I have a copy of what each of my kids needs, I carry it around w/ me. I go thru my stockpile (yeah its pretty decent) and check off what I have. Then I scour the deals on Sunday or whenever and run in the store to grab stuff at super cheap prices. This week Office Depot has notebook paper, 150 sheets for 25¢ a pack, limit 5, also have 24 pack Crayolas for 25¢. Can't beat it! Between Staples, OD, Target, Walmart, I will find everything I need in the next few weeks. Also as someone else mentioned check out the deal blog gals - couponingtodisney.com, deal seeking mom, and totallytarget.com are some faves! Good luck! oh yeah, and my girls are using their still almost perfect backpacks from last year.