Good deals on back-to-school items

Is it just me, or do the school-supply lists seem to get longer every year?

In the not-so-distant past, notebooks, paper, crayons, pencils and paste were the basic requirements for school. But tighter school budgets mean that parents also have to provide paper towels, tissues, wet wipes and plastic bags, in addition to the many other specific school items.

One easy way to save a little money is to take stock of last year’s leftovers. Recycling items like scissors, rulers, unused composition books or folders just makes sense. But you’re likely to come up with at least one complete set of colored pencils, crayons or No. 2 pencils just by going through odds and ends in arts-and-crafts boxes and stationery drawers. A pretty ribbon can turn a handful of hand-me-downs into a stylish bundle – and the envy of all the other children.

Another tip is to shop carefully. Just because one megastore is offering crayons for 25 cents a box doesn’t mean that the rest of the supplies will be less expensive. You might be better off shopping a 10 percent to 15 percent storewide sale on all items in an office-supply store.

Also be on the lookout for rebates and coupons, which can save you a great deal.

Here are this week’s savings on supplies and school-lunch items:

•Save 50 cents on any three packages of Kleenex facial tissues or one bundle pack. Expires Sept. 15.

•Sparkle offers a 35-cent coupon on any package of paper towels. Expires Oct. 10.

•Save 50 cents on any four-pack of AquaCal flavored water with zero carbs or calories. Expires Sept. 30.

•Famous Amos has a 55-cent coupon on any 12 oz. or larger package of cookies, any variety. Expires Sept. 4.

•Quaker has a 75-cent coupon on any box of chewy granola bars, breakfast bars, bites or graham bars. Expires Aug. 31.

•Save 55 cents on any two packages of Keebler cookies, 8 oz. or larger, and 40 cents on any package of White Fudge Stripes, Filled Peanut Butter or Filled Caramel Cookies. Expires Sept. 11.

•Pop-Tarts offers a 75-cent coupon on any two packages of toaster pastries and a 40-cent coupon on any of its new flavors, such as Strawberry Milkshake. Expires Sept. 11.