The countdown to back to school is on! Keep reading for tips, tricks and our favourite picks for returning to the classroom, with help from our friends at Real Canadian Superstore.
In the dog days of summer, it can be tempting to push the first day of school to the back of your mind, thinking you have a few more weeks to get ready. But the reality is, getting organized early will mean less stress for everyone. And it doesn’t have to be a ton of effort either. Real Canadian Superstore is a one-stop-shop for all things back-to-school. They have everything your brood needs under one roof, whether your kiddo is starting kindergarten or about to tackle their last year of high school. And the best part? You can just add a few things to your grocery shop each week as the summer winds down—no extra trips to different stores required.
Read on for smart ways to shop and save for back to school with Real Canadian Superstore.
Take Inventory of What You Have
The best way to start back-to-school shopping is to figure out what you already have. Take a look at last year’s gear—maybe that lunch bag just needs a trip through the washing machine, or that coat just needs the missing button sewn back on. By knowing what still works, you can free up money in the budget for things that really need replacing, or new additions to the back-to-school stash.
Real Canadian Superstore offers other ways to help you stretch your dollar further too, with their variety of ways to save in addition to their weekly flyer. For example, look for No Name items (you probably already know the classic yellow packaging!). These are great household picks at lower price points, from Loblaw’s in-store brand. Keep your eye out for Club Size items, which are popular products portioned for the whole family. And don’t forget you can collect PC Optimum points to use toward your favourite items.
Think Through the School Day and Make a List
The easiest way to make a list is to think through a day in the life of your kids. The basics are easy—you know they need a lunch box (we’re all about the bento box), a pencil case, a water bottle and gym shoes. But what other things could they use to make the day that much better? A hot or cold stainless steel travel tumbler is a nice addition, so you can send a smoothie or hot chocolate for the morning bus ride. We also love ice packs specially formulated for lunch boxes, to help keep food fresh throughout the day. Great outfits from Joe Fresh are also a must, to help make them excited for the year ahead.
TIP: Your kids will no doubt need supplies for class, too, like crayons or pencil crayons, markers, glue, pens and sticky notes. You can pick up the essentials before school starts, but remember that your child’s classroom teacher may also request specific supplies and budget accordingly.
Plan for the Best Lunches Ever
We’re not talking about Pinterest-worthy aesthetics. We’re talking about lunches that kids love to eat. A few days before school starts, take your kiddos to the store and let them choose items for their lunchboxes. Grab their old favourites—Pocky, Fruit To Go, Bear Paws and President’s Choice Peanut Free Granola bars are up there—but tell them to think creatively as you stroll the aisles. Be sure to hit sections that may be a little unfamiliar, and encourage them to try new things (Real Canadian Superstore has a wide assortment of multicultural grocery items to choose from).
TIP: Make lunch-packing easier on yourself by prepping fresh produce when you put away your groceries. Wash fruits and veggies for one less step on busy mornings, and pre-chop things like peppers, cucumbers, carrots, etc. so they’re easy to toss into lunchboxes.
With a little planning and some smart shopping at Real Canadian Superstore, you’ll be back-to-school ready in no time. Plus, by starting early, you’ll be able to bask in the last days of summer, no stress necessary. You’ll thank yourself on the first day of school, trust us.
For all your back-to-school needs, visit www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca.
