That’s why the family from St. Paul’s River, Que. combined a vacation with a shopping trip to this side of the Strait of Belle Isle.
Last week they spent part of a morning at Staples in Murphy Square picking up supplies for 13-year-old Allyson and nine-year-old Caitlin.
“I don’t really put a limit,” said Gail when asked about her budget for getting the girls ready for back to school.
“But I do look for the lower-priced items,” she said.
The trip to Staples cost about $200. She said they had some leftovers from last year and that helped cut down on what they had to buy.
Both girls had lists of necessities from their school and Gail said “they do stick to their list.”
She said the list is a big help when shopping as it cuts down on unnecessary purchases.
Outside of the school supplies, Gail said they planned to pick up some sneakers, shoes and clothes for the girls.
And of course a few treats.
Allyson is going to Grade 8 and she’s looking for some decorative things for her locker and Caitlin, who’s going to Grade 4, is content with just getting some sneakers.
Here and there
Sally Kelley started her back to school shopping about two weeks ago.
“Just picking here and there, you know getting things as they go on sale,” said the Corner Brook mom.
“Every bit helps.”
She was hoping that by being a frugal shopper that she’d being able to get what her 11- and 13-year-old children needed.
She had a list for one of them and said that was making the task easier and she hoped would keep in within a $50 budget.
“Just knowing what you need before you come here,” she said prevents you from buying a whole bunch of stuff they don’t need.
“And they don’t know what they need sometimes, too.”
Outside of school supplies, Kelley said she also planned to get her children some clothes.
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But she was trying to stay away from some of their “I want” requests like $15 and $20 binders and locker accessories.
Sharon Stuckless was another mom out looking for bargains.
The Deer Lake mom was on her second trip to get the things her 10-year-old son needs.
She said it takes a while to get it all especially when you’re watching for sales.
Stuckless was following a list provided by her son’s school and said it’s been “very helpful to know exactly what they’re looking for.”
She was trying to stick to a budget but expected by the time she had everything on the list and sneakers, pants and shirts, she’d be close to the $250 mark.
dcrocker@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
