2019 BTS Gift Guide

 

Back to school (aka BTS to shorten it) can mean so much for so many different families.  This could be someone who’s little one is starting their first year of school.  A senior in their last year.  A mom going back to college.  It could be someone in public school, homeschooled or a hybrid school. Even college kids need school supplies!  We don’t all need supplies and it is good to use what you have an not feel the need for a new backpack every year.  But since this is the time of year that supplies are super cheap it is a good time to stock up for the whole year!  Buying in bulk can save money and then you’ll have what you need for the rest of the year.  If someone in your family is starting a new school, or is new to every going to school, you should visit the campus before the first day.  If possible find out where the classroom is, closest bathroom, where your child will be dropped off and picked up and how to get to the front office.  Establishing a routine is important too. You should start at least a week before school starts.  Especially if you have been sleeping in all summer long.  Adjust bedtimes accordingly.  If your child is worried or nervous you can talk about it and give them the emotional support then need to have a successful first day.  Let them know standard expectations.  Ask questions after each day that encourage dialog.  Ask the best and worst part of the day.  For them to share something funny that happened at school.  Get them involved in sports and school clubs but not too many.  Kids will need time for schoolwork and downtime too.

 

Where To Save On BTS Clothing

 

Clothing & Shoes

Clothing isn’t cheap and with kids always growing that means new clothes as the seasons change.  Right now you’ll find amazing deals on clothes.  Plan ahead, think fall/winter, but don’t give them all pants and long sleeves if school starts when the temperatures are in the 90’s.  Shop online, search for good deals, use coupons, shop clearance racks, etc.  There are so many ways to save on clothing, especially this time of year.  Right now Kohl’s has a ‘friends and family’ coupon good for 20% off.  If you spend more you can often get Kohl’s Cash.  They have a rewards program you can sign up for and you can get an app to keep track of it all.  For further savings and exclusive coupons you can use a Kohl’s credit card (make sure you pay bill as soon as you get it).  I love shopping Kohl’s 75% off clearance racks for extra savings.

I just discovered this awesome site that has new and used clothing.  It is mostly girls, boys and women’s clothing and a small amount of men.  They have a ton of sales! Some shirts as low as $3 each!!  Right now you can get $10 for you. $10 for a new friend. 40% to schools. It’s a win-win-win! Refer a friend to Schoola.com!

They also have designer clothing, jackets and more from preschool age and up!

Best yet…. Use this Promo Code: FIRST50OFF.   The coupon code allows for 50% off your first order at Schoola.com  This code is for a limited time for BTS and I’m not sure how long it will work so do it soon.

I’m loving the t-shirts I got for my son from TV Store Online.  My son loves The Office.  Not just watching it.  He quotes from it too.  He saw these shirts from The Office and immediately wanted them.  He’s in college now but wanted so new clothes to wear to his classes.  I got the red Evolution of Man hoodie for myself!  I’ll be taking college classes in the fall and thought this would be perfect!  I can’t wait for the weather to cool off enough to be able to wear it.

 

Hair, Nails, Skincare & Makeup

I’m loving these new hair products.  They are a first for me to try.  You can add some curls and texture to your hair with Not Your Mother’s hair products.  They have All Eyes on Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector, Beach Babe Texturing Sea Salt Spray and Beach Babe Texturizing Dry Shampoo.

I just learned about a new makeup brand Merle Norman.  They have high-end makeup that is great for all-day wear.  I was able to review their eyeliner and mascara and am wowed by both.  I like that both are smudge-proof and are easy to use.  The Wicked Lash mascara is great to get super long lashes without the expense of fake lashes.  It isn’t clumpy either.  The pro pen eyeliner is easy to make thin or thick lines and is in a nice dark black color. These are perfect for long days without being able to refresh my makeup.  They came off easily with makeup remover too.  

 

Backpacks, Classroom Supplies & Accessories

 

Label everything if your kids are young.  But not in a place where strangers can see it.  I love using Mabel’s Labels for all my labeling needs.  Stickers, sew-on tags, personalized water bottles and more.  They have all your favorite things.  Plus if you have a kid with an allergy, like peanuts, you can have labels made for that.  There are so many options of color, size, font, style, etc. and they have amazing BTS prices! Back to School Early Bird Pricing at Mabel’s Labels!

Save 20% on backpacks that are already on sale at Rockets of Awesomeness.  Most of their backpacks are small (children sizes) but they have a good selection. Click here for 20% off: Rockets of Awesome: Shop Backpacks
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Get your kids a good calculator.  Especially if they are in high school or college classes.  Not only are they used for math but other classes, like chemistry, use them as well.  I love this Casio PRIZM fx-CG500 Calculator.  It comes with a large keyboard, drop-down menu, high-resolution screen and is easy to use.  Kids can do graphs, charts and spreadsheets on it and it is permitted for use on the AP, SAT I and II, PSAT and NMSQT exams. 

If your kids have a cell phone, like most do now-a-days, then this is a great way for them to keep their cell phones charged.  The HubPlus by MyCharge is a portable charger with a built-in lightning and micro-USB.  No need to carry around cords.  It also has built-in wall prongs on the back to recharge in any regular socket.  You can charge up to three devices at the same time.  It is light-weight too so fits easily in a pocket or backpack.  You can push a button to check the battery level (1-2-3 or 4 lights will be lit up).  It is 6,700mAh and recharges quickly.

If you are homeschooling or have little ones that are using pencils all the time and haven’t transitioned to pens yet than you’ll want a good pencil sharpener that everyone can use and sharpens well.  I hate finding ones that are cheap and short-lived.  I found the sharpeners by Classroom Friendly Supplies are amazing!  They last for years without needing to be replaced.  They can sharpen regular pencils and smaller ones.  They come in a large assortment of colors, including green, red, yellow, purple, etc.  They have seven different vibrant colors. They can be attached with a clamp or permanently attached.  They even have discounts when you buy them in bulk.  I chose a green one (most because it is my favorite color but also because I think it looks like a modern pencil sharpener and not a 1970’s classroom one).  I used the clamp to attach it to the side of my desk and it is easy for everyone to reach.

A good planner is a great idea for high school and college students! I got this set from Order Out of Chaos!  A company that specializes in academic planners.  They don’t have a big variety (large, small and in two colors) but once you see everything inside you won’t want another one.  Not only is everything separated by the week and month, there is also places for reminder notes, remember to, notes, year at a glance, monthly projects and more.  It is full of areas to fill in and the added stickers make it easy to remind yourself on things to be done.

 

 

Breakfast, Lunches, Snacks & Treats

Getting a good meal while rushing in the morning is important.  If you have time, a sit-down meal is best.  Make breakfast, take time to eat and be able to plan the day by not being rushed.  Good breakfast ideas; Eggs, oatmeal, cereal, make breakfast muffins ahead of time (and freeze some for later).  I think having organic foods, when affordable, is important and I really like Barbara’s Organic Cereals.  They have a large variety of flavors, are low in sugar, high in whole grains and are non-GMO.  Kids like them for the great flavors including Vanilla Blast, Chocolate Crisp and Cinnamon Crunch.

A good on-the-go bar is Pro Bar.  They are plant-based bars, healthy and taste great.  Easy to stash in a backpack or purse too.  The come in the Pro Bar Bite, a snack bar size and Pro Bar Meal on-the-go, a full meal in one bar with 9 grams of protein and in flavors like; Banana Nut Bread, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Original Trail Bar.  But they have a ton more!  That is just a few flavors.  I like that they are low in carbs too.  They are good serving size and all the grains and protein fills me up.  Pro Bar also has organic energy chews, almond butter and odd things, like Siracha Peanut Butter.  I keep a few of the meal bars stashed in my car for emergencies too.

Chloe’s Pops are these delicious popsicles that have no added ingredients.  Just the fruit and can sugar!  They are lower in carbs than ice cream and come in three great flavors!  When I was working summer school I brought them into my classroom and the kids loved them!  The adults did too!  I brought the rest home and my kids devoured them!  They were definitely a hit everywhere.

 

My kids and I love munching on seaweed as a snack.  These by GimMe are USDA organic, high in fiber and have protein too.  It tastes great, has almost zero carbs and comes in a few sizes.  These cute one-person snack sizes.  Large sheets, great for sharing or making sushi rolls and two ones that are new to me, Seaweed Thins, in Toasted Coconut and Siracha Almond flavors.  Hardest problem in my house is keeping them stocked in the cupboard.  They kids want them all the time!  They fit into lunches and backpacks and don’t need refrigeration, utensils or anything else.  Just open and eat.

My family is loving these package from Softer Than Brittle.  It is like peanut brittle, but softer (and doesn’t fall apart eating it).  It comes in four types; original or with pecans, cashews or almonds.  I wouldn’t say each one has a huge difference in taste.  It is mild.  But I do like the pecan one the best.  They are made with only 6 ingredients, are lower in carbs than regular peanut brittle and have protein from the nuts.

If you need to schedule an appointment for your kid’s pediatrician before school starts it might be too late!  Call ASAP.  A lot of kids need BTS dr apts for physicals, shots, new eyewear, etc and the appointment calendar fills up fast.  I found I was able to get a doctor appointment for my optometrist and instead of waiting a few weeks for my new glasses to come in I was able to order glasses online (with the prescription from my doctor) at Firmoo.  Regular shipping is 7-10 days (but they came in 4) and expedited shipping is available.  It was great to get my glasses so fast!  I need them for reading and my son accidentally sat on mine.  I was able to choose style, shape, size according to the size of my head and lots of colors.  I’m loving this flower pattern.  I’ve never had pretty glasses like this before.  Right now they have a sale where you can get two pairs (selected pairs, not any on the site) for only $19!

 

 

What are your best BTS deals, tips, bargain ideas?  Please share them!