When I was a kid, I used to LOVE shopping for school supplies with my mom.  Remember picking out a fresh new Trapper Keeper? Or Neon Lisa Frank folders with matching stickers and erasers?  I still love treating myself to cute new pens and notebooks here and there. They help make everyday tasks much more fun.

Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash
Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash
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However, now that I am the purchaser of said supplies, I feel a little differently about the situation. I absolutely dread the yearly quest for school supplies for my son, Rollins, for several reasons. First, the aisles are always way too people-y! Maybe I'm waiting too late when everyone is in a panic, but the crowded sea of carts is not fun to navigate. Second, I can never find everything I need in one store. Oh, does the list say we need a set of 10 Crayola markers?  Those hot mess shelves are only gonna have 8 or 12!

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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Well, I just discovered something that has changed the game thanks to good ole Wally World.  If you aren't mentally prepared to think about school supply shopping yet, just put this tip in your pocket for later, but this makes it so easy, you'll probably want to just go ahead and get it taken care of. Did you know that you can search your kiddo's school and grade on the Walmart website and the school supply list is generated for you? After that, all that is left is to click "add to cart."

Walmart.com
Walmart.com
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Even if the school hasn't submitted its official lists, Walmart will suggest items that are typically used in that grade.  The one for Sutton 4th grade was correct minus some brand-specific items (we appreciate the superiority of Ticonderoga pencils and Crayola art supplies.) So, you may need to tweak it a little, but that is much easier to do sitting on your couch vs. roaming the aisles dodging carts and kids.

Photo by David Pennington on Unsplash
Photo by David Pennington on Unsplash
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Now, I don't want Rollins to miss out on the nostalgia I remember of picking out cool stuff for school.  Closer to time, he will still get to choose a snazzy backpack and pencil pouch and whatever other goodies he suckers out of us. There's just no better way to get excited for the upcoming school year. I'm just relieved I've got the essentials squared away without all of the hassle.

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