Back-to-School Basics

 Your kids may still be mourning the end of summer on the first day of school, so make it a special day that celebrates the fun and excitement they will experience over the course of the next 9 months. Here are some essential items not to forget, along with deals that will save you big-time. 

Breakfast of Champions

Wake up a little earlier than usual on your children’s first day of school and prepare them a back-to-school feast that will fill their bellies and warm their hearts. Through August 31^st Chefs.com is offering a rebate for Lou Seibert Pappas Pancakes and Waffles Cookbook when you purchase a Waring Pro Waffle Maker, so if you’re sick of using the ancient waffle iron that was gifted to you almost 10 years ago it’s time for an upgrade. For your son who enjoys a sweet treat as reward for devouring all the breakfast items on his plate, serve him a piece of Cinnamon Swirl Bread, which is part of Harry & David’s gourmet gifts sale where select items are up to 20% off .  Before your little ones attempt to leave their designated seats at the family table, make a small pot of your Grandma’s famous hot chocolate and ladle a scoop into mugs that you had personalized for each child. ThingsRemembered.com is running a 25% off sale on personalized mugs so finding the perfect one shouldn’t be hard.   

Outfitting the Kids

First impressions are important, so give your child freedom to choose a first day of school outfit that will make him feel confident and comfortable. ChildrensPlace.com is a great online shop to stock up on denim, graphic tees and hoodies, which are all 20% off through September 11^th. Your daughter, a dress-crazed gal, wants to rock a new frock this school year and HannaAndersson.com is just the place to find one. All regular-priced items are 20% off , so she can choose from fresh floral jumpers or long-sleeved dresses that feature bright colors and prints. No outfit is complete without new kicks, but lucky for you (and your two kiddos) StrideRite.com wants you to buy one pair of shoes and get the next at 50% off  through September 4^th. The options are endless, but the Velcro sneakers for boys and pink plaid stretchy lace sneakers for girls stood out from the crowd.

Backpackin’ It

Make a habit of packing up your little ones’ backpacks the night before and leave them waiting by the front door. If the packs from last year just simply won’t do two years in a row, visit Overstock.com which is offering up to 40% on select back-to-school items.  Fill them up with Martha Stewart Home Collection Supplies -- found at Staples.com – and save $4 on your $10 purchase of binders and notebooks, valid through September 1^st. Lastly, no pencil case is complete without trusty #2 pencils and scented erasers from Target.com, which is offering $5 off your $50 purchase.