It is time to buy school supplies. The stores will be stocked up on the basics and sending out circulars with coupons and ads. Some places will have better deals than others, so it is a good idea to start comparison shopping right now. If you are overwhelmed, you should know that is common. If you have more than one child, there will likely be a difference in the school supplies you will need.

Exactly what you will need in school supplies depends on the ages of your children and the school they are attending. Many teachers are now sending out lists of needed items ahead of time so the students can be prepared on the first day instead of having to wait for a week or two before they have all they need. Waiting to shop for school supplies can cause a disruption in the students' ability to do their assignments correctly.

If you have not received such a list, you can still do the bulk of your school supply shopping. It is easier to get everything you need if you take along a list.

Basic Back to School Supplies:

. Pencils - These are one of the things of which you should buy more than you think your children will need. Pencils get lost, stolen, broken and worn down. Buy twice as many as you think each of your children will need. Older children will need pens as well.

. Lined Paper - Depending on the age of your children, you may need the larger “learn to write” lined paper and/or notebook paper. If the price is lower than you can expect to find it later, purchase two for each child and put the extras away for later.

. Printer Paper - Make sure you have plenty of this in stock at home as well as in your children's backpacks.

. Construction Paper - If you have very young children, construction paper is a good thing to keep on hand. Buy two pads of these for each child. Your child will likely have projects to do at home and this saves having to run out and buy it the night before a project is due.

. Crayons, colored pencils and waterproof markers - which of these you buy will depend on the age of your children.

. Notebooks - Buy several one subject notebooks per child (except for the 5 to 7 year olds) and at least one five subject notebook for each of your children who are in middle or high school.

. Erasers - Pencil toppers and big erasers.

. Binders - Each child will be able to use at least one binder. Many junior high and senior high schools require more than one binder. Here is where a pre-school list from teachers can come in handy! If you don't have such a list yet, buy at least one binder for each of your children.

. Calculators - Basic calculators for children who are in upper elementary classes and a scientific calculator for older children. If your child is taking algebra, geometry, calculus or trigonometry, they will likely need the more expensive brands. Here is another place where starting early can be helpful. Find the best deal possible!

Another School Supply Consideration:

Make sure your family or your child's computer is running efficiently and has the necessary memory for holding the mountains of homework your children are likely to be doing. Nearly all written essays and reports are not only researched via the internet but are written on the computer as well. Many schools are now recommending that all children have laptop computers. Be sure to ask your child's school about how a laptop might fit into your school supply list.

School supply lists can be very complicated, but finding great deals on the basic school supplies doesn't have to be complicated at all. If you can find a good online store that that has these items at discount prices, you may be able to buy in bulk and have everything delivered to your door! Don't wait until school starts before getting as many school supplies as possible.