School Supply Showdown

I can't say shopping for school supplies is one of my favorite things, so it doesn't get the favorite things designation. Regardless, I'd still like to think its post worthy. This was my first year of doing the school supply thing. Late in the year Abbi came home with the the required supply list for Grade 1. You could pay an outside company to buy all the supplies for you and deliver then in a tidy little package a few days before school started. Now this is genuis on behalf of the company. And likely very handy for a lot of parents. 

But seriously, this is Miss Nepper we're talking about. Say what? You can supply all of these items for $48.67? Clearly it was a direct challenge. And in true call of the wild style, or survival of the fittest, or whatever you want to call it, I had to take on the challenge.

First thing I learned, shop at Walmart. I know, mass corporation choking out all the little guys, but honestly, their prices (for the exact same item), just could not be beat. Plus, I was sticking to a strict budget, so the bottom line was my first concern. I suppose some might say that about Walmart too...sigh. Regardless, I beat their price, and I'm pretty darn pleased with myself.

Here is my breakdown...

Scissors: 1.79

12 Duotangs (Various colors): 2.15

Sharpener: 1.00

48 Crayons (Two 24 packs):1.36

28 HB Pencils: 1.02

8 Crayola Washable Markers: 2.46

9 Glue Sticks: 5.88

10 White Erasers: 3.94

4 Highlighters: 1.86

5 Hilroy Exercise Books: 4.40

Pencil Box: 1.50

120ml White Glue: 1.00

8 Crayons: 1.59

Hilroy 30-page Coil Scrapbook: 2.95
2 Boxes of Kleenex: 2.40

_____________________________

TOTAL: $35.30

Shazam!

Don't these pictures bring back memories? I loved a new school year for two reasons. 

Reason 1: You get all sorts of new fancy stuff. Eg. clothes, packpack and supplies. 

Reason 2: You get to see all your friends again.  

And finally, a picture of our girl. First day of Grade 1, with her massive bag of supplies. And yes, I know, don't make them carry so much, but it did make for a funny picture. I did carry it into class for her. 

And just to top off the cuteness, here is Gabe, just a few days later on his very first day of preschool. He seriously looks like a Walmart back to school ad. And yes, I know, my children are beyond adorable!