If you are a parent like me, you are counting down the days until school starts, whether it is in-person or online. Not that I don’t love having two teenagers and a seven-year-old running around while I work (insert sarcasm here), I am just super eager for the structure of school days to return. And if you are anything like me, you may be a little really behind on purchasing school supplies (not that I am a master procrastinator or anything).

To help other parents out that have also earned the title of #ChaosCoordinator, I thought I would write a blog post with a few tips on how to tackle the last-minute back-to-school shopping chaos and include a list of super-fun supplies you might want to check out.

My Expert Tips:

Tip #1:

Look for coupons! When I shop online, I always check websites like Retail Me Not for coupons. Even if you are shopping in-person, check the store’s website for any digital coupons they have. Take a screenshot of any digital coupons you find online and add them to your list-making app, or simply take a photo of any printed coupons you have.

Tip #2:

Create a list of all school supplies required by your child’s school and teacher. Check your school’s website if you can’t find the list. If you have teenagers you are shopping for or anyone else in the family helping to buy supplies, add the list to an app that gives everyone access. Teens can even add photos to each list item if they are wanting something in particular. Everyone knows that I love NineBx, so I obviously added mine to my family’s account.

Tip #3:

When shopping for school (or even office) supplies, think outside the box. Check out stores like Hobby Lobby, Ikea, or even Dollar Tree for supplies. And ask anyone who has worked with me (or follows me on Instagram), I am kinda’ an office supply crazed person and I absolutely love organizing. Which may have rubbed off on my children (well, at least the teenagers so far).

My Family’s (Must-Have) Supply List: