Created: 07/24/2009 9:34 AM KSTP.com | Print Story By: Vineeta Sawkar

SAWKAR: Back to school shopping

Every year I wait until a week before school starts to go back to school shopping and lo and behold, there is nothing in the stores. This year I was going to do things differently! I loaded the kids in the minivan a few days ago with their school supply lists in hand and headed to the store.

I was thrilled to see all of the sale items right now. Some of the basic supplies are really cheap. I am always amazed how long it takes us to get through both lists and get everything. We spent two hours at the store! Luckily, my kids were patient and excited about the task at hand.

Another nice thing about going now is that your kids get the best selection of backpacks. The aisles are also less crowded with people so you can make your way around all of the supplies with ease.

Every year, though, there is always one item on one list that I cannot find for the life of me. Last year, we searched high and low for a red pocket folder with a Velcro closure and after checking three stores, gave up. I actually had to add Velcro to a red pocket folder. This year, we could not find a steno pad for assignments at the store we shopped so my hopes of a one-stop shop are gone. We will have to make one more trip for that. So it goes.

I always laugh when I see those stories that talk about the cost of school supplies. I am not sure what list they have but it certainly isn't mine. I end up spending a couple of hundred bucks or so on everything for two children including the "optional" items. I really feel it is our responsibility to get those optional items or a teacher might feel the need to buy it on her own. They spend so much of their own money on the classroom as it is, I don't want that to happen.

So, with the exception of one steno pad, we are done and it is not even August. I am feeling pretty good about that. I actually think my kids are, too. My daughter asked me eagerly the other day as she stared at her pretty new Jonas brothers backpack, "When does school start, Mom?" It's nice to see their excitement. Lucky for them, though, they still have a month and a half of days at the pool before the school bell rings.