Back-To-School Shopping: What Not To Buy

A number of students will start the school year next week. If you need to finish up buying supplies, you'll want to hear this.

This might not surprise some parents, but the National Retail Federation said more than $630 will be spent on back to school shopping, per child. 

According to Forbes, students haul in useless supplies on the first day. The article interviewed a number of teachers who suggest not buying mechanical pencils since children will lose them. The old number two pencil is much cheaper.

Also, don't purchase trapper keepers or zip-up binders. The standard three ring binders are cheaper.

Note cards aren't needed unless it's for a specific project. Same goes with White-Out.

Teachers also said leave big or rolling backpacks at home especially for elementary students. Classrooms are small and there isn't much room to store them.

Also, don't feel like you have to buy fancy versions of supplies like gel or glitter pens. Most teachers prefer pencil, or black or blue ink.

One more tip from the teachers, don’t allow your child to bring toys or candy to school.