Beat the Rush for the Top Ten School Supplies

Back-to-school season is here and whether your kids are firsttimers or seasoned veterans, their school supply list is long. When shopping for school supplies, beating the crowds and finding the bargains can be a challenge. According to the National Retail Federation, last year Americans spent $17.6 billion on school supplies, with an average family spending approximately $527.

"Back to school can be an exciting time for families," says Don Currie of Dixon Ticonderoga, an educational supplies company. "Things can get pretty hectic. They are preparing for the new school year and catching up with friends and it is easy to lose focus on what this time of year is all about -- education."

With a little advance notice, families can get ahead on supply shopping and have more time to find the sales. These begin long before school starts, when most people are not yet thinking about back-to-school shopping. An early list also helps you focus on the essential top ten must-have products, ranked by Dixon Ticonderoga. As appearing on school supply lists across the nation, here are the suggested top buys for school supplies:

1. Ticonderoga #2 Pencils -- Nearly every school supply list in America names a pencil as the number one item a child needs for the school year. From the "My First Ticonderoga" with a thicker barrel for the small hands of young students, to the SenseMatic Plus that automatically advances lead without clicking, twisting or sharpening, Dixon Ticonderoga has a pencil for students at every age.

2. Prang Glue Stick -- Just as you would purchase extra pencils, it is important to purchase additional glue sticks in case they dry out.

3. Color Markers -- Whether coloring for art class or making a gift for dad, markers are a must for budding artists.

4. Crayons -- Recognized as an alternative medium for more advanced artwork, crayons remain the must-have item for children worldwide.

5. Scissors -- When choosing scissors for young students, look for child-friendly scissors with a round tip and a soft grip.

6. Loose-leaf Paper -- Wide-ruled paper is created specifically for little hands learning to write. For kids in middle school and up, the thinner lines of college-ruled paper is fine.

7. Backpack -- To make sure it fits your child correctly, make sure the bag rests one to two inches below the shoulders and up to four inches below the waistline (Note: The waistline is level with the bellybutton.) A two-strapped bag is good for comfort and even weight distribution.

8. Folders/notebooks -- Look for extra slots inside notebook covers for storing handouts and assignments. Students can be more organized and won't lose important papers.

9. Pencil Holder -- A container large enough to hold pencils, markers, rulers, erasers and sharpeners helps to keep tools organized and in one place.

10. Tissue Box -- Having their own personal tissues reduces the amount of germs they come in contact with -- meaning fewer colds in your house.

Consider having extra supplies at home for when your child has homework. If they don't have to carry all their supplies back and forth, it lessens the chance of them forgetting or losing their belongings. Having the right tools -- at school and at home -- helps to motivate and support kids in their new venture, where educational and social challenges should be their main focus.

"For decades, Dixon Ticonderoga has supplied the premier number two pencil to students of all ages," says Currie. "It is our desire to maximize every child's educational experience by providing educational and inspirational tools that are the 'best of its kind.'"

Find Dixon Ticonderoga and Prang school supplies at www.dixonticonderoga.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent