual size juices.
To the right is a typical lunch, which feeds both of my school aged children. This particular meal was packed during Summer Day Camp so for convenience I packed some of their items together for them to share. The big bottle of Juicy Juice was not packed but shown as an example for what is in the sports bottle.
- Get the best deal on lunch box items by combining sales and coupons. Stock up when they are at their lowest price. Stack with Mail in Rebates and other store loyalty programs.
- Skip prepackaged chips, cookies, and other snacks unless convenience dictates otherwise. Buy larger packages and use snack size containers or bags to make your own small portions.
- Use reusable containers and utensils for lunch storage whenever possible.
- Freeze your child’s beverage to act as a freezer pack to save space in the lunchbox.
- Sneak a fun treat like $0.50 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct. or larger in your child’s lunch for a fun surprise!
My absolute best investment for lunch making, was the Cut n Seal from Pampered Chef. This allows me to make our own crust free sandwiches. The kid’s favorite is peanut butter with jelly but you can use this tool to make any type of sandwich. It makes it a little more fun for the little ones and you can freeze these and use as needed! Stock up on bread when at a low price and make a batch of these to save time and money.
To save time, I like to go ahead and make up enough sandwiches and “sides” for the week. Then the kids can pick and choose which items they want for the day, which allows them a little control over their lunches. Items not needing refrigerated such as crackers, chips, snack cookies can be pre-bagged by you for your own convenience.
So in addition to these money/time saving tips, Nestlé is offering a $500 Walmart Gift Card to (1) lucky Bargain Briana reader to help with your Back to School Expenses. Plus, stay tuned for more Back to School money saving/time saving tips!
How to Win?
Easy Entry: Share your favorite Back to School Money Saving Tip by leaving it on this post as a comment.
Bonus entries (Up to 4 additional entries):
- Blog about this giveaway.
- Tweet: BTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS
- Grab my button. (It is on my sidebar)
- Subscribe to my free newsletter via email or RSS. (You don’t want to miss out on any deals/giveaways!!!)
- Use my “Tell a Friend” Widget to share with a friend via email, Stumble, Digg, etc.
Leave a separate comment for each extra entry. It is very important that you leave a separate comment for each additional extra entry.
Ends around 8/28 at 11:59 EST. (As long as you can still comment you can enter!) Winner, chosen by random.org, will be announced on the Giveaway Winners Page by 08/29/09 and I will contact you shortly. (If winner doesn’t respond to my email within 48 hours, I will pick another winner.)
Want to win more? Enter to win the rest of my current giveaways!
Bargain Briana Giveaway Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway by Nestle. All reviews/recommendations are based on my own honest opinion and experiences and not edited or written by the sponsor.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3647036593
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3625883239
Katherine
I subscribe in google reader!
Katherine
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/3625691933
Katherine
My favorite back to school money saving tip – Shop at thrift stores for back to school clothes! Especially shop at them when they have their half off sales! You will save a TON of money on clothes, will be able to purchase more and will find amazing quality, one of a kind items! :)
Lindz
I signed up to be an e-mail subscriber!
Lindz
http://sweepstakesjunkiegiveawayaficionado.blogspot.com/2009/08/nestle-500-walmart-giftcard.html
This is a link to my blog of your giveaway!
Lindz
I have your button
Lindz
Here’s my tweet http://twitter.com/LindzCS/status/3621397330
Lindz
I shared with friends on facebook
Lindz
My tip for saving money going back to school is to buy snacks for school at Sam’s Club. You can get tons of stuff there in bulk and they have great prices. Also, instead of paying for the individually packaged snacks which are a lot more expensive so I buy the family size bags and put them into reusable snack bags. The reusable snack bags save money and they are more eco friendly.
Jan
I put your button on my blog!
Jan
Tweet tweet! http://twitter.com/DJanMom/status/3621280156
Jan
I blogged http://janmcdsweepsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/08/wal-mart-win.html
Jan
I told my family and friend on facebook
Jan
My money saving idea is to walk the kids to the bus stop rather than driving. It gets a little bit of morning exercise and it saves on gas money and wear and tear on the car. Even if the kids want to complain, I just explain to them that this is better for our bodies and better for the environment!
Danny
I grabbed your button!
Danny
Blogged http://dannyrayhastosay.blogspot.com/
Danny
I facebooked the giveaway to let my friends know!
Danny
I tweeted the giveaway http://twitter.com/DannyRMcD/status/3621150731
Danny
We buy a lot of the stuff at thrift stores and garage sales. We hit the garage sales in the really affluent part of town. They have amazing stuff that a lot of times still have tags on and have never been worn.
Greg
I shared with a friend on facebook!
Greg
I blogged http://gstix.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-win-win.html
Greg
I added your button on my blog at gstix.blogspot.com
Greg
I tweeted the giveaway http://twitter.com/Gstixy/status/3621042312
Greg
I buy back to school supplies at Costco and split it with my friend. You can get great stuff in bulk and since we don’t need all of that stuff we split the cost and it makes for a great money saving option.
Dillon
I blogged! http://beejax.blogspot.com/2009/08/walmart-giftcard-giveaway.html
Dillon
I added your button beejax.blogspot.com
Dillon
Tweet http://twitter.com/Beejax/status/3620948070
Dillon
My money saver tip is to pack lunches. So much is spent eating in the cafeteria. So we brown bag our lunches to save money.
Lindsay
I blogged! http://colitascorner.blogspot.com/2009/08/500-walmart-giftcard-giveaway.html
Lindsay
I put your button on my blog http://colitascorner.blogspot.com
Lindsay
I told a friend by announcing on facebook
Lindsay
I tweeted the giveaway http://twitter.com/Lstixrud/status/3620838343
Lindsay
My best back to school money saving tip is to buy clothes in the off season. If you’re buying Fall clothes right now they’re ridiculously expensive, but I buy them in Spring and keep the tags in case they don’t fit.
Nancye Davis
I Tweeted about this Giveaway
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/3619855695
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis
I subscribe via reader.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis
I subscribe via email.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis
The best Back to School tip is to watch the sale ads and to shop at places like Wal-Mart or Target and you can get items like spiral notebooks for 5 cents. Can’t be beat!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Summer
To save money on school items I always pick up things for next year after the rush is over and they are on sale this year.
Angela @ Savvy Mom Finds
My best tip for lunches – my son is addicted to the plain roast beef sandwiches from Arby’s. I get the 5 for $5 deal, chop them in half, and freeze them. He only eats 1/2 a sandwich – so that’s 50 cents for the main part of the meal. Add milk in a thermos, crackers bought in bulk and bagged in a Ziploc, and a piece of fruit.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3600962412
Dee
Use reusable bags for lunch and snacks AND reusable water bottles! Then buy in bulk and divide it up!
Chaotic Kristy
I follow by email
Chaotic Kristy
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ChaoticKristy/status/3600536662
Chaotic Kristy
My best money saving tip is to buy from thrift stores, I get most of my back to school cloths from thrift stores or shop the clearance racks at wal-mart, gordmans, old navy, and target.
Jessie C
I’m a subscriber!
Carolyn Barnett
I shared this post on Technorati as carolynishis
Carolyn Barnett
I stumbled this giveaway as carolynishis
Carolyn Barnett
I got your button.
http://carolynishis.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Barnett
I follow on twitter as carolynishis and I tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/carolynishis/status/3582566301
Carolyn Barnett
I blogged this giveaway.
http://carolynishis.blogspot.com/2009/08/nestle-back-to-school-basics-500.html#links
Carolyn Barnett
After school is out,I start looking for online clearances(Kmart,Walmart)
for clothes and shoes that are on clearance.I got my daughter name brand t shirts for $2 each,Name brand shoes for under $10.She went back to school dressed in the best.
Thanks for the chance to win.
carolynishis@gmail.com
Alisha
I twittered… I tweeted… I .. I posted this on Twitter!
Alisha
I subscribe to your email!
Alisha
My favorite back to school savings secret is, to buy all year round! Good sale on crayons? Notebooks? Ziplock bags? I stock up! Those things never go “bad”!
(also I added a link in the website part to my twitter page! for the tweet!)
Julie Cutshaw
It’s a beautiful day to tweet today! GREAT GIVEAWAY Thanks! :-)
itsallnew2meBTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS ENDS 8/28 SO GO!!
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3579072805
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3572652007
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3572442312
Jennifer G
We do most of our clothes shopping after classes have started because a lot of stores have crazy sales a few weeks after school starts. Additionally we buy extra of the school supplies at Walmart because they are such great prices, and the kids always run out part way through the school year.
Jessie C
For BTS supplies saving tip, combine coupons and store sale I can usually get great bargains!
Michelle Simons
I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/MCJunkie/status/3558858481
Karen S.
i tweeted about this giveaway. http://twitter.com/HandCraftKaren/
Karen
my tip is to have the child help go shopping to pick out what they want in their lunch that week, sandwich, snacks, drink etc. therefore no having them trade or not eat what you pack. and use thermos’ so as to not have to buy individual drink boxes or pouches. if you do use pouches. freeze them the night before using them as ice packs. or freeze yogurt cups.
Michelle
I’m an email subscriber! Thank you! –Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom
Michelle
Tweet: http://twitter.com/sweepstakesgirl/status/3558747150.
Michelle
Yes, saving money on back to school or lunch shopping is all about freezing stuff. We shop at Costco because let’s face it– we might as well buy huge because we are going to keep buying the stuff! I save tons of money there. Thanks for the giveaway!! –Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3554595054
Lim
Reuse reuse reuse. Don’t go overboard before school starts. Wait and see what is REALLY needed.
Julie Cutshaw
i tweeted thanks! ;-)
itsallnew2meTweet: BTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Melissa G.
I don’t have kids in school yet but i would guess that making/taking a lunch would save some money.
rebecca b.
tweeted!
http://twitter.com/outinthemsticks/status/3541878820
rebecca b.
My best money saving tip is to do it yourself and prep ahead of time. It’ll keep it healthy AND inexpensive!
Crystal Allen
subscribed by email, thanks again.
Crystal Allen
tweeted http://twitter.com/clallen1971/status/3540625963 thanks! i would love to win this walmart gc!
Crystal Allen
my money saving tip for back to school is to reuse what you can from last year. this year i was able to use my son’s back pack from last year and both my son’s and daughter’s lunch boxes from last year. this saved me over $20 alone. some years we are able to reuse a pencil box, pencil sharpener, ruler, or even clip board. this will cut down on the supplies that you have to buy and the savings really do add up.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3534811203
Janet Carpenter
I posted on facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1839768043&ref=mf
Janet Carpenter
I faved on technorati, I’m mom2maya
Janet Carpenter
I stumbled, I’m mom2maya
Janet Carpenter
I subscribe by email
Janet Carpenter
I have your button at http://www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com
Janet Carpenter
tweet http://twitter.com/janetmom2maya/status/3526398503
Janet Carpenter
My best money-saving tip is to shop at Walmart! Also to make a list and stick to the list. Avoid impulse buying as much as possible.
Kimberly
My favorite money saving tip for lunches is to buy a few reusable sandwich sized gladware. I buy the off-brand at the dollar store and can usually get 2 for a $1. I buy enough for a few days worth of lunches and wash 1x during the week. It save money because we are not buying sandwich bags and tossing them. It also is better for our environment. We started doing this when my husband began bringing his lunch to work. He takes 2 sandwiches every day and we were going through the bags like they were water. So we saw the sandwich containers at the dollar store and decided to invest the couple dollars. We have been using them for over a year now and they hold up well in the dishwasher.
JoeyfromSC
I used your widget to email a friend about your giveaway!
Thanks!
JoeyfromSC
I added your button to my blog:
http://www.joebloe1116.blogspot.com
JoeyfromSC
Subscribed via email:
ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com
JoeyfromSC
Tweeted about your giveaway and following you @JoeyfromSC
http://twitter.com/JoeyfromSC/status/3519610255
JoeyfromSC
My best back to school tip is to hit all of the sales when they begin a few weeks before school and stock up on all of the inexpensive notebooks, crayons, paper, etc. to have on hand throughout the year-knowing you paid pennies!!
I love your pampered chef tool-SO much cheaper than buying those expensive pre-made frozen PBJ sandwiches lol
You can also customize the fillings that way!
thank you for the chance to win!!
Maria
I told a friend via email
Thank you!
Lisa K.
I love stocking up on school supplies and clothes when they go on sale through out the year. I have boxes to store them until the “mom I need this … for class tomorrow” or “mom my clothes are too small” rings in my ears. Then off to the boxes for discounted items rather than pay full price for a last minute item.
Night Owl Mama
http://twitter.com/Nightowlmama/status/3508408025
Rt
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3507115605
Joanna Price
Stumbled- joannaprice
Joanna Price
Email subscirber
Joanna Price
Added your button
Joanna Price
Tweet- http://twitter.com/joannagiveaway/status/3504347152
Joanna Price
Blogged- http://pricemommysense.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-monday_17.html
Joanna Price
We used to wait till the last minute to buy a lot of our supplies so stuff was on sale!
Jamie
I used your tell a friend widget to send an email – love that!! :)
Jamie
I subscribe via Google homepage!
Jamie
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/SavinginStyle/status/3503783182
Jamie
My favorite back to school tip is to buy plain Jane and jazz it up yourself! My son has fun using stickers, paint, etc. to decorate his own folders – we even stitch our own appliques on his backpack sometimes – it’s frugal and it’s a fun activity for family time together!
Denise
My fav tip is to skip the prepackaged snacks. And I would love to win the Gift card!
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3491828041
Jessica
Comparison shop. It may take extra time but is worth the effort.
Not to mention coupons any store that has them sign up for them newsletters whatever it takes to get them. Combine the two and sales are ones friend.
jessica(at)fan(dot)com
Lisa
I can’t wait to get my email update everyday! Thanks.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/simplybeingmom/status/3477240429
crystal_reagan at hotmail dot com
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
I subscribed via email.
crystal_reagan at hotmail dot com
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
Well, this year CVS has made it very easy to spend less on school supplies. So, I guess my tip would be to shop around at stores that you wouldn’t normally thing would be cheaper.
crystal_reagan at hotmail dot com
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3472880445
Beth
Subscribed by RSS Feed!
Beth
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/simplybudgeted/status/3471308261
Beth
I shop for clothes at children’s consignment sales!
Jamericanspice
Tweet
http://twitter.com/Jamericanspice/statuses/3468413459
Jamericanspice
It’s always best to shop deals. Like at the end of school season, but the stuff when it’s not in demand so then it will be cheaper. Also buy in bulk and you can divide up with a neighbor or friend.
Another thing. Don’t be afraid to shop at Goodwill or second hand stores!
D. N.
Our money saving tip is to make homemade lunches instead of buying school lunches. Thanks!!
Donna
My back to school money saving tip is to shop at Kohls, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross for all the great deals on basics so that I have more money for the more expensive, have to have items that the kids want! I also never leave home without coupons on hand! Thanks for this truly amazing giveaway!!!
-Donna :-)
Amy Brewer
I am a happy email subscriber..
Amy Brewer
My best tip (even though I don’t always do it) is to buy clearance on summer clothes for the next year in fall and buy clearance for the next winter when clothes and shoes go on sale after January..You can always guess your child may be a size larger and I have saved money that way before..
Leslie M.
I submitted this on Digg
My user name is LeslieVeg
Leslie
Leslie M.
I would love to stumble this, however I along with MANY bloggers were banned permanently for promoting Blogs that do giveaways!
Please read my Post which will explain! It is against their terms of service..
http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-tripped-and-fell-on-stumbleupon.html
and
http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/2009/06/spanked-by-stumble-thanks-casey-for.html
Thanks so much
Leslie
Leslie M.
I’m a subscriber
Leslie
CMC
My best money-saving tip: I hit up Kohl’s for new school clothes and shoes and sneaks, armed with my discount cards. This REALLY adds up when they have sales. (When Kohl’s says, “Sale,” it’s no joke!) You really get a lot of bang for your buck, and every penny counts these days.
Leslie M.
Your Button is on my Sidebar!!!
Leslie
Leslie M.
LeslieVeg left a Tweet
http://twitter.com/LeslieVeg/status/3458952365
Leslie
Leslie M.
My favorite back to school money saving tip.. We do pack lunches and we do drink juicy juice because it is 100% juice! I like to freeze it because it keeps the rest of the lunch cold. I like to use a reusable lunch bag. buying bags and tossing them to ME is a waste of money.
I like to pack stuff that they will eat.. if it gets tossed whats the point! Baby carrots and hummus, YUM, its healthy and delish, fresh fruit, and lots of fresh veggies! I do shop at the warehouses and buy in bulk! I LOVE to use the bags that keep veggies FRESH FOR a while.. they really work… that is a MONEY saving tip.. they are GREEN TYPE bags.. and wow you stop tossing produce away!
Thanks for a GREAT Giveaway
Leslie
Emma
Also an e-mail subscriber.
emmanellie07(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Emma
My tip is to always wait until the stuff you need to get is on sale before buying things; I love bargain hunting.
Amanda Dean
A good way to save money for back to school is shopping the clearence racks! Also, walmart and target have tons of school supplies for super cheap. There’s always coupon cutting too!
Mary A.
I am a follower by email
marylavent31 at gmail dot com
Mary A.
Grabbed your button
http://mommysmoneycents.blogspot.com
marylavent31 at gmail dot com
Mary A.
Twittered about it
http://twitter.com/marylynnA
marylavent31 at gmail dot com
Mary A.
My daughter loves chips so I buy the big bags and divide them up. For sides I make a batch of jello that I put in a small reusable container as well as I homemake brownies rather than buy them at the store.
marylavent31 at gmail dot com
.-= Mary A.´s last blog ..Kroger Mega Event Sale Gift Card Giveaway =-.
Natalie
I have your button! Thanks!
http://theadventuresofpaulnatalie.blogspot.com/
Natalie
My tip would be to pack a lunch for the kid’s to take to school! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Night Owl Mama
I subscribed in rss feed
Night Owl Mama
http://twitter.com/Nightowlmama/status/3445721312
tweet
Night Owl Mama
I have your button on my side bar at http://nightowlmama.blogspot.com
Night Owl Mama
I blogged http://nightowlmama.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-alerts_20.html
Night Owl Mama
back to school tip is buy in BULK and use coupons follow the best sales blog like here at Bargain Brianna. HEY my dd name is Brianna woot woot
Amy L
I have your button on my sidebar:
http://fibrofoggy.blogspot.com/
Amy L
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/amylou61/status/3441909374
Amy L
I like to shop for back to school clothes at resale and consignment shops. The prices are great, and you can sell your gently used items back to them.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3435722665
Katrina Singletary
I buy in bulk and pre sort all snacks in little bags for quick lunch prep.
Beth S
I would always shop the sales. Now that my kids are grown, I don’t have as much use for the school supplies section, but your blog and others are so helpful for finding good deals!!
Julia F
My girls are too young for school now, so I don’t have tons of tips! My mom always used the dollar store & Dollar General. I’ve found their prices to be a good bit cheaper at times!
caroline
I am an email subscriber
caroline
When I find a deal on school supplies, I buy a year supply! I still have lined paper and pens from last school year that I spent pennies for.
Elizabeth S
My favorite tip is…. to constantly check sites like BARGAIN BRIANA for ways to save!
Y’all are so good and finding all these ways to save…I couldn’t possibly come up with this stuff!
AmyG
My favorite money tip is buying in bulk & dividing everything up in equal porportion sizes. When it comes to supplies like paper, crayons, ect… I buy extras when they are on sale, to have on hand in the middle part of the year.
Maria Carrion
Nestle has the best products for lunches, not only healthy and quality wise but tasty! My tip for saving money in lunches is to pack things that are nutritious and that will keep them full, like cheese slices, apple juice, whole grain carbohidrates and stay away from simple sugars.
Melissa
http://twitter.com/rmgm/status/3427059928
Tweeted!
Melissa
I’m an email subscriber!
Melissa
We like to buy our favorite “snack” items in bulk when they go on sale so we always have them on hand. We also rotate our fruits seasonally so that we’re always eating what tastes best and costs least.
Karen
In addition to trying to match up coupons with sales to maximize savings, I like buying what fruits and veggies are currently in-season (ideally at the farmer’s market), and taking a big block of time to peel/cut them all up at once. That way it’s easy to grab what’s needed for lunches, snacks, etc.
jennifer
I always buy items for school in the “off season” just like I do most other items, and I have found that waiting the last moment possible is usually the best time to find a deal… like halloween candy on the actual day! CVS has been great lately for finding a few school supplies though!
shawn
Tweet…http://twitter.com/shawnmh/status/3417231007
shawn
I have your button up
Rebecca
I subscribe via google reader!
Rebecca
I love to shop end of season clearance for the next year. I also utilize stores like CVS for back to school freebies!
Chancy
I blogged about the giveaway :-) here…
http://theprudentshopper.blogspot.com/2009/08/current-giveaways.html
thank you for the entries!
Chancy
I shared your giveaway with all of my friends on facebook!
username: Chancy Walker
Thanks!
Chancy
I am subscribed to your newsletter! :-)
Thanks!
Chancy
I have your button up on my blog!
Thanks!
Chancy
I tweeted about the giveaway here….
http://twitter.com/sidhartha90
thanks!
Chancy
Pick up clothes in the spring that you think will fit in the fall when they are super clearanced out…then just look for really amazing sales in the fall to fill in what you don’t have!
caetie
I always by clothes the year before, so I get them on clearance. That way I never have to buy back-to-school fall clothes–they are already stored away (and for like 70% cheaper!!!)
Julie Cutshaw
I subscribe to your email newsletter :-) thanks!
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Julie Cutshaw
I tweeted this giveaway on 8/19/09
itsallnew2meBTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Julie Cutshaw
My tip for back to school savings is start putting spare change now in a container for each child so that as the half yesr nears and the school request money for field trips, parents part of food for parties, year books etc you will not be so financailly pinched to find money you do not have to use. Change can really add up and give you extra needed money that you other wise would not of had.
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
cm runstrom
My favorite money saving tip is making sure my son is in the last lunch period. They give away all the extra food then!
Thanks
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3405382125
Pat
Put everything out you need the night before and it will save you time the next morning.
Susan Taylor
I subscribed. semtaylor@yahoo.com
Susan Taylor
Tip – Watch the ads for several months leading up to school starts as well as all year long. I have a large plastic container I keep things I find through out the year on a great deal (usually free or close to it)…I do find more in June and July but they do have good deals other times also. When it comes time for school to start I usually have most everything I need in my container. semtaylor@yahoo.com
Linda Shifflett
I am a subscriber by email.
Linda Shifflett
I shop all summer trying to get school supplies and other items that will be needed for the school year while things are on sale. Pack lunch daily except when the school has pizza – that’s his favorite. Use tupperware to pack lunches so that we don’t waste by using ziploc bags.
lindashifflett@yahoo.com
Sonya
Do a school supply swap with other moms who stockpile!
Kristy
I subscribe via email!
shawn
Tweet..http://twitter.com/shawnmh/status/3394183202
shawn
I have your button up at http://shawnssharings.blogspot.com/
shawn
I subscribe via email
shawn
Tweet…http://twitter.com/shawnmh/status/3394183202
shawn
I try to save money by buying everything the kids need for back to school while its on sale. I buy extra crayons, notebooks, etc. & stock up-then 1/2 way through school when they need more I already have them and don’t pay higher prices. I also love tupperware sandwich keepers & snack containers-then I’m not spending money on baggies & saving the world all at once.
Kristy
My best way to save money is to price compare and then find the best sale and pair it with a manufacturer’s coupon. Even better if you can also find and use a store coupon too.
Lesa
used your Tell a Friend widget and emailed a friend about your giveaway.
Lesa
subscribed via Google Reader.
Lesa
Grabbed your button: http://convenientlysimplistic.blogspot.com/
Lesa
Tweet: http://twitter.com/ConvenientlySim/status/3389623449
Lesa
blogged: http://convenientlysimplistic.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-500-for-back-to-school-basics.html
Lesa
We homeschool, so my favorite Back to School savings is to find super cool free programs on the internet to use. One of the best places to get hooked up on awesome free stuff is http://www.freelyeducate.com/.
Stacey
We always clip plenty of coupons and scrounge out the best deals.
If you shop at more than one store compare prices.
Tara!
I just subscribed to your email updates. I love your blog!
Tara!
For back to school shopping I shop year round. I keep an eye on supplies throughout all the stores I frequent and stock up when they go on sale. The kids can either use them throughout the school year if new ones are needed, save them for the next year, or use them at home with our own craft projects. I love back to school shopping!
Katy
Best back to school tip…always buy things on sale, and stock up for the next year when things are cheap!
starboundstudios@charter.net
Macey
My tip would be to get everything ready the night before so your morning won’t be too stressful :)
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3382718702
Jami
Blogged your giveaway here— http://confessions-stayathomemom.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-roundup.html
Debbie P.
My back to school money saving tip is to use lots and lots of coupons to buy school supplies, and things needed for school lunches!
Kelli
I also subscribe to your newsletter and love getting your daily updates :-)
Kelli
Oops…I forgot to leave you my twitter site:
http://www.twitter.com/kelliblossom
Kelli
I just tweeted your contest…
Kelli
My tip is actually feasable because of wonderful sites like yours…by planning out my Sunday ads, I am able to get all of my shopping done for the week and save lots of $$$ :-) Thanks for all you do!!!
Kelly B
I blogged your giveaway here:
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-day.html
Thank you so much!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Rachael
Subscribe via RSS feed
Rachael
I tweeted:
TheGoodDealGalBTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS
Rachael
My favorite back to school money saving tip is bake my own cookies, bars, crackers, granola bars and bread and to package myself in little baggies.
Deborah
We homeschool, so we don’t have to “pack” lunches, but with the pressure of being the “teacher” and keeping the house up as well as meals, it’s a tempation to grab whatever is easy, not necessarily what is healthy. I try to spend one afternoon a week baking some “healthy” cookies and snacks that my kids can just grab. They make a sandwich and add a piece of fruit and it’s back to the books.
Kelly B
I subscribe via email!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kelly B
I have your button on my blog’s side bar.
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kelly B
I tweeted your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/kellyblackwell/status/3367532106
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kelly B
My best back to school tip is to start thinking at the last day of school. We have a special plastic drawer set at home that we put my son’s school supplies in. When he finishes the last day of school, we dump all the supplies that he has emptied out of his locker and into his backpack into the bottom drawer. When it is getting time for us to start our back -to-school shopping, we go through that drawer and see what we already have. This way when we shop, we have a great list. This year we only had to buy a back pack, a jumbo book cover, and a package of pencils. The nice thing is we can usually skate by without spending outrageous amounts and then we purchase when everything is drastically reduced. We end up with plenty of supplies to last the year and to donate to the food pantry in our town.
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
Maggie
My best tip is to buy chips in the big bag and then put in little bags for his lunch. We did the math it is so much cheaper!
Would love to win this great giveaway! Thanks!
maggiebugjuice@aol.com
Karen
I subscribe via email.
Karen
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/SCMOMOF2BOYS/status/3361763613
Karen
I like to buy lots of crayons, glue sticks, etc. while they are dirt cheap and you can find them and then after Christmas when the teacher sends a letter saying your child needs this and that-you’ll have it at a fraction of the cost!!!
Veronica
My biggest back to school saving tip would be to defnitely shop the bargain sales and look for store coupons. They really help take off the savings at the end. Thanks for a great giveaway :)
Renee Keough
Setting up folders for each of my kids for their paperwork, homework, permission ships and keeping on kitchen counter
Letessha
http://twitter.com/dahliamomma/status/3355841721
Letessha
subscribe to email
Letessha
I don’t know where my comment went but I save by buying in bulk when it goes on sale.
Steph
I have you button
Steph
I stock up on all the freebies at cvs and staples
Amanda
We save money but buying clothes in advance when on clearance–next summer’s shorts are filling the closet right now!
Adina
My back to school tip- we lay out clothing the night before to save time in the morning. It’s a lifesaver!
adinatm(at)aol.com
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3353449443
Amber
My favorite back to school money-saving tip is to NOT bring the kids along. You will end up spending 3 times as much as if you just take their school list and go shopping your self. This will also save you a lot of yelling and stress when the kids beg for everything.
Amber
Crystalclearbc@aol.com
Nicole
Pack lunches, buy school supplies during back to school sales and buy clothes at consignment sales.
Rhonda
We home school year round so “back to school” doesn’t really happen. I remember my mom (years ago) waiting to buy our clothes after the initial return to school rush. She was able to get discounted merchandise that way.
rgbarron0n at yahoo dot com
Sarah
I subscribe via RSS.
Sarah
My tip is to shop the back to school sales. It’s what I did this year, and it was amazing to me how much I could get for free or almost free. Amazing!
Miss Lissy
My best money saving back to school tip is to find out what school supplies you can reuse from last year before buying new ones.
Tracey
I subscribe in my Google feed reader.
Tracey
My tip is to use a thermos so that your children can take leftovers such as soup or pasta and still have it nice and warm by lunchtime.
Cheryl
My tip is to make your own muffins and package each one in a baggy, instead of buying Little Debbie or another type of dessert snack. Saves money and no preservatives!
Celeste Woodside
Subscribing via google reader!
Celeste Woodside
I start my school supplies shopping as soon as back to school things start to go on sale and rather than buying everything at once I buy things when they are at their cheapest.
Annette D
posted on my blog
http://abdoggett1.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-500-walmart-gift-card.html
Rhonda Martin
I have your button on my sidebar~! I just love buttons :)
Rhonda Martin
I’m already a subscriber :)
Thanks for the email about this AMAZING review and giveaway~!
Twitter isn’t working for me :(
I’ll try again later to tweet.
Rhonda Martin
My best school savings tip would be to shop Staples Mon-Wed because each week they have a penny sale. I hit the sale getting the maximum purchase every day Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday. This way I get enough for this year and maybe next year too. Like I said it’s a penny so well worth the stop. This year I picked up notebooks , 8pk pencils, Paper Filler for binders and more all for a penny. I also found a new site online that is called Alice.com so if you want to save on sandwich bags and other household products this is an amazing site. First of all the products are cheaper to start with on most items and second if there is a coupon out there available she automatically deducts that too so no more clipping coupons. Third and best part is shipping is always FREE~!
We are like the Brady bunch here with 6 kids between the two of us so I have to save on every way I can since I’m the only provider right now because he is laid off from the economy. Thanks for Sharing this AMAZING review and giveaway with your readers~!
Kisha
I am saving money on back to school supplies by getting them free at the drugstores… and my kid won’t even start school for three more years. By the time she starts, she should have a good supply! :)
Katie
I guess what I had hoped to be able to do is be able to go to Wal-Mart and do all my daughters school shopping there because it is the best place to save money. I guess you cant save money if you dont have any to spend. Well this year I am hoping that by some miracle I will be able to start a back to school tradition with my daughter.I know that growing up my sister and I would get so excited about going shopping for new clothes, a new backpack and all the supplies that were on our list. Mom would take us and one thing I always will remember is being able to buy new shoes and having to wait to wear them so they would remain brand new for the first day of school. Well I dont know if that will be a possibility this year for my own daughter. She is 5 and this year she will be starting Kindergarten. She is so excited and feels so big but it breaks my heart when she sees all of her friends getting new clothes, shoes , backpacks and supplies then she asks me when will I take her to go shopping so she can get her things as well. I just dont know how to tell my 5 year old daughter that this year , her first year of school that mommy and daddy dont have any money. How do you explain to a 5 year old that daddy got laid off and because of the economy daddy cant find a new job and has had to go back to school full time so that next year we can do all the things that are needed. We have tried to get supplies but I went to 2 different school supply giveaways. The first I waited 2 hours in the heat and when it was my turn I was told me they had run out. The second one I got up at 5:30 am last Saturday and waited in line till 8am and when I got to the tent they told me my daughter had to be present, even though I had her social security card and school list. Well that morning she wasnt feeling good so I decided to leave her home with my husband and not make her wait with me. I went home and picked her up and when I got back they had already given everything away. I have always pictured this first year to be a year for all of us to remember especially my daughter but I am afraid the memory will not be a good one.
Angela H.
My best back-to-school money saving tip is to organize your shopping trips. Plan ahead and write everything down, that way you won’t have to backtrack because you forgot something. (Ugh, that is so annoying when that happens. I have since learned from my many mistakes!)
E Simpson
I tweeted about this (WhatACleverGirl), thanks!
E Simpson
I’m a happy subscriber!
MelodyJ
When you see what you want/need on sale buy more than one. That way you will have more when you need it.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
E Simpson
Time saving tip: If your child’s teacher is willing, get their cell number. If you forget to tell them some important piece of info about your child as you’re dropping off, just text it to them so he/she can read it when they have a moment.
Aimee W.
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Aimee W.
My tip is quite simple and obvious — yet many people do not employ it. Go through your Sunday sales fliers and decide what you’d like to purchase from each store. The main idea that I cannot stress enough is to WRITE IT ALL DOWN! Make note of what you want to buy at each store, sale dates, store hours, what day you would like to visit each store, etc. It is all about planning! Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway!
Yolanda
Thank you for all the great tips on pre packing some lunches- not sure why I didn’t think of that sooner! I subscribe to your web site – Again THANK YOU!!!
ShootingStarsMag
I subscribe via email.
ShootingStarsMag
Back to school tip? Get some basic supplies at dollar stores like some notebooks and pens…saves money!! And if you have to get more later, go there again…just don’t buy it there if it seems flimsy or easily breakable.
Pack lunch sometimes if you can if it’s cheaper than buying at school.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3328845439
charlene canfield
I blogged about your giveaway! I sure could use this. Thanks for letting me try!
http://cjcmommy.blogspot.com/
charlene canfield
I subscribed! Love your site, you have a ton of readers.
charlene canfield
I have your button on my site.
http://cjcmommy.blogspot.com/
charlene canfield
The school my son goes to they have to take their lunch, so that is a cost cutter all to itself. (they only have 52 kids preK – 12)
DG
I subscribe
DG
I definitely recommend purchasing supplies a year in advance..right after the school year begins for the next year to get the sales!
Lori Birchfield
Pick me Pick me
Lori Birchfield
I am new to your website.
gigi
I subscribe to your email newsletter.
gigi
I have your button ::
gigi
I cut up my own carrots and celery into the little mini’s. I try to always use washable plastic instead of paper bags and ziplocks.
Amber in NC
Buy supplies that you can’t find on sale, or free with coupons, at the dollar store.
Doris Powell
Buy all white socks, so you can always find a matching sock!
Kandi
During the end of the summer, many stores are having back to school sales with supplies for only pennies. When I see them like that, I stock up on the limited amount of them and then my kids will have many leftover items to use the next year too!!
Amy
I used your widget to “tell a friend!”
Amy
Grabbed your button!!
Amy
I subscribe via email!!
Amy
I love the thermos – you can send soup, mac n cheese and other yummy lunches that give variety! Homemade lunches are usually more healthy and a great venu for adding a sweet note to each of my boys to tell them I love them! :)
Laura DeLuca
i subscribe
Laura DeLuca
http://twitter.com/GabbyLowe/status/3316498698
tweeted
Laura DeLuca
If you email the companies about their products and tell them how much you like their products, they will usually send you money savings coupons.
K. C.
My best tip, would be to make sure you only buy what your kids will eat. Those “new” crackers might look yummy, but aren’t worth even a few pennies if no one will eat them.
SaraLe
My best Back to School Money Saving Tip is to give your child a lunch to take to school and not to buy it.
Kathleen
I shop garage sales and consignment stores for clothing – I buy 1 or 2 sizes ahead is it’s something I know will fit (shirts, pants with an adjustable waist) and is a great price.
I make homemade snacks and/or buy in bulk and repackage. I use tupperware instead of plastic bags to repackage.
Rachlea
My money saving Tip:
We have a change Jar that sets on the Kitchen counter that My husnad and I put all of our spare change in. We leave it there just for the kids to grab some change for whatever they may need to purchase at school. When times are tough we have actually paid for their lunches out of it. And the kids know that that money is for school items only. We have had quite a bit of change in there. And in the summer months when school is not in session and during the Winter and summer breaks you can really save up a lot more than you think!
Rachlea
OOh Lovely giveaway how exciting. I thought i would never get to the bottm post to place my entry!. I love your blog. I visit from time to time. Thanks for the Nestle info. I have Blog about it one my blog
http://thecouponbarnyard.blogspot.com/2009/08/nestle-back-to-school-calander-with.html.
Thanks for the Giveaway!
Kari
I blogged about your giveaway. You can see it here: http://blessingsabundant.blogspot.com/2009/08/500-walmart-gift-card-giveaway.html
Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!
Tiffany
I have your button on my links page.
http://realsimplesavingmethods.com/links/
Kari
I signed up for your RSS feed.
Kari
My best money saving tip is not to buy all the “convenience” foods that are so tempting because they are so easy. Like the individual packs of apples or carrots and dip. It’s just as easy to cut up an apple (using the apple slicers) or divy up some baby carrots into a bag and pour some ranch dressing into a reusable tupperware container.
Tiffany
I subscribe via RSS!
Tiffany
I don’t have children, but I’m currently going to college.
My money saving tips is buy used textbooks online through Amazon, Half.com, and/or eBay. Most of the time you can find new or like new books for 25-50% off the price you’d pay at the campus bookstore.
Also, you can use price-comparison search engines like BigWords.com to find the best deals on books.
Pam B
I just used the tell a friend widget!!
Jennifer
I subscribe via Google Reader
Jennifer
Your button is on my blog (middle column)
Jennifer
I tweeted about your giveaway:
http://twitter.com/EightyMPHMom/status/3315443755
Jennifer
I blogged about your giveaway:
http://www.eightymphmom.com/2009/06/giveaway-linky-and-other-blog-giveaways.html
Jennifer
My back to school money saving tip is to pool together with several other friends and buy school items in bulk. Many of the items can even be purchases at stores such as Sam’s Club or Costco, and Walmart has wonderful deals as well. Also don’t wait until the last minute. Plan ahead and keep your eye out for specials in the newpaper inserts!
Karla
I subscribe by email.
Karla
Ways I save for school lunches are buying items such as yogurt when it is on sale and using coupons. Also, we are on a GF diet so we use leftovers from supper the night before as the main dish the next day for lunch. I also keep a pot of homemade soup and a bowl of salad in fridge as other options.
Tanya
I am an email subsriber also!!!!
biglittleperson
Some good tips: leftovers! They are always the least expensive way to have lunch. Many schools do have microwaves these days. Bulk buys (snacks like nuts and trail mix can be very expensive but much cheaper when in bulk – or make your own trail mix with bulk nuts and dried fruits) are always good. Using frozen juices (get five small sports bottles fill them two thirds of the way up and freeze) you can keep the lunch cool without additional ice or coolant. Cover the bottle with a foam ‘coozie’ and the sweating is contained and doesn’t spread to the rest of the meal. Add an activity (puzzle, sudoku, riddle, funny story with a vocabulary word) and they will eat slower and exercise their brains at the same time.
Valerie Jimenez
My best back to school savings tip is to use the back-to-school sales well and stock up on those things that are discounted that I know my son will need during the school year such as pens and pencils.
NicholD
I like to take advantage of all the back-to-school sales at the grocery stores and stock up on pb&j and other snacks for the kids lunches.
Adrian
email subscriber
Adrian
My money-saving tip is to shop at mom-to-moms sale. The stuff is used, but the deals are unbelievable! Can get great deals on BTS clothes.
JulieVW
I subscribe via an RSS feed at Bloglines
JulieVW
I buy a package of themed stickers (this year it is dinosaurs) and use them to decorate cheap (plain) folders, pencil cases, and such. This prevents temper tantrums over not getting an expensive folder with a character on it and personalizes our supplies.
Danae
Laying clothing out the day before, for both parents and children, is my best school tip.
Rob
Variety. Change up what you send them for lunch. It will allow everything to go further and ensure that they eat it.
Christina
I subscribe.
Christina
To save money I buy big packages in bulk with sales and coupons of course, then divide everything into smaller bags.
Krystn
Buy early & throughout the summer, that’s when some of the best deals are. Don’t wait for the week before!
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3309798403
Cheryl
subscriber
Cheryl
Check sales – use Walmart’s price match.
lynette355
button button grabbed your button
lynette355
used “Tell a Friend” for 25 friends
lynette355
CrazedMindBTS Money/Time Saving Tips from @bargainbriana + Enter to Win $500 Walmart Giftcard: http://tinyurl.com/mmsdqe #nestleBTS
lynette355
Do a clothing swap with other parents so you will not have to buy all new clothes.
misty
My best money saving idea is making your own snack sized portions for lunches. The prepackaged ones from manufacturers are so expensive for the amount you get and it’s so easy to do yourself.
Tammy Skinner
Buy school supplies for the next year after school starts and all the school supplies go on clearance. Each year I pick two or three times to really stock up on so that the next year I don’t have to buy any.
Lydia
I blogged this: http://thriftyfrugalmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-roundup_14.html
Diana B
My daughter starts preschool this fall so we’re not really into “back to school” ideas yet but the one thing that makes sense to me is to give them homemade food (muffins, cookies, sandwiches) rather than premade, convenience stuff that costs more and is less healthy (meaning more doctor’s visits down the road).
Candace Laughead
I have been watching sales and what really excited me was I just did price matching at Walmart for an item they were out of at Target. Nice.
Lydia
My favorite way to save is to watch sales and buy the items as cheap as possible…but also to get items on clearance for the next school year. Often backpacks and lunchboxes get marked WAY down and make for an amazing bargain.
Nessa
I emailed to friends through your tell a friend widget.
Nessa
I subscribe via email. ramblingsofatxhousewife(at)gmail(dot)com
Nessa
I have your button on my left sidebar.
http://nessatxmom.blogspot.com/
Nessa
In the comment above, I meant save money, not make money, lol.
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Nessa_TX/status/3306861134
Nessa
One way we make money is by making our own fruit cups to pack instead of buying prepackaged ones. We maek them up in resealable containers, then store them in the freezer. When you pack them in a lunch box they keep everything in it cool. When it’s time to eat you have a slushy like cold fruit treat. The kids love it and I like that I know what is in it (no corn syrup, preservatives, etc), plus it saves money.
VicDamone911
My money saving back to school thing I do is: About 2 months before school starts we will watch the ads from the office supply stores. On the very first page they always have “loss leader” school supplies for 1 cent sometimes. We stock up every week until the sales are over.
Jami
Button is in my blogroll! http://www.confessions-stayathomemom.blogspot.com
Jami
Email subscriber!!! jadco123 @ hot mail .c om
Jami
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/confessionsSAHM/status/3302416496
Jami
My tip would be to stock up on Back to School clothes when they are on clearance at the end of every season. Just make sure you buy them big enough for the next school year!
Barbara P
I have you button on my blog
Barbara P
I’m a subscriber via email
Barbara P
blogged about your giveaway here:
http://never2late2save.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-madness.html
Barbara P
My tip would be to get the kids back on their school schedule a week or two in advance. Its not easy getting tired kids ready for their first day of school.
Annette D
I subscribe to your feed.
Annette D
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/statuses/3299988090
Annette D
The way that I try to save money for Back-to-school is to watch for the sales on school supplies. Many of the larger chains like Target and Walmart offer fantastic deals right before school starts. I also stock up on essentials like underwear and socks on the “no sales tax” weekend.
Pam B
I am an email subscriber. Thank You!!
Pam B
My favorite Back-to-school tip is to keep the list in my purse and pick up items whenever I see them on sale some where throughout the summer.
Meg
I receive your daily emails. The best thing I’ve done to save money for back to school this year, honestly, has been the free school supplies (or almost free) at CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Staples. Thanks!
Amber
I’m a subscriber
Trisha
I always buy clothes and supplies off season o on clearence and then pull them out at school time and it takes the stress out of last minute shopping and saves a lot of money by not buying all at once!
LibraryGirl62
I subscribed to your RSS feed.
LibraryGirl62
I save money by NOT taking the kids to the store with me :)
Shannon
I just tweeted! (@NutHouseShannon)
http://twitter.com/NutHouseShannon/statuses/3298136578
Shannon
We live on the border of TN and GA… and each state has a “tax free weekend” about a week or two before school starts… no sales tax on school supplies, clothes and shoes! I made a trip to the outlets in GA during their tax-free weekend and was able to score some great deals!
I also will stock up on school supplies when they get marked down to clearance.
Sarah Reno
You really need to pack there lunches instead of letting them buy. It saves you money and you can make sure they are eating healthy. Also buy clothes and supplies ahead of time and on sale to avoid being in a hurry and buying things that are over priced.
Amber
We are just starting pre-school so I’m new to this ‘school’ shopping thing. But we bought what we needed on sale and for free at cvs. Love your blog! it’s so helpful to a newbie couponer in your area! Thanks!
Amanda
I subscribed to the rss feed :)
Amanda
Buy supplies when there super cheap or free …buy extra for the year and check the next grades list. Not just for school clothes …but buy the next size of clothes when you see them on clearance. Of course check all the coupon sites and blogs! :)
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3296495723
tweet
Alison Michaud
I like to buy grapes when they are on sale. I pack snack bags with the washed grapes and pop them in the freezer. My grapes don’t go bad quickly, I got them at a good price, and they are a quick and easy addition to the lunchboxes.
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
I have your button on my blog…
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
Michele
I use teaching wholesalers to purchase school supplies. I can usually get all the items on the list at 50% off or more than the usual retail prices.
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
I blogged about this:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne/717112/
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
susan
i subscribe. love your site and hope to win the gift card!
susan
my best tip would be to buy multiples of school supplies in August so that when January comes and they need more markers, colored pencils, etc. you have them and you got them cheap!
Laurie
My tip would be to inventory what you already have. If you bought 3 cases of spiral notebooks when they were on sale last year and only used 1, you really don’t need to keep adding to your stockpile. If your child only like mechanical pencils, don’t buy regular wooden pencils that are just going to sit around taking up space. :)
sandra
i like to shop for the next year by catching the back-to-school sales once school has already started
Amy Chown
Besides purchasing the inexpensive school supplies that go on sale every year before school starts, I also find a lot of bargains at garage sales. There are always supplies, clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, books, etc at many of the sales I go to. Recenly, I attended a couple in which teachers were clearing out some teaching related materials/supplies and was able to pick up some nice learning aids for my 6 year old.
Darci Park
I subscribe via email.
Darci Park
I wait every year for the back to school sales to stock up on basics like facial tissues! With a household of allergy sufferers, we go throught facial tissues like crazy. With the back to school bundle packs on special, along with coupons, you can get them for cheap!
kerri
I pack lunches everyday, the kids really don’t like the school lunches and don’t eat them!
Monica
I subscribed by email.
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
I used your “Tell a Friend” widget to email several friends.
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
I’m a subscriber.
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
thebellsmom
Use frozen water bottles to keep lunch cold then they can drink it after school.
Marie R
I go to cvs and get alot of the free items after extra bucks. Also I buy everything that is on sale.
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/HSBSuzanne/status/3292056066
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
HSB Suzanne (aka Anita)
My favorite Back to School Money saving tip is to catch the penny and quarter sales at the various office supply and drug stores. :)
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
Kelly
I like to wait until sales for school clothes once the year has begun.
Terri L
I buy granola bars, etc on sale with a coupon. This saves a lot of money versus the kids purchasing from the snack bar or vending machine at school.
Rebecca Absher
As a mother of 3 kids starting school soon this would be a great way to finish up their shopping with…..I am a new subscriber via email.
Pilar @ ScoringDeals
I am a subscriber.
Pilar @ ScoringDeals
I tweeted about this!
Pilar @ ScoringDeals
I save money by taking advantage of weekly sales! I don’t buy everything in just one trip!
Emma
I subscribe to your email updates.
Emma
Sorry-left the wrong Twitter link above. Here is the correct one:
http://twitter.com/oceangirl621/statuses/3288766532
Emma
Twitter: http://twitter.com/statuses/friends_timeline/48327692.rss
Emma
Try not to shop too early-that’s when everything is the most expensive! Wait out the sales and scour the internet for printable coupons!
Shawn
I subscribed to your newsletter by email.
nicole
I try and buy everything on sale. I have two school aged children and one year old twins.
Shawn
I purchase school supplies on sale/clearance all throughout the year so we have pretty much everything we need when August gets here.
Amy @ Amy Loves It!
I blogged about it here:
http://www.amylovesit.com/2009/08/13/new-kmart-coupons-kroger-double-coupons-free-sharpies-and-more/
heidih
I subscribed by e-mail.
Jana
Using my foodsaver to save meal-sized portions. This cuts way back on the time needed to prepare lunches.
heidih
When your kids are young you can buy an inexpensive backpack, but when they get older look for really good, durable, name brand, maybe with a lifetime warranty if possible and pay a little more.. If it’s something they like they will use it year after year and they won’t wear out – get holes etc. I’ve sent good backpacks off to the manufacturer and they’ve repaired them or sometimes even sent me a brand new one instead of a repair. Of course get it on sale too.
Amy @ Amy Loves It!
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/AmyLNorton/statuses/3287454279
Amy @ Amy Loves It!
I subscribe via RSS!
Amy @ Amy Loves It!
My best B2S trip is to shop the sales! I have gotten SO many items for FREE or super cheap!
Felicia
I blogged about your giveaway=)
Felicia
I grabbed your button!
Felicia
I buy winter clearance items a size larger then what my children wear now when it gets marked down in the spring. Low cost and brand new school clothes!
Shvonne
I buy extra back to school items when they are 5cents or less. I keep these to use the next year and also donate lots too.
Shvonne
I signed up for your newsletter.
Carrie
grabbed your button! http://www.the-bakers-rack.blogspot.com
Carrie
Keep a copy of your school’s supply list on hand and buy school supplies throughout the year. Also, I buy school clothes/uniforms throughout the year at yard sales and thrift stores- I have a section of the garage to keep clothes- when you dont have to buy specific sizes, its easier to find good deals.
Adriane
We have a great consignment store where we bring our good condition children’s clothes, get a store credit, then use that credit to get good clothing cheap : )
Queen
and signed up for email alerts!
Queen
an added your button to my sidebar
Queen
I blogged about your giveaway
Brooke Blanchard
i have a 5 yr. old entering kindergarten this year and I’m going to use the stockpile of snacks that i have in an extra cabinet for packing lunches. i also make the betty crocker cookie mixes (which i usually buy w/coupons for under $1) and they will last all week as snacks/part of lunch! what a cheap treat! thanks
Queen
Pre plan lunches for the week! Having everything ready ahead of time prevents realizing at the last minute that I’ve run out of something or didn’t make enough for the week, resulting in having to buy lunch.
Toni
When my son was younger I always sent him to school with a lunchbox and used a re-usable sandwich container and those frozen blocks to make sure his lunch stayed fresh even though many of the kids had theirs thrown in paper bags. Maybe not frugal but I always sent extas too as there were some kids who would be in school with no lunch at all. I also bought things in larger bags and would individually portion them. Though I did not have the luxury of a computer back then, I tried my best to buy things on sale and would stock up as much as possible to last throughout the whole year.
Kimberly
I subscribe!
Kimberly
Watch for all of the free/nearly free school supply deals and stock up.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Tami
Subscribed via google reader (rss).
Tami
tweeted the contest. Here’s my profile to check:
http://twitter.com/mymadakaja
Tami
Clearance sales! If you pay full price for clothes or supplies, it’ll take your whole paycheck it seems!
Candy @ Serendipity Mom
My biggest tip is to use reusable containers because its better for the environment, cheaper, and if you are sensitive to it like me, they won’t taste like plastic!
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3282244168
Aimee
http://aimee-b.livejournal.com/657964.html
blogged
Aimee
Subscribed via email
Aimee
http://twitter.com/aimee_irene/status/3282136229
tweeted
Aimee
Check out places like the Dollar Store, they have great back to school items for only a $1!!
Michelle B
I am a subscriber
Michelle B
My tip is to use your coupons. I only have one lunch I need to make so I share items with my sister who has one child and that helps cut down the cost when we split things.
Vicki
PS i meant to say that this last recipe is great for fruit that is past appetizing but just not ready to be tossed yet. Don’t waste that fruit! :)
judy brittle
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/3279582749
judy brittle
I’m a subscriber.
judy brittle
My best back to school money saving tip is to look through those bargain bins in stores. I find some great school supplies digging through those. The package might have a little tear but the product inside is in great shape. Also I always hunt for the 10 for $1.00 sales.
I really love the clearance sales at Party City I check out stocking stuffers and party packs for birthdays and they have tons of school type items at 75% off. Yes I am a bargain hunter. Thank you!
Vicki
We try to make extra servings of some things on the weekend to toss into hubby’s or the children’s lunches, like banana bread, roasting an extra chicken to shred for lunches for the week, making fruit roll-ups….
If interested, here’s our recipe for fruit roll ups in a dehydrator:
(save the plastic bags from cereal boxes to cut up and line your dehydrator with)
3 c. applesauce
1 c. pureed fruit for flavor (frozen fruit that has been thawed is fantastic for this)
optional: 1 TBSP lemon juice, 2 TBSP honey (we never use these)
4 trays, lined and ready — keep the inner vents and outer vents (if you have them) open for circulation
blend ingredients and spread 1/8″ thick on the lined trays. Keep the fruit a half inch away from the edges to make room for expansion when heated. Dehydrate at 135 degrees F for 6-8 hours, depending on the humidity levels of your workspace. When completely dry (not tacky at all), cut to size with clean scissors, roll up and store in airtight containers or baggies
Carrie P
I am new to couponing (and watching how I spend my money). This was the first year I was frugal in purchasing school supplies – so my tip is to read what others blog. There is a lot of great advice and many people already have figured out what to do and where to go for you. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel when you are first learning what to do!
Liz
My favorite money saving tip is shopping for school supplies when it comes to the really good sales and especially the penny sales. It really adds up to a great savings!
teedlemac862003 at yahoo dot com
jen
I’m an e-mail subscriber. jenmizener at gmail dot com
Erica Erskins
I added your button on my site. You are an inspiration in all your frugal ideas.
jen
My back to school money saving tip is to follow blogs that give info. about back to school sales at drugstores with rebates and moneyback deals. jenmizener at gmail dot com
cwaltz
I shop consignment shops and thrift stores for back to school. My kids generally get one “new” outfit and the rest are from thrift and consignment purchases. The oldest two even love taking $50 for their shopping and seeing how well they can do. My son practically lives in his Homer Simpson “Homeboy” hooded sweatshirt and my daughter loves her girly Charlotte Russe or B Moss clothing. The younger two are so rough on clothes and actually some of the thrift store stuff outlasts the stuff they get “new”.
Nancy B
I used to buy all kinds of new clothes for the first day of school. The first day of school would come and go, and the new clothes would be ripped in two weeks, and the jeans would be too small by October!
Andrea B.
I always try to keep each of our lunches under $1.
Emily
Check to make sure that you don’t have left over school supplies from the previous year. Just because it’s on the list doesn’t mean that you have to buy new. Pens, binders, etc. can be used again.
chris
I use coupons and Rite Aid rebates!
Marcie
I love back to school sales. Search the blogs (like this awesome one) for the best deals and only buy the “attractors” at each store.. .05 glue sticks? I’m there :)
Marcie
I subscribe!!
pAMELA
i hit all the penny items and use coupons. I love back t school shopping.
SampleQueen
Buy erasers for pencils, not new pencils!
Sandi
I used “tell a friend” with email to tell my sister about this.
Becca
Coupons help so much with back to school shopping
Lindsay
Extra entry for subscribing to your newsletter via e-mail.
Marie
Use those coupons! coupons! coupons! to get the best deals on back to school gear. Shop the sales for clothes or wait until mid-September and hit the clearance section!
Lindsay
My best money saving tip is buying reusable water bottle to use for water or juice. Ends up being SO much cheaper than individual water or juice bottles!
Jennifer
I, too, like to make everything in bulk. Pull the snacks out of the freezer and they’ll defrost by lunch!
Dianne
I’m all about reuseable containers since they money savers and earth savers.
Jamminontheone
Google Reader
Catherine
My favorite money-saving back to school tip is to get together with a group of other Moms at the school and have a uniform exchange. We bring all the shirts, pants, and skirts that our kids have grown out of the prior year but are still wearable, and exchange them for new sizes for the new school year. It saves a lot of money, and is particularly handy for those of us without younger ones to pass items down to.
Sandi
I blogged about this.
Sandi
I subscribe via email. sandibeek@gmail.com
Sandi
I have your button on my blog.
Sandi
A great way to save on clothes is to put your kids in charge of shopping–no really! First, go through their clothes, get rid of what doesn’t fit, and figure out what they really need. Then, give each kid a list of stuff they HAVE to buy, and a preset amount of money. They have to buy the things on the list, but they get to pick the brands, and then they can do whatever they want with any left-over cash. For example, Daughter might need 2 pairs of pants, a bra, socks, some dress shoes, and a back pack. Give her $100, and see how far she stretches it! I guarantee that she will bypass the trendy $50 jeans she would have wept over to try to get you to buy if you were holding the money. Now that she has the money she will find the cheapest acceptable jeans and try to have money left over for makeup or jewelry or lunch.
Alicia
Awesome blog and give away. Thanks so much!!
Alicia
I just subscribed to your free newsletter!!
Russ
I have to go with the popular response of “stock up when on sale” for all the kid’s school supplies. My oldest son (11) has taken to the idea and has run with the “lead procurement expert”…searching for the best deals for our dollars.
Alicia
My favorite tip is to shop at the consignment store. You can get new clothing with the tags still on (many of them are name brand) at a fraction of the cost. If you do your shopping at the end of the season, you can save even more money when seasonal clothing is clearanced out.
Telisha
I now subscribe in yahoo reader.
kasey
It sounds so elementary (no pun intended!), but I have been saving money the last couple of years by really setting a budget per category, committing to sticking to it, and then starting early to shop for supplies and clothes, and examining each purchase to see if it makes sense for the price and our needs.
We used to buy kind of randomly, but being conscious of it has really helped.
Kris
We stock up on school supplies and lunch snacks while they are on sale (and coupons are available!) They are then available throughout the school year when needed!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Telisha
Spread the word through my email contacts. Thanks
Telisha
I like to stock up during the rock bottom prices. This way later in the yr when the teachers are asking for more wet wipes and the kids’ pencils are nubs…you just go back to the stockpile. And PRICE MATCH.
Jen
We have four kids and three are in school… so it helps to stock up on extra school supplies to have on hand through out the year. I also try to buy very cheap lunch food with sales/coupons or buy in bulk and divide and conquer! Thanks
Kathryn
My favorite memory is back to school shopping with my Aunt. She would always let me get a few “fun itmes” for school that my mom would never splurge for!
Jean
I buy all my school supplies when they are very cheap. I buy extra so that I do not need to pay full price for something needed 1/2 way through the school year. I never pay full price for anything.
I make my kids lunches everyday. This not only saves a great deal of money, but I know that my kids are getting a much healthier lunch.
The previous post should read ” I am a subscriber” :)
Thanks for the great giveaway.
kate
added button too!!
http://www.w4torock.blogspot.com/
thanks!
Amanda
Buy back to school clothes on craigslist or ebay! :-)
Jean
I’m a suscriber :)
kate
I am subscribed! :) thanks
kate
We try really hard to only eat healthy snacks and lunches are so hard for me since the cookies and chips are cheapest and easy to pack but I have found googling coupons for organic snacks ( like Annies cheddar bunnies- yum!) and usually find good deals — and to STOCK up when I find em!! thank so much
Tyree
I have my kids use their old backpacks for a few weeks until they go on clearance. Then you can get a new one for about 75% off usually $5 instead of $20.
Andrea
I pack snacks in snack baggies and put them in a drawer. When my kids need a snack for school or after, they can grab it themselves and they learn portion control as well.
Lisa
My favorite way to save $ at back to school time is to wait until fall/winter clothes go on clearance and then buy a size bigger for my kids so that they can have them ready to go once the summer is over.
debbie
Packing good lunches and looking for ways to make them as economical as possible. They are always cheaper than school lunches.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
Kathleen
Buy clearance items and use them for the following year.
Lisa
Telling a friend now about the back to school give away!
Lisa
Getting all the great ideas from your site for back to school money saving! Don’t buy anything that is not on sale or without a coupon.
Rebecca
I tweeted about this— http://twitter.com/swappinspoons
tracey
I get your feed!
tracey
My tip: Buy tons of the snacks that your kids eat for lunches. Do this at least 2 weeks before school starts and HIDE THEM. It’ll be one less stress for you during those first 2 weeks of school.
Rose
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
Rose
My kids re-use their water bottles each week (or longer if they are in good shape). We partially refill them with tap water, freeze them, and the next morning fill them all the way with more water. They do double duty in lunch boxes to keep food cold and, as the ice melts, they are water bottles again.
Brittany Albert
I like to use a reusable lunch bag and thermos for back to school money saving. It’s better for the environment too! It’s nice not having to spend tons of money on juice boxes.
Ty
I tweeted @ http://twitter.com/poisonsix9
Brittany Albert
I have your button on my blog alanbrittany.blogspot.com
Brittany Albert
I subscribe via email!
Lisa Miller
Grabbed your button, put it on right side bar under Blog love, here,
http://luvmyparrot.blogspot.com/
Lisa Miller
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/LisaMarieMiller/status/3269381749
Lisa Miller
Try to shop the end of season sales all year round and if it’s a long period before school starts, buy a size bigger.
Tricia
i tweeted: http://twitter.com/onceamonthmom/status/3270240632
Amanda Wilmering
My fav tip for saving money at back to school time is for school uniforms, get to know some parents with kids in grades ahead of yours so you can buy their uniforms at the end of the year for you child.
Tricia
Make sandwiches and other homemade food items up ahead of time and freeze them. This saves you time and money when you are buying items when they are on sale.
$ Money Savin' Momma $
i just tweeted — @eadfl
$ Money Savin' Momma $
I subscribe via RSS!
$ Money Savin' Momma $
My favorite back to school money saving tip is to read lots of frugal blogs, they give great advice!
Lori Z.
I subscribe
Lori Z.
I like to pack lunches in reusable cases. They have small ones for dips and fresh veggies or fruits with dips are way cheaper and healthier than a pack of chips everyday. Plus, it saves on plastic baggies and my daughter gets a lot of pink in her lunchbox (her favorite color!).
Letty
This is all new for me – Thank you for all the nice tips on lunches and the back to school specials. Can’t wait to read your 15 days of couponing –
Lisa B
My 5 year old will be starting Kindergarten next week, so I’m not sure I have any tips for saving money yet. But I know that I will be packing his lunch for the most part and putting his lunches together the night before, so I’m not running around in the mornings.
TinaP
Of course I get my school supplies with coupons and sales. Most of them are free! I also shop for clothes after each season for clearence which saves us big time!
Tinap
tinajanet1@verizon.net
Andrea
I would say buy your supplies when they are on sale before school starts and stock up for the rest of the year.
Andrea
I tweeted!
@minnies779
Andrea
I subscribed!
Kristi
I shop the sales throughout summer for clothes and supplies.
Ysenia Ramirez
I am also a subscriber.
Ysenia Ramirez
We love to shop for all the school supply freebies and deals, and we also shop all the really great sales for school clothes, even if that means multiple stores and driving around town. We make it a day trip and spend some family time together and get thiongs down for school. We have alot of fun.
Karen R
I subscribe via email.
Karen R
My tip is to look thru the school lunch schedule for the upcoming week. Let your child choose what days he likes what is being served. Then make a sack lunch for the days he doesn’t want to eat the cafeteria food. A child is more likely to eat apple slices than a whole apple. Dried fruit is also a good addition.
linda
my best tip is to buy supplies now when they are so cheap!
Nikki
Before school in addition to getting the very cheap or free items that are on sale, my boys and I also go through all of the various drawers and desks that have lots of school supplies left over. It is amazing how much of the list we can check off by “shopping” in the drawers at home. We have accumulated several lunchboxes over the years. So now instead of buying 3 new lunch boxes at the beginning of the school year, all of the old models are up for grabs and each boy gets to choose which one will be “his” for this year. I have also been given several small luggage bags (carry on size). My boys have started using these instead of a backpack. They tend to last us the entire year, and even look good for the next year, whereas I have had a few years where I was buying a second set of backpacks mid-year.
Mary
I “told a friend” via email.
Mary
I subscribe via email.
Mary
My money saving BTS tip is to bake your own muffins, granola bars and cookies. I have a GREAT chocolate chip cookie recipe that makes 10 dozen. I roll the dough into balls and flash freeze(so they don’t freeze stuck together in a big blob) so that when I need freshly baked cookies for either my family’s lunches or for company stopping by I can bake them in a jiffy.
Nancy
I am an e-mail subscriber.
Nancy
My best back to school money-saving tip is to stretch your grocery dollars by shopping at the local farmer’s market. You will be astounded at the low prices and the super fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market. I bet you can even get the kids to try some new fruits and veggies when they pick them out themselves from the farmers’ stands. It is also a health, fun, and free family outing to go to the farmer’s market on the weekend! Give it a try!
Amy
I used a “tell a friend” to email!
Amy
I subscribe in my google reader!
Amy
My best money saving tip is to buy carrots and cut them up (instead of buying small ones) into individual sticks, then portion them out for the week for quick snacks on the go or to go with meals. Also, making muffins in advance and freezing them for quick breakfasts is a GREAT money and time saver!
robin
We don’t eat much bread at our house so when we run low I make the boys peanut butter and cracker sandwiches. The crackers don’t spoil like bread and the kids like the cute little ‘sandwiches’!
Stephanie M
WOW- what a GREAT giveaway…. as a 2nd grade teacher I am able to experience the back to school feeling EVERY year!!!
my best back to school tip— is to shop the back to school sales… and stock up. (when else can you get coloring crayons for 19 cents a box) YAHOOO… buy extra and use them as christmas gifts too!
Carolyn G
blogged: http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-500-walmart-gift-card-these-great.html
Mindy
I subscribe via email.
Mindy
I save so much on everything by reading blogs like yours and taking advantage of the best deals.
Carolyn G
subscriber
Carolyn G
http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/3256302575 – tweeted
Carolyn G
Buy some supplies like paper, pens and pencils at the dollar store
Rebecca Newport
I used the tell a friend widget to share on facebook!
Rebecca Newport
I subscribed to the email feed (although I am already an RSS subscriber. LOL).
Rebecca Newport
I grabbed the button and added it to my blog.
Rebecca Newport
I tweeted about this post.
@strebekah
Rebecca Newport
I like to buy school supplies when they are on clearance. You can usually find things like markers, pencils, pens at holiday times. Since we homeschool, I have a tote where I keep all our extra scissors, pencils, pens, markers, glue, etc.
DebbLou
My best $$ saver is using the little snack bags instead of sandwich bags… great invention. When ever possible I also use small plastic containers for food items instead of baggies to save on cost and waste. I buy food and divide up instead of buying from the vending & soda machines.
Stephanie
I am a subscriber!
Stephanie
I buy everything for back to school when it is on sale.
Suzanne H
tweeted at; http://twitter.com/candyapple67
Suzanne H
I am a subscriber!
Suzanne H
I buy school supplies when on sale whenever possible
kimberly
Stumbled – jenny2006
kimberly
Blogged-
http://winthis.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/nestle-back-to-school-basics-500-giveaway-2/
kimberly
RSS subscriber
kimberly
We’re just rotating between packing lunches versus buying there, and picking up as much as possible while there’s sales.
ILona
I purchase extra supplies while they are cheap to have on hand for b-day parties and x-mas.
Ellen C.
I like to bake up big batches of cookies and muffins and freeze them. I’ll take out small batches at a time to give to my son for lunches. Thanks for the chance.
Tanya
I agree with others on SAVE BIG on school stuff by buying NOW and buying extras when the sales are on. When it comes to lunches get my son to help in packing his lunch so he is more willing to eat it since he invested the time to help prepare it!!! And to make it fun — roll ups, shapes, surprises etc…
Jill W
I’m an email subscriber, thanks
Leandrea
My favorite ways to save money on back to school shopping are to SHOP THE SALES! CVS gives school supplies away. We use lots o reusable bags in our house instead of ziplocs. They are fun and easy to make.
Melody Carpenter
i subscribe to your emails.
Jill W
Your button is on my sidebar, thanks!
Jill W
tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/3251737107
Melody Carpenter
I use lots and lots of coupons for everything from school supplies to lunches.
Jill W
My daughter is not in school yet, but I would think that it would be a great time to take advantage of all of these school supply sales at Staples, Walgreens, Office Max, etc. to stock up for the whole year – and beyond. I don’t think there is an expiration date on most school supplies! :-) thanks
Erin
I started shopping for school supplies in July when they free after ECB/RR or coupons. I think I now have everything for my daughter and I think I only spent around $7.00 (which includes a backpack).
DanielleCorrelle
I’m a subscriber :o)
edi
grabbed your sidebar
edi
I like to bake homemade cookies with nuts, seeds, raisins, oats, and add that to their lunchbox.
DanielleCorrelle
My kids are too young for school, but I have already started to buy the free/moneymaker or very inexpensive school supplies. I figure by the time they start school, I can just shop from my bin of supplies and then go purchase whatever else they might need…but hopefully I’ll have it all covered. I plan to purchase a tub and just keep it in my garage with the holiday decorations, etc.
Melissa
I subscribe-LOVE this site!
Melissa
My favorite tip is to do a lot of baking and then package up all the cookies in individual portions so they are ready to go. I will also portion out chips, crackers, etc. I keep all these in a basket that I have just for the lunch items.
Nadia
Also an email subsriber and LOVE it!
Nadia
My lil ones are 2 yrs and 5 weeks so I don’t have to worry about school yet. BUT..I will be student teaching and then, YAY, teaching full time hopefully next fall, and I plan on bringing my own lunch every day!
amy p
subscribe to your feed.
amy p
follow on twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/3250428687
amy p
email subscriber.
amy p
I have your button.
amy p
My mom used to put cake in our lunches but sliced it in half and put the frosting sides together. I will pass that down to my kids.
alicia
I used tell a friend via email! Thanks for the entries.
alicia
I subscribe via email
alicia
We have lunch bag coolers (Las vegas) but we use them over and over again saving us from using paper bags.
Quatro_Mama (Jen)
I also tweeted!
Quatro_Mama (Jen)
Buy yogurt in the tub, instead of individual containers. Less choices, but saves $$$$.
Wendy
My hot tip is to buy 5 snack containers and fill them all up on Sunday night with snacks. I keep all my “lunch supplies” in a basket in my cupboard. I just pull the basket out, and there are juice boxes, filled snack containers and ziplocs that I need for lunch.
Mary
I subscribed via email.
mfalcon13 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Mary
My best tip is to take advantage of coupons/sales in combination with your state’s tax-free weekend.
mfalcon13 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Danika
I subscribe.
Danika
My son takes a home-packed lunch everyday. This saves us lots of money over the year. Plus I know it’s stuff he will eat and more nutrious than the school-bought lunches. Also, I stock up on school supplies while they’re all at the cheapest. I try to buy enough to last us the whole year as well as donating some.
jamie
When school supplies go on sale I stock up for the next year.
Mellisa W
I subscribe.
Mellisa W
Buy school supplies a little at a time when they are on sale for pennies. Take the sale bills to WM and they will honor them.
dana
We started a car pool this year to save on gas..
Tiffny Rigby
I get all my school supplies for free. I shop the rebate sales and Register Rewards/Extra Care Bucks. This is my first year with a student. Wish me luck!
shirleymc
Buy snacks to send to school rather than have your child buy concessions…
Tabetha
I subscribe
My best tip is try to wait until after school starts when the stores want to get rid of extra school inventory to get ready for halloween/Christmas. I got a calendar for the next year and glue sticks for 75% off . I just now down to my last stick. I saved a bundle!
Daisy
I Digged & Reddit your post
Daisy
Your on my blog roll girl (have been for a while) :-)
Daisy
I subscribe to your blog via RSS
Daisy
Tweeted
Daisy
Money Saving Tip: For Birthday’s and holidays I ask only to receive gift cards so that I may purchase item for the kids when needed. This has been a huge help this year. I’m not out any out of pocket expenses at all yet.
Julie Curry
Involve your kids in choosing and making their lunches! That way you know you are packing something they like and will eat, and they may brag at school the next day about making their own lunches!
Maria
I subscribe via RSS.
Thank you!
Maria
start buying back to school supplies that you will know you need (notebooks, pencils, markers, etc) all throughout the year whenever you see a great discount or deal. It makes sticker shock go away when you don’t have to spend a LOT of money upfront.
Chris B.
I subscribe!
Danna
I like to buy fresh fruit (when it is on sale, of course) wash it, and package it in little snack zipper bags so they are ready to go. My girls also like them for an after school snack.
Danna
I tweeted about the giveaway.
Danna
I subscribe to your email newsletter.
Laura F
I also subsrcribe
Laura F
I buy in bulk during the month prior to school when we have these GREAT sales. I then break everything up into individual baggies so they’re ready for lunches and then designate one cabinet to store all the goodies so they ALWAYS have nice lunches!
Melinda
I stock up during the summer when there are so many sales. I have enough snacks now that should do me until Christmas for very little money!!
Patty
I subscribe to your email, too!
Patty
I subscribe via RSS.
Patty
I shop the sales for school supplies in July.
Flesworthy
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/flesworthy
Missy
When sending lunches to school, save money (and the world!) by using re-usable bags. Etsy has all kinds of re-usable bags for kids to stash cookies, carrots and sandwhiches in!
Jenna Sluiter
I just subscribed to your e-mail/newsfeed. I can’t wait to start getting your deals e-mailed to me.
Jenna Sluiter
My best money saving tip is to never buy individual bags of chips/snacks. We only buy the big bags and stock up when they are on sale. I then use ziplocs to separate them. Also we use lunch boxes and also reusable containers when we can to save on the cost of baggies.
Penny
My big money saving back-to-school tip is to buy great clothes at garage sales (& thrift stores). I find garage sales are usually cheaper than thrift stores. My kids are young and not really in to name brand store bought, but I’m hoping to condition them so as they get older they don’t mind garage sale clothing as long as they like the style.
Linda B
Buy food and juice in larger packages then pack in reusable containers for lunch. Also buy extra school supplies while they are dirt cheap. Use later in the year or donate them to your school.
Chris B.
I hit the back to school sales at all of the office supply stores and try to get enough supplies for this school year and the next!
Tami
My biggest back to school tip is packing lunch. My daughter is an extremely picky eater and I found paying for school lunches were a waste of money for two reasons 1) she didn’t eat everything and 2) I can buy all that food cheaper. Everything you can pack in a lunch is so much cheaper when you buy it at home. I send a note in her lunch every day to tell her how special she is!
CaySedai
Subscribed via email.
CaySedai
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/CaySedai/status/3246009580
CaySedai
Blogged: http://carolfoltz.com/2009/08/11/nestle-back-to-school-basics-500-giveaway/
DesignHER Momma
tweeted!
DesignHER Momma
I’m a subscriber!
DesignHER Momma
instead of juice boxes, we use a reusable thermos. Also – we use cute reusable sandwhich and snack bags – bought off Etsy.
Larena
I subscribe via google reader!
Larena
I bake my own cookies instead of buying the prepackaged ones. Also use reusable containters instead of plastic baggies when possible.
CaySedai
My favorite money-saving tip is to buy more than is needed at the beginning of the year. Spiral notebooks are 15 cents at our Wal-Mart right now. After school starts, they go back to (I think) around 97 cents. In a month or so, when my child uses up the notebook, I want to pull out a 15-cent one, not go buy another one at 97 cents. If I still have some left at the end of the year, well, they don’t expire. They are still usable and can save money for next year (last year they were 10 cents).
I think I might not stockpile glue sticks, but just about everything else should be good. And watch after school starts, when they start marking what’s left for clearance. They will want to clear the shelves for Halloween (I’ve already seen Halloween candy at a local grocery store!) and mark prices down. That’s a good time to pick up extras, and also office supplies for your home.
Suzanne
I always go through everything he brings home at the end of the school year and clean it up/assess what’s there. Most of it is trash but there are always items (1/2 used notebooks, rulers, pens, pencils, book covers, etc.) that can be reused. I have a drawer in my desk that is just for school supplies so I make sure to put the reusables in there. Come time for back to school, I print out his list, check off what I have and go from there. You’d be surprised at how much this cuts down on the list!
Erin
Pick up kids’ clothes at the end of the seasons when they go on clearance, even if they are larger than your child’s current size. Avoid super trendy stuff or character- or movie-themed items that would date them. Go for the basics: jeans, tees, polos, shorts, etc., to form the bones of each season’s wardrobe. I keep new clothes divided by size and season in my son’s closet, and clothes currently being worn in his drawers, so when he needs something in a larger size, I just have to check the closet. The most important point is knowing how much items cost so that you can recognize good deals.
Tammy T.
I like to stock up when school supplies are cheapest for the whole year, plus I buy more for their classroom. This year I am waiting until until lunch boxes go on sale and then my kids can have a new one, until then they are using their old ones from last year.
Maria Scott
I tweeted about it too!!
Maria Scott
My favorite back to school money saving tip is to stock up on items when there great sales. I love the 1 cent sales at Staples and they are always items you can get for FREE with coupons.
Elizabeth Shepherd
Make an initial investment of reusable containers for kids lunches. It may cost a little more at the beginning but will save you in Ziploc and juice box costs in the long run. Plus you’re doing your part to save the planet!
Tracy
Do you know that Nestles imports atleast 50% of the apples to make juice from CHINA. Also most products are not make inUSA. Do we want our food made in other countries with lower health standards? This is really scary to me.
Nicole
My tip is to only pack what your kid will eat and stock up on lunch items when they are on sale.
brandy w
i am subscribed to your feed via rss
bwalleshauser@yahoo.com
brandy w
we always make sure the kids bring a lunch.
we but most of our school supplies at the $1 store or on tax free weekend.
we are actually going to be taking our daughter to school, because of budget cuts they are charging for the bus and even some routes have no bus available. saving money that way.
Sara
My best tip is to buy back-to-school clothes in the off-season. I got most of my daughter’s back-to-school wardrobe at the end of last winter and am now getting out the rubbermaid tubs full of clothes. I snagged Levis for $4.97 on clearance back in March and have tons of long sleeved shirts to mix and match with them, all at a fraction of the cost that I would be paying if I were to buy them now. Now I’m stocking up on summer clothes for next year. Also, now is a great time to stock up on socks and underwear.
Jen
I like to keep my kids aware of what the plans are for the day. A little post it note inside their lunch reminds them of any sports practice that night, any change in plans and who will pick them up from school.
stacie
I used your widget to “tell a friend!”
Shelly Powell
I guess my best money saving tip would be making large batches of cookies and freezing them and taking out a few everyday for lunches. It really saves money and the kids adore a little homemade with their day:) Thanks for a chance at such a great giveaway!
kris
Try to buy at least 1 extra of the school supplies. When spiral notebooks are on sale for .05 I bought 10 of them – the price of what they are normally. We don’t need them now, but between school and ‘scrap’ paper, it’s saving in the long run.
stacie
Our local Wonder Bread outlet store has snack cakes, bread and buns at highly discounted prices. I stock up on the bread and freeze it so I always have some on hand for the emergency lunch. One of my kids can’t stand the salisbury steak!
ethel
I blogged your giveaway
http://luvtosave.blogspot.com/2009/08/nestle-back-to-school-basics-500.html
Kim Lesher
I subscribe
Melissa
After school starts and Target and other stores put backpacks and lunchboxes on clearance, I always pick up a few extras at 75% off. We’ve had a few years when the strap on the backpack broke mid year or the lunchbox was forgotten on the bus. These back-ups have saved a ton of money.
stacie
I subscribed to your newsletter via e-mail
Judy
Watching all the blogs to see where all the best deals are for school supplies. I check bargain briana everyday for cool tips and great deals. While shopping in stores I always get asked where i found all the coupons and deal info. I always send them to Briana’s web site. Bargainbriana.com is an easy url to remember.
Kathleen
and I’m an email subscriber to your blog!
Kathleen
I tweeted!
ethel
tweeted http://twitter.com/Luv_to_Save/status/3244373868
ethel
have your button at luvtosave.blogspot.com
AmazingGreis
I’m a RSS feed subscriber.
ethel
email subscriber
ethel
Buy enough school supplies to last for the whole year. Stock up on those early back to school sales.
AmazingGreis
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/AmazingGreis/status/3244325633
AmazingGreis
I have your button on my buttons page.
kim r
I subscribe to your blog. I save money by having my son bring home his plastic utensils so I can wash and re use
AmazingGreis
My money saving tip is to buy the supplies separately and not the pre-packaged supplies bundle. With all the specials that stores have around this time of year you can definitely come out a winner.
kim r
I save money by buying in bulk and making smaller packages.
3carnations
I subscribe in bloglines.
3carnations
My first comment had an error message…Hope this one goes through.
I save money buy stocking up on some fall items at the end of winter when they’re on clearance.
What a great giveaway!
Steph
Instead of buying the overpriced and boring school portraits every fall for my three kids, we head to to park or even just out into the yard with the digital camera and take our own.
angie
for variety I got a good thermos and pack things like soup and spaghetti. It’s cheap as one can will feed both my school aged kiddos and they get a warm lunch.
noochymama
you are in my reader.
noochymama
i am a former teacher, and my favorite back to school tip is: feed your children breakfast!! it really does make a difference for the school day!
joanna
I’m an RSS subscriber!
joanna
My school supply strategy this year was to pick up anything that was free or really cheap. Once the sales were exhausted, THEN I looked at the list and went shopping for the things I was missing. I had plenty of extra supplies, which I passed on to my sister-in-law, who teaches at a low-income school, for her students.
bethany robinson
I subscribe to your updates via email.
bethany robinson
I buy just enough school supplies to get them started for school then after they go back and the supplies go on sale I go back and stock up on more of the pencils, pens crayons, paper, etc that they go through more of during the year.
For thier lunches i make them the night before to save my self stress on hectic mornings, I also buy them small kid size thermos’s (they love them because they have thier favorite caracters on them and have a flip top with a straw that pops out) that keep thier drinks cold for up to 6 hours so i can buy the big containers of juice or give them milk and it stays cold and helps keep thier lunches cool too.
Lori
Great fall clothing sales begin mid-late september. I wait until then to buy the majority of the clothes. For the first month of school, the kiddos are wearing new summer items I purchased on clearance in July!
CarolH
Tweet! ~ http://twitter.com/CTgirlinKS/status/3243545436
CarolH
I “told a friend” via FB.
CarolH
Your button is on my blog.
CarolH
I subscribe via email.
CarolH
My money saving tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to get school supplies. I started after school ended this year looking for the basics at CVS and WAGS for items to purchase w/ coupons, in clearance and/or ecb’s or the like.
Cheryl
My favorite tip is to wait for sales on school items and then stock up so that you have enough for the year!
Cathy @ Chief Family Officer
And I tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/CFOblog/status/3243771864
Cathy @ Chief Family Officer
I’m subscribed in Google Reader :)
Cathy @ Chief Family Officer
My kids haven’t started school yet, but I suspect THE best tip is going to be to get as much as possible ready the night before. That way, things don’t get forgotten or spent for convenience/speed in the morning. Thanks for the giveaway!
Krsitin T.
The easiest way to save on back to school is to do your shopping in bits throughout the year for the upcoming year when you can. For instance, rather than buy your supplies all at once buy them each week during the Summer when the prices are very cheap or free at drugstores and other stores. For school clothes, take advantage of end of season sales and coupons like Old Navy Weekly to buy clothes for your kids spread out over time, and buy bigger sizes ahead of time when things are on clearance when you can.
shel
I have your button
auntiethesis.blogspot.com
shel
I’m an email subscriber
shel
Blogged:
auntiethesis.blogspot.com/2009/08/looking-for-some-great-walmart.html
shel
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/3241951243
shel
I used to let my daughter buy school lunch almost every day but it’s gotten way to expensive. I still let her buy once a week but the other days we pack a lunch. Packing a lunch she’ll eat & that doesn’t cost a fortune, that’s another story. I started buying in bulk and buying more cost-effective snacks like a banana and a small glad container of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup for dipping. Instead of lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly, I’ve made my daughter a cold BLT which she loves. I also make a pan of brownies on the weekend and prepack them in sandwich bags to throw in her lunch during the week.
As far as back-to-school supplies, I split purchases with another mother for some of the bulk items: I’ll buy the four-pack of glue sticks (much cheaper than just getting one) and split them with the other mother and she’ll get the pencils & pens. It saves me some shopping and buying bulk and splitting the cost for some of the “staples” saves both of us money.
Laura
I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/laurastoicescu
Laura – lauraf@post.com
Laura
I posted about your giveaway on my blog here: http://treschicshoppers.blogspot.com/2009/08/500-back-to-school-giveaway-from.html
Laura – lauraf@post.com
Laura
My best way to save money for back to school is to take advantage of all of the “back to school” sales – especially on school supplies! stock up for the entire year!
kookie
My mom used tupperware lunch boxes to pack us lunch. Most often it was made from the leftovers from the dinner the night before but changed differently … example making a toasted sandwich patty with the leftover veggies from last night. This kept me excited about the surprise new food for dinner and lunch! We were taught to eat all food and not be picky.
We also got uncut seasonal fruits as desert instead of cookies.
kookie
Already subscribed on Google Reader
Donna Crum
It has been a long time since I packed a lunch for my kids but here’s an idea. I used to fill juice cups with tight seals half way with drinks and then freeze them Top them off in the am and put them in the lunches. Keeps the lunch cool and safe till lunch time and much cheaper than any pre-packaged juice!
Sandy Watson
I use cookie cutters to cut out the sandwhich. I like to find fun things like hearts for Valentine’s Day, bells for Christmas, leaves for Fall…etc. It takes away the crust and also is a nice surprise when they have lunch! It gives it that extra “mommy” touch!
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)
Stumbled
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)
Subscribed in Google Reader
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)
Your blog and button are in my blogroll
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)
Blogged
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug)
Getting prepared for the school day the night before cuts down on stress and saves time during the morning rush :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
natalyn
Subscribed to your RSS feed.
natalyn
Tweeted your post. twitter.com/npbradshaw
natalyn
Buy school supplies throughout the year when things are on sale so that you are not stressed during the back-to-school rush.
Abby
I tweeted http://twitter.com/StealsDeals/status/3239693070
Marianne
My best tip for saving money is to really know what your kids will eat and what they won’t — I volunteer at our school for lunch duty and it’s disheartening to see some of the students throw away perfectly good food, some still in packaging!
Make some lists of ideas with your kids for lunch and snacks and everyone will be happier – your wallet included!
I make cookies every week and let the kids pick what kind I’ll make — they love getting those homemade cookies for a treat and they’re much less expensive.
Abby
My best money saving tip for packing lunches is to buy reusable container to put sandwiches in instead of baggies. You won’t have to keep buying those baggies over and over plus it is good for the environment!
Also I love to google lunch notes and find FREE printable lunch notes to slip into my kids lunches. Anything from a picture of Princess Belle saying Your Royal Lunch is Served to interesting trivia tips such as What is the First Ladies favorite dessert.
Jennifer S.
I subscribe via email.
Jennifer S.
I think it’s a great money-saving idea to buy some extra school supplies in the clearance sales just after school starts. Some of them may be needed partway through the school year and others can be saved for next year!
Jane4girls
my best money saving idea is to buy big bags of stuff and divide it up. don’t buy the tiny bags of chips, buy one or two big bags and it will cost a lot less.
Beth B
I twitted your post http://twitter.com/gogreenbeth/status/3239146908