A School Supply PSA

I LOVE school supplies!!  So. Much.

I get so excited to see them on the aisles in the store and I start planning months in advance.  Then Laney and I take a day to shop for everyone.  They never know what they will get and it's all a big surprise.

I am approaching our 20th year of homeschooling.

Twenty Years Y'all.

And twenty years will teach you a couple of things.  As we were shopping this year, I was reminded of a few school items that are absolutely a waste of money.

1.  Off-brand crayons.  Spend an extra quarter and buy Crayola.  The other ones are waxy, break easily, and the colors are not right.  They aren't even fun to use.

2.  Cheap 3 ring binders.  Yes, they will hold the papers.  Yes, the good ones are expensive.  But the cheap ones are cheap.  The rings are not tight and soon the outside folder part will bend in the middle and break at the seam.  The heavy duty Avery binders will last a long time.

3.  Fancy pencils.  You know those pretty pencils that come in all those cute designs.  You can buy a whole pack at the dollar store.  All pencils are not the same and those are the worst.  They are nearly impossible to sharpen correctly and that pretty foil design will tear up your pencil sharpener.  And since I've had the worst time keeping a good pencil sharpener running for an entire year, I avoid those cheap pencils at all cost.

It doesn't cost a whole lot more to buy the good school supplies and they will last you much longer.  That means you won't have to replace them in January when they won't be on sale!

Today is the first day of public school in my town.  I'm so excited for these kiddos and praying for all the great teachers this year.