Monday, July 15, 2013

$1,000 VISA Gift Card or PayPal Cash Giveaway

Here's a giveaway for - yes, you read that right - a $1,000 VISA gift card! What a great way to start off the school year!

Enter below, then leave a comment. Thanks!


Welcome to the Back to School Blast!

Getting your family prepared to head back to school, can be difficult especially after a long, fun-filled summer. Here are a few of our favorite Back to School Tips to help you along the way.

  1. Back-to-School Supplies Checklist - Backpack? Check. Pencils? Check. Safety scissors? Not Yet. Use the same checklist each time you head out to grab supplies, to keep track of what you have already purchased and the things you still need to. These are also handy if you have more than one child. Simply print 2, 3, 4 lists and add their name to the top.  Check with your child's school to see if the teacher has already prepared a supply list for you.
  2. Make lunches, don't buy!  The cost of school lunches adds up.  In my district, an elementary school lunch costs $2.00.  Over a 180-day year, that's $360.  If you have three kids, that's over $1,000!
  3. Watch the school supply sales at drug stores and grocery stores.  Each week starting around the middle of the summer (that's now!), drug stores will have a few school supply items on sale at bargain-basement prices. 
  4. Need new shoes for the kids?  Watch for shoe store coupons here at Frugal Follies.  You can often get a great pair of shoes for just a little!
  5. Buy a couple of fall outfits for the kids in case the weather gets cold early, but otherwise wait to buy new fall clothes for them until after the first day of fall, September 21.  Sales on fall clothes will start then as the stores start bringing out winter clothes.
The Back to School Blast was organized by Mom Powered Media.
Please take a moment to also visit our lovely co-hosts, whom without them great things such as these would not be possible: My Vegan Gluten-Free Life, Plum Crazy About Coupons, Capri's Coupons, Downshifting - Your Family, Your Home, Your Life, Jack of all trades, Master of Mom™, Quick Tattletails, Mew Review and Iowa Mom.

One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 Visa Gift Card!

Giveaway ends August 15th at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. If the winner resides outside of the US, they will receive Paypal cash. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: Frugal Follies is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions!

(This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)

111 comments:

Miss Sarah July 15, 2013 at 8:45 AM  

Think ahead and watch for the sales! You can usually pick up most of the supplies you'll need for MUCH cheaper than regular price!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Suburban prep July 15, 2013 at 9:26 AM  

make a list of what is needed against what you might have from the previous year. Cross off duplicates and go from there.

Pam H.,  July 15, 2013 at 12:54 PM  

I don't buy supplies until after the first day of school when she has a list of specific needs. That way, I don't waste money on things that are not going to be used.

Ellie Wright July 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM  

Well my best, and only tip really, is to stock up on basic supplies the year before during the clearance sales. I always did this when my sons were in school.

cheryla lister,  July 15, 2013 at 3:28 PM  

Get your children on a "school schedule" several weeks before school starts, in terms of getting up and going to bed.

FeelingFroggy July 15, 2013 at 4:05 PM  

Start with the supplies early, they go fast! There is always such a long list, I gave birth to four kids so it was a mad house, the only way to get through it was to start a few weeks ahead of time.

Stephanie July 15, 2013 at 4:45 PM  

buy supplies early for sales and best selection. I'm almost done . . .
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Anonymous,  July 15, 2013 at 6:26 PM  

Get a practice book on their weakest subject and give them a bonus for completing it over the summer. They regress quite a bit over the summer and this keeps them sharp... and busy!

bev July 15, 2013 at 10:04 PM  

Try to buy what is needed during the summer months when things are on sale and have fun learning new things.

mtbears819 July 15, 2013 at 11:09 PM  

make a list, and write down all sizes of clothes, shoes for each child-Dorothy deakyne

smilekisses July 16, 2013 at 12:21 AM  

Shop online for supplies and clothes and use discount codes for percentages off and/or free shipping.

barblong July 16, 2013 at 2:06 AM  

My best back to school tip is to start your shopping early. Buy things that you know the kids will need as they go on sale and save yourself some money.

longbarb11@aol.com

StephanieR July 16, 2013 at 2:41 AM  

Always look for the sales either right after the school year ends or during the summer because you get things much cheaper that way and you can get a lot more for your money then right before the school year starts

C Sims,  July 16, 2013 at 8:36 AM  

Lots of supplies can be re-used. Did they really use that entire glue bottle and every page of last year's notebook?

Unknown July 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM  

This would get the kids all their clothes/supplies for the upcoming school year - with 3 boys it is expensive!!!

slehan July 16, 2013 at 4:46 PM  

Shop thrift stores and garage sales.
Thanks for the contest.

slehan at juno dot com

Selinda,  July 16, 2013 at 9:35 PM  

Keep the list on the fridge all summer and buy as you see things on sale!

Thanks,

selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

Lisa July 16, 2013 at 10:23 PM  

buy early but save receipts. i've had to return binders/notebook, calculator. if school provides generic supplies list, try to talk to parents from last year. does the teacher really want 3 inchbinders or is 1 inch OK?

Anonymous,  July 16, 2013 at 11:24 PM  

Start the kids on the school sleep/wake schedule two weeks ahead of school start. Make lists! Get the general supplies you know they all need at the sales. Have their first day of school outfits all picked out- get them something new for that day! to make it special

Springjoy July 17, 2013 at 9:58 AM  

Do some price checking before you leave the house.
Print coupons.
Shop in advance if there's an awesome sale and stash for the next year!

Jessica S.,  July 18, 2013 at 12:03 PM  

Go to garage sales, get to stores early, shop off-season, hand me downs are helpful.

virgomomwriter July 18, 2013 at 2:28 PM  

Best back to school tip is this: Do not "extend" your child's bedtime during the summer, keep it consistent. Your child will have a lot less trouble adjusting to the school schedule--sleep and otherwise--in the fall.

cylina July 18, 2013 at 5:05 PM  

Get your kids up early a few weeks ahead to get them ready for waking up!

John Joseph July 19, 2013 at 7:59 PM  

Keep reading habits during summer and start preparing for schedule at least week before school starts

Unknown July 20, 2013 at 6:36 PM  

buy school supplies when the sales first come out to get the best choices

fairykin July 21, 2013 at 3:09 AM  

take inventory of what fits and is servicable in the kids closets, and buy them 2-3 things they need and one thing they want.

Unknown July 21, 2013 at 11:06 AM  

try to get homework done right after school so there is plenty of time to play before dinner!

Anonymous,  July 21, 2013 at 4:14 PM  

let the kids help choose and they value the stuff more. selbys at sympatico dot ca

Anonymous,  July 21, 2013 at 6:51 PM  

Start looking for back-to-school sales early. There are some that start as early as the first par of August!

Unknown July 22, 2013 at 8:13 AM  

the first day step of school for better life n have healthy future for family & society

jasmyth10 July 22, 2013 at 5:33 PM  

When it comes to school supplies, go to your local dollar store. You can find what you need for a much lower price!

An Ran July 22, 2013 at 8:34 PM  

Roam college campuses at the end of the year for school supplies. I never had to buy a single pen or notebook for this reason.

Anonymous,  July 22, 2013 at 11:05 PM  

Put each kid's supplies into their backpack as you purchase them. No need to sort through store bags to be ready for that first day.

Rajaram Janardan July 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM  

It's the choicest to rejoice wearing my Magical School Day Smile :) It lead to addiction virtually for winning attitude as well as free the fun feel! Rejoice!

Anonymous,  July 23, 2013 at 1:13 AM  

Boy would this be great, every year things seem to cost more for going back to school.

Pamela July 23, 2013 at 8:36 AM  

Keep a school supply closet or drawer and collect supplies when they are on sale and you have a coupons throughout the year. This way you have it stocked before school starts with the best values.

Anonymous,  July 23, 2013 at 10:40 AM  

Repurpose other items - use a cardboard box instead of a lunch box! It will never get stolen and it's biodegradable (if it rains)!

James M

Brenna McKinley July 23, 2013 at 10:13 PM  

Don't buy supplies or textbooks until after school starts. You never end up needing everything on the list.

Anonymous,  July 24, 2013 at 1:17 AM  

A good back to school tip I remember is buying good quality pens and pencils, as well as stocking up on a 5-subject notebook and extra folders. It's been awhile since my school days though, but I think they're good tips!

Julie B.
icedmorrison@aol.com

Cindy Merrill,  July 25, 2013 at 4:01 AM  

Almost every public library has a summer "fun" reading program for kids- ask the Librarians if any children your child's age is signed up: If so, meet the parent(s), get acquainted. Your child could gain a new friend!

Shannon July 25, 2013 at 3:19 PM  

Tip: Remember and remind the kids that learning can be fun and exciting.

Lisa Herndon,  July 27, 2013 at 11:25 PM  

Start buying supplies a bit at a time over the summer. Almost like a hope chest.

Unknown July 30, 2013 at 3:52 AM  

The best tip is to always look online before shopping in school. You'll get excellent deals and wont have to wait in line at stores during the crazy rush!

Anonymous,  July 31, 2013 at 11:13 PM  

School is a Wonderful place to Learn many things about our Planet, our selfs and the universe.....but it is a Better place because we will make friends for life...and Life is precious......we learn much from it.....the best school is life school, but to start a real meaningfull life.....we start in the school......better tip to start??? Be always your self...no matter what.....be real to you and others....treat others with respect.....and dignify your self.....honor your self....respect your self.....and others...always...... :-)

Anonymous,  August 4, 2013 at 12:07 PM  

Fingers crossed! This would really help with college books since college books are very expensive! Hopes are high

Anonymous,  August 4, 2013 at 12:54 PM  

Best back to school tip:
pick out a weeks worth of outfits and iron them so you have more time in the morning.

Unknown August 5, 2013 at 1:22 PM  

I always buy books at Amazon, so I am sure my son start the year having all books, as a plus they're usually discounted there!

BRIDEOFHYDE August 5, 2013 at 7:28 PM  

I see school supplies on sale and clearance throughout the year at Walmart. I saw Mario and Princess Peach school supplies on clearance in April. When you see school supplies for a good price, buy them. Don't wait until the last minute to shop for back to school. Pick up things all year long when you see them marked down.

lmotten402 August 6, 2013 at 1:19 AM  

I try to watch for deals a month ahead of time so I am not overwhelmed by the time school starts

Anonymous,  August 6, 2013 at 9:11 PM  

have gloves with clips that can be attached to the jacket.

Elina August 7, 2013 at 6:25 PM  

be prepared. never wait till the last minute to do something. for example, always make sure your kids have done their homework so they arent doing it at the lasyt minute!

jo,  August 7, 2013 at 11:23 PM  

Best back to School Tip: Get Kids to start going to bed early - weeks in advance of their return to school

Wanda Jean,  August 8, 2013 at 5:59 PM  

note on facebook 14 one of the "Like" buttons did not show up

Anonymous,  August 9, 2013 at 9:15 AM  

Get the kids in the bed earlier starting a couple of weeks before school starts.

Amber August 12, 2013 at 11:26 PM  

Back to school tip: Bake a whole bunch of snacks like muffins/cookies/granola bars and store them individually packaged in the freezer to pack in lunches or to grab on the way out the door in a rush.

Karen Chayne August 13, 2013 at 12:16 AM  

My back to school tip is I always make breakfast as my top priority. I avoid grabbing ready-to-eat foods like sugar-loaded and refined-grain pastries. I always make wholesome breakfasts for the entire week. Its in any combination of a whole grain, carb and protein for a nutritious and stabilizing breakfast,


sayanything August 14, 2013 at 3:28 AM  

Be organised well in advance and make back to school shopping a fun affair to promote positive attitudes about school!

Anonymous,  August 14, 2013 at 7:54 PM  

don't buy too much stuff until you can see what you really need.

Wilma,  August 14, 2013 at 9:05 PM  

Avoid the moody BLUES, bypass GREEN with envy, instead always colour inside the lines and follow the YELLOW brick road that leads to the pot of gold at the bottom a rainbow.

mperkins37 August 15, 2013 at 11:32 AM  

Wait till school is in session a few weeks to buy new clothes, they drop in price just like after a holiday..

annemarie562000 August 15, 2013 at 9:54 PM  

Prepare lunches and outfits the night before school!

annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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