back to school… already!

Confession: I love back to school time. Not just because it means fall fashion is coming and I love sweater coats and boots.

I have a serious, deep love for school supplies.

Who is with me on this?

Freshly sharpened pencils… A jumbo pack of Sharpies… Post-it notes in all shapes and sizes… A brand new planner…Sharpies… Binder clips… Pencil cases… Sharpies…

I love it. I seriously love it. I really have to be careful though – its easy to get carried away in the school supply section! And with three kids (and my love for folders and labels and different colored gel pens) I need to watch my budget!

But, don’t miss out!!  Back to School is a great time to stock up for the school year!

Markers: Many stores have kid’s markers and crayons for only about $1. Stock up. Buy about 20. You’ll use them all year – they make great stocking stuffers at the holidays, add them to a craft basket for a birthday gift, and donate them throughout the year. Buy your year’s worth of Sharpies now!

Labelmaker: If you want one, this is the time. And you totally want one. I use mine all. the. time. Maybe too much, if you ask my family.

Office Supplies: Many places even have grown-up supplies on sale. Stock up on return address labels for your holiday cards or even desk organizers on the cheap (with all those college sales!). If you’re in th emarket for a computer or

Home Organization: The college sales are the perfect time to buy organization supplies! The Dorm sales are prime -if you are looking for plastic bins to organize your shoes or a drawer organizer for the kids’ craft supplies this is the time.

Kids Home Decor: Has your kid been begging for a new bedspread? Or even a bean bag chair? Go for it! They are super cheap right now!

When you’re shopping, especially for those high end items like laptops, scientific calendars or sneakers, be sure to hit eBay! I cannot believe the deals on there right now – both my girls want Converse sneakers and I think we’ll be buying them on eBay. SO much cheaper!

I want to win some eBay gift cards – who is with me?? eBay has some fabulous contests going on right now where you can win!!

• Is your kid heading back to school? eBay’s Back to School Pinterest Sweepstakes will award daily winners a $100 eBay Gift Card to shop for their back to school essentials on eBay.com.
• Are you or your child heading to college? eBay is holding a Pinterest Dorm Room Sweestakes where one Grand Prize winner will receive a $5,000 eBay Shopping Spree toward a dorm room makeover.
• Play the eBay What’s In Your Backpack Instant Win Game for a chance to win a $50 eBay Gift Card to do some back to school shopping. Hurry, sweeps ends August 31, 2012!
• If you’re overwhelmed with Back to School shopping, be sure to join in the eBay Back-to-School Twitter party on 8/14 at 12-2 PST. We’ll be talking about taking the stress out of this hectic season!

Happy Back to Schooling!!!

disclosure: this post is part of a sponsored post campaign with Splash Creative Media and eBay.