Get an 'A' in back-to-school savings

(ARA) - It seems like the bell just rang concluding the last day of school, but already it's time to start planning for next year to ensure your kids are prepared for success. With list in hand, you hit the stores to get necessary items. How can you get all the things your child needs and still stay within your budget?

First, check your inventory at home to see what you have before you head to the store. Extra paper stored in the closet from last year or hand-me-downs from big brother or sister can be useful. After you take inventory, it's time to make a precise shopping list. Sit down with your son or daughter and determine what he or she needs ahead of time.

Then head to a store that can give you a good value for the items on your list. For example, to help parents and teachers access affordable supplies, Office Depot is offering "Penny Specials" on core back-to-school items such as binders, folders, glue sticks, scissors, protractors, calculators, book covers, staplers and more -- all for less than $1. The store is also offering free supplies certain weeks during the summer that include items like crayons, rulers, pencil boxes and calculators.

Need clothing for your brand-conscious kid? For younger children, stick to discount stores that offer quality, brand-name clothing for less. For teens, consider visiting consignment shops. Gently used brand-name clothing can be a great way to get them in the styles they want at a price that won't make you gasp.

The age-old problem always exists at back-to-school time -- you want to find a great deal and your kid wants the coolest new stuff. What are the most valuable yet trendy items your children are sure to love? Below are a few of the hottest, yet affordable, items for this year's back-to-school season:

1. Project Backpack
Purchase an Office Depot canvas backpack and your children can create their own design with two free Sharpie markers in the colors of their choice. They just might be the most unique kids at school with backpacks that no one else will have. Visit www.myprojectbackpack.com between June 28 and Sept. 19 and enter your backpack design to win great prizes and a chance to have it nationally reproduced.

2. Gartner and Mead fashion products
Bold designs in trendy colors make back-to-school fun. These two lines offer designs in polka dots, paisley, flowers, swirls and more -- allowing your special students to mix and match folders, binders, notebooks and other supplies. They can express themselves and you can save at prices starting at 99 cents.

3. Ativa 4GB flash drives
Available in a variety of fun patterns, students love having these fashion-forward devices, not only because they are cool, but because they allow students to have their homework, notes and projects with them at all times. For $14.99 your child is sure to get their use out of it.

4. Tug fun calculators
For under $5, you can get a quality calculator, but it doesn't have to be boring. This year, students can add a little fun and spirit to their calculations with the Fun Rubber Calculator in unique shapes from Office Depot.

Want another money-saving tip? When items are on sale, buy extra. Certain things like paper, pencils and folders will always be used, so why not stock up when they are being sold at a discounted price? For more information on back-to-school supply savings, visit www.OfficeDepot.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent