Great back to school bargains from Parenting

Parenting published a gallery of 25 money'saving products for Moms (and Dads).  The sure shoe-laces got special kudos on Twitter today - and I'll be buying those for our boys who seem to shred shoelaces weekly.

My thoughts on the others (there are 10 comment-worthy products):

1. The shoe-laces are a must buy and I'll be doing that today.
2. Re-usable cloths to wipe up are generally a very good idea - ecologically and financially
3. Flashcards, except for multiplication tables, are pretty much unnecessary.  Read to your child and encourage your child to read - that's what the experts say helps develop language abilities.  Special needs children may have special needs - but most kids are fine with just reading.
4. Love the water week bottles - again ecological and financially sound.  Look fun too!
5. Chalk-a-doodle placemat seems intriguing...would like to try one and see if it makes a mess.
6. Snack bags - these will get lost at school.  Don't bother.
7. Lunch bags - go to Costco and get their lunch bags - includes a BPA-free water bottle and are the right size and shape for lots of healthy food.
8. The alarm clocks are very cute - and teach them to tell time without a digital assistant.
9. Cleatskins - seriously?  I don't think my kids should wear their cleats at school - even with skins - because they don't have the same support as a running shoe and, if the skins come off, OUCH.
10. Inchworm sneakers look very cool.

Please send along any back to school practical bargains - I'd love to see comments and add to the list.

Comments

[Dr. Jessica]

On shoelaces - they are irrelevant for my daughter and my son's shoes still have Velcro. I'll wait for Joelle's review.

On the note about flashcards, they are a great asset when trying to increase fluency - the ability to do something simple quickly and accurately. They worked wonders for my daughter in speeding up her recall of math facts and sight words.

Who needs 10 water bottles in the frig at once?

Chalk a doodle - placemats are for food, not coloring. Color in odd places (the floor, living room, etc. with Color Wonder. Yes, the caps have to get put back on, but there is no other clean up.

Snack bags - perfect for responsible girls. My daughter would love them.

Alarm clock? No need, which is a bummer.

Cleatskins - I'm with Joelle, unless the adults are applying them before the dirt in the cleats gets all over the house. They don't make the cleats good running shoes.

Inchworm sneakers? Sounds great, but how do you know when they fit?

I too LOVE the Costco lunch box. Great value.