BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It is that time of year when parents need to start back-to-school shopping - an activity that can be costly and stressful.
Experienced parents offer this advice:
- Make sure you start early to find the items you need. Don't wait until the last minute.
- Don't go blindly to stores looking for items.
- Do some research ahead of time and create a plan of where to go.
- Make sure you take a list with you. Don't count on your memory because it is too easy to forget something.
- Look at thrift stores like the Goodwill of Western New York. Goodwill has a big selection of children's clothing and school accessories. We found brand new Star Wars backpacks at the Clarence store for under $6 and a brand new Sesame Street lunchbox for under $3.
- Remember that local/neighborhood stores also stock school supplies which can make it easier than battling crowds in the big box stores. Vidler's in East Aurora, well-known for its novelty items, actually checks local school supply lists so it can stock a large number of school supplies - such as hard-to-find binders.
- Online is an option if you can't find what you need. Walmart told us it is stocking more school supplies this year and parents can use the "free" ship-to-store option to get items that are not on the shelves.
