Back-to-School Made Easy With Impressions PR

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Back-to-School time is coming near.

Don’t shoot the messenger but I am sure you have seen the displays in most major retailers as summer stock gets moved into the clearance section and we are inundated with all things pencils, markers, and fancy lunch containers.

*BREATHE*

Back to School Made Easy With Impressions PR

The lovely ladies at Impressions PR are always on their A-game when it comes to bringing the best brands together for the media. I love how I can leave my house once and be able to show all of you a multitude of good brands and ideas.

This year I got to mingle with some of my fave retailers and new ones as well. Without further ado let’s begin.

Staples Canada-As with last year’s event Staples brought what seemed like one of everything and it is no surprise why we do a large portion of our shopping there. It is a one-stop shop and this year they are all about being expressive (emoji what?!?!). Keep your eyes open for an upcoming giveaway in the coming weeks and a more in depth review.

Well.ca-Whether you are a crunchy mom or not you can not deny the fact that the Well.ca goodies are great. Emma fell in love with these fluf lunch bags and I love that they deliver to your door.

Mabel’s Labels-When it comes to spending your hard-earned dollars on goodies you want to make sure your kids are bringing them home. Labelling is the way it’s going to happen and Mabel’s has some great designs and deals for back-to-school.

Entripy- Entripy has the largest collection of customizable goods online and they are affordable as well. They offer Fruit of the Loom products as well as many other name brands. They offer a great 15% discount for schools on Jerzees products and 10% off to schools on all other brands (including Fruit of the Loom).

Toronto Library-Whether you have a big reader or one who is still on the brink of discovering the beauty of books, the Toronto Library’s have something for everyone. You can still join the TD summer Reading Club and check out your local branch for drop-in programs they are hosting.

Made Good Foods-I want to say that this stuff is gross because it is so good for you but that would be a lie. The kids and I devoured the bars and granola minis in the matter of days and I have no shame in admitting it. School safe, peanut and tree nut free and made with nutrients from 6 vegetable sources (spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets & shitake mushrooms). Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free, non-gmo certified and Canada Organic. They basically put all the goodness of the world into these things and gave you no option to say no.

Kobo-I died a little bit at the Kobo display. Seriously there was too much water and a e-reader in the big jar of water. The mom on a budget had flashes of cell phones in toilets, expensive toys left outside while a torrential downpour happened, and now this, this Kobo Aura H2O fully submersed. But guess what? That e-reader not only survived it shone bright, but not glaring bright because it is back-lit and all fancy.

Panda Mandarin–Panda Mandarin is focused on teaching Mandarin to both adults and children. You can opt-in to classes that are both on site and online. With a emphasis on highly interactive activities such as music, art and games it allows the learning to come easy. My kids will be starting a trial month come September to see how they like it. Stay tuned for an update in October.

Lice Squad-I don’t care who you are or how many years you have been parenting, the moment that slip comes home with your kids about a “possible” interaction your child had with someone infected with lice–you panic. We have been spared so far but I have always known a time would come when I had to call the lovely ladies at the Lice Squad to do the dirty work.

Giveaway

I have joined forces with some other bloggers to bring you a HUGE back-to-school giveaway. Two of you will win $500 USD. Good Luck. Sadly Quebec does NOT qualify for this prize 🙁 This giveaway is in no way affiliated with the brands mentioned above.

Terms & Conditions: This giveaway starts on 7/29/16 at 4PM EST and ends on 8/30/16. Winners will be chosen no later than 9/7/16 via random.org and Rafflecopter. Winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to claim prize before prize is considered forfeit and new winner will be chosen. Winner must be 18 years or older. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I got some goodies at the event which helped we write this review. Someone had to eat the granola and I graciously volunteered ;) Also, this giveaway has nothing to do with the brands mentioned above.

Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

Find me on: Web | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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148 Comments

Judy Cowan
July 29, 2016 / 5:42 pm

Set a budget for back to school shopping and try to stick with it, it is very easy to get carried away buying “cute” things that you really don’t need.
Christine Holliday
July 29, 2016 / 5:47 pm

You have to make them feel confident on their first day!! new duds, backpak, little things always make them feel better..
Amy Heffernan
July 29, 2016 / 5:51 pm

I like to wait until the last day to get supplies. I find they are ALOT cheaper!
Krista M
July 29, 2016 / 5:52 pm

You don’t unnecessarily have to buy all new stuff every year. Both my kids backpacks are still appropriate for their age (still have the “cool factor”) and are in excellent condition so they will be re-using them through this school year which will save me around $50.
Christine Murray
July 29, 2016 / 5:54 pm

This would be excellent. My daughter needs a bunch of new stuff. Thank you for this offer.
ivy pluchinsky
July 29, 2016 / 5:57 pm

Don;t do your school shopping the last minute
Holly Myke
July 29, 2016 / 5:57 pm

I wait for sales to come along and then stock up! Like 0.10 loose leaf paper or 0.15 pencil crayons

I find Costco has great quality & deals on backpacks, lunch pails & clothing
Jen Mach
July 29, 2016 / 6:10 pm

Could really use this money for my kids school supplies
Tara Betterley
July 29, 2016 / 6:12 pm

I buy alot of the back to school stuff at the dollar store – they lose it so fast!
Jo B
July 29, 2016 / 6:28 pm

Check your flyers for school supplies so that you can price match as much as possible.
Lindsay O
July 29, 2016 / 6:41 pm

Download flyer apps like Flipp to find out where to get items the cheapest.
Jennifer L.
July 29, 2016 / 6:47 pm

My tip is to start early and keep an eye on the flyers. Buy what you need as it goes on sale.
Mohamad Al-Jaf
July 29, 2016 / 6:59 pm

My tip is to buy things during the winter time. I have so many school supplies that even my great-great-great grandchildren won’t be able to finish.
ginette4
July 29, 2016 / 7:04 pm

My tip is a few weeks before school starts have your children go to bed nightly earlier and earlier till they are back in the groove of going back to bed at their same time as when they are in school
Tainan Lu
July 29, 2016 / 7:06 pm

I always stock up school supplies when they are on sale. Probably I don’t need to buy anything this year. 🙂
Donna L.
July 29, 2016 / 7:11 pm

I like to shop early for best selection.
Julie @trysmallthings
July 29, 2016 / 7:12 pm

If your kiddos need new shoes, don’t wait ’til the last minute to buy them — we waited till mid-August one year (which we didn’t think was that late) and had the hardest time finding indoor and outdoor sneakers.
B
July 29, 2016 / 7:23 pm

I always try to keep an eye out for deals near the labor day long weekend as well as during the year, there is always deals on stationary or kids clothes.
mike k
July 29, 2016 / 7:35 pm

my back to school tip is to re-use the same materials from last school year if possible to save money before going back to school shopping
Stacie H
July 29, 2016 / 7:39 pm

Make lunches and snacks at home. You can get lots of ideas on Pinterest and Save a ton of money. I do my grocery shopping Saturday, make the lunches for the week on Sundays and all week they are ready to grab and go!
Piroska
July 29, 2016 / 7:42 pm

My tip is to buy school stuff when on sale, throughout the year and put away.
Francis
July 29, 2016 / 8:07 pm

check the sales
Janet M
July 29, 2016 / 8:15 pm

Purchase supplies early in the month.
Jenn
July 29, 2016 / 8:28 pm

My favorite Back to School tip is to look up easy and healthy school lunches!
Rhonda W G.
July 29, 2016 / 8:52 pm

plan ahead and get back to an early bedtime a couple weeks before.
Tannis W
July 29, 2016 / 8:58 pm

My suggestion would be to shop early.
Jeffrey Rossnagel
July 29, 2016 / 9:37 pm

Shop early and avoid the crazy rush!
Bailey Dexter
July 29, 2016 / 10:54 pm

My favorite Back to School tip is to prepare snack & treat that freeze well now so when it is time to pack a lunch they are already made. I do muffins, loafs, trail mix, any kind of a roll you name it it is in the freezer!
Andrea Amy
July 30, 2016 / 1:21 am

No trick, but I plan early. Its not even quite the end of July, but I’ve already purchased my 6, 7 and 9 year old’s school supplies, and their back to school clothes. In the next couple of weeks I will get the stuff for my 18 year old son, so that all that is left for the end of August is buying stuff for their school snacks and lunches.
Vanessa Ethridge
July 30, 2016 / 9:16 am

Prepare lunches the night before as well as lay out clothes and pack backpack so you save time in the mornings!
Stephanie LaPlante
July 30, 2016 / 9:43 am

Get clothing and lunches ready the night before to ensure a smooth morning.
Darren Scrubb
July 30, 2016 / 10:00 am

Download the Flipp app to find out where the best deals are.
Vicki
July 30, 2016 / 10:17 am

When you make salad on Sunday, bag up in snack size baggies or containers cut up veggies, like peppers, cucumbers, celery., baby carrots, and do the same for cut up oranges, melon, grapes etc, and then you have handy snacks for work and school lunches.
maggin penney
July 30, 2016 / 10:21 am

checking flyers!!
Kathleen Roffey
July 30, 2016 / 10:47 am

start watching flyers early
Pam
July 30, 2016 / 11:10 am

get the kids hair cuts a couple of weeks before
Patrick Siu
July 30, 2016 / 11:12 am

Buy quality product, going cheap might end up costing more in the long run.
Steph
July 30, 2016 / 11:27 am

I like to have baskets with names on it, so you are able to put all your school belongings into one place so they wont get lost!
SarahJ
July 30, 2016 / 11:43 am

I wait for sales and then get what I need. I wait until things I want go on sale.
LILLIAN BROWN
July 30, 2016 / 12:12 pm

Check your local dollar store to see if they have what is on your list before you go to the big box stores
kathy downey
July 30, 2016 / 12:37 pm

My tip is shop early,less stress!!
Wayne Couzens
July 30, 2016 / 12:54 pm

I agree shop early some things run out quick and then you are left searching
Carey Hurst
July 30, 2016 / 12:56 pm

The best tip I have is actually buy extras when there is a sale and set aside for next year. For instance when paper is as low as .10 buy the limit a few different times and you put it away,
Also us the dollar stores to get the supplies. Same supplies are cheap there compared to trying to buy at staples or other higher priced places
Silvia D
July 30, 2016 / 12:57 pm

look for sales, lots of deals online, especially like it if free shipping!
K Yee
July 30, 2016 / 1:46 pm

Start gradually adjusting bedtimes and get up times 1-2 weeks before back to school for a smoother transition.
Isra
July 30, 2016 / 1:54 pm

As most people said, buy things from the dollar store and usually most things will have the same quality. Most kids lose their supplies by Christmas time so it’s not worth putting in any more money than necessary. Most importantly, Pack lunches the night before!
Mary Warner
July 30, 2016 / 2:41 pm

Check local flyers for sale items on school supplies.
Grace S.
July 30, 2016 / 3:14 pm

Take the kids for a special back to school shopping trip for some special school supplies. Maybe end with lunch so it is a fun outing and something to look forward to every year.
Gord
July 30, 2016 / 3:27 pm

Start shopping in early summer for back to school items.
dav_h@hotmail.com
July 30, 2016 / 3:46 pm

Shop around for good deals well before back to school
Ron
July 30, 2016 / 3:59 pm

Start looking early enough for back to school and look for great online deals.
Lynne M
July 30, 2016 / 4:20 pm

Stock up on juice packs and granola bars while on sale – then you’ll be organized and you’ll have saved money!
Wendy hutton
July 30, 2016 / 4:26 pm

I like to shop early this way the kids get a better selection of things, like clothes shoes or backpacks
Scott MacMillan
July 30, 2016 / 4:54 pm

I buy during the summer doldrums.
Dianne Arsenault
July 30, 2016 / 5:27 pm

I let the kids each pick one snack but the rest is up to me.
BlessedTA
July 30, 2016 / 6:17 pm

clothes
DebP
July 30, 2016 / 6:19 pm

I always aim for a couple of days before school starts. Then I know everything is in place, and I have time to pick up any extras that are needed without a big panic.
angie
July 30, 2016 / 6:23 pm

Any way to save money nowadays is a must, and the fact the local dollar store has tons of school supplies from paper, pens to crayons and more really helps.
Shelley Nelson
July 30, 2016 / 7:44 pm

I always pick up items that are on clearance in late sept/early oct (school supplies) and keep them for the following year -it saves a lot of money
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
July 30, 2016 / 7:58 pm

buy items throughout the summer to spread the cost
Jean
July 30, 2016 / 8:42 pm

Buy things on sale and only if you need it!
Carla B
July 30, 2016 / 8:59 pm

Only buy a few pieces of back to school clothing before the school year actually starts. There is a good chance your kids will want different things once they see what everyone else is wearing!
Sandi Tymchuk
July 30, 2016 / 9:22 pm

I suggest shopping early for supplies, to decrease stress later on.
Kevin Low
July 30, 2016 / 9:24 pm

Buy supplies in bulk when they go on sale and you’ll have supplies ready for years!
Robyn Bellefleur
July 30, 2016 / 10:13 pm

Shop for back to school early before the supplies run out.
Monique L.S.
July 30, 2016 / 10:24 pm

Shop early to get the best selection.
Sandra Tang
July 30, 2016 / 10:35 pm

Awesome prize! It’s my son’s first year in school, we are very excited
Thomas Kwan
July 30, 2016 / 10:43 pm

Do last minute shopping for supplies for deals.
shaunna p
July 30, 2016 / 11:15 pm

Always on the hunt for back to school things during the year
Brandee H
July 30, 2016 / 11:38 pm

Start routines early so it doesn’t hurt the first week!
Jolie
July 30, 2016 / 11:39 pm

Favourite trick is to start shopping early and watch for the sales.
Brandee H
July 30, 2016 / 11:39 pm

I follow amidst the chaos on Instagram brandeelh7
Leanne Cobbledick
July 30, 2016 / 11:43 pm

I think getting the kids involved makes it easy for everyone involved!
Ariel C
July 30, 2016 / 11:57 pm

start shopping early
jan
July 31, 2016 / 12:09 am

start them in a school type routine a few nights early
M james
July 31, 2016 / 1:16 am

Get the kids going to bed on the same schedule as during school year so when school starts they arent so tired.
Sandy Couzens
July 31, 2016 / 1:52 am

My tip is always check the flyers and see if you can get price matches. Also see what can be still used from last year. Our little guy will be starting his first year soon. This would be wonderful !! Thank you 🙂
Angela Massis
July 31, 2016 / 8:08 am

Ease them into Back to School Shopping and let them choose their own school supplies within a budget.
Kathy Thorn
July 31, 2016 / 8:12 am

Start early and check flyers for the best deals.
Florence Cochrane
July 31, 2016 / 8:49 am

Carry the school list with you when shopping in case you find some great deals.
Jenn Beckett @jennpup
July 31, 2016 / 10:02 am

Set up snack bins so the kids can easily help pack their lunches.
AD
July 31, 2016 / 11:18 am

There are very specific things my kiddos need every year for school (like a tablet); so I make lists six months in advance and start searching early for the more expensive items. I have also found that places like Kijiji are great for brand new items like electronics.
Catherine Robichaud
July 31, 2016 / 1:31 pm

Start early and look for the sales to get the best deals and selection..
margaux retrophiliac
July 31, 2016 / 4:21 pm

Shop early & get the kids involved, of course
Gee Jones
July 31, 2016 / 4:27 pm

Shop early and reuse what you can.
Gloria Browne
July 31, 2016 / 4:52 pm

Get them excited about going back to school by involving them in purchasing new clothes and school supplies and discussing what they should take for lunches and snacks.
LisaN
July 31, 2016 / 6:30 pm

choose what the kids like otherwise you’re wasting $.
Vanessa L
July 31, 2016 / 7:23 pm

Liquidation stores are a great place to get school supplies!
Mel
July 31, 2016 / 10:35 pm

I look for sales and buy school supplies all year long. I pick up extra to donate as well.
John C
August 1, 2016 / 1:21 am

Set a budget for your back to School shopping.
Elizabeth R
August 1, 2016 / 7:55 am

My best tip is to budget carefully, so easy to get carried away and overspend. Set a budget limit and stick to it.
Leanee Marsh
August 1, 2016 / 1:17 pm

Love this blog!
nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham)
August 1, 2016 / 2:16 pm

Start going to bed on time a week before school actually starts.
Mike Gismondi
August 1, 2016 / 4:34 pm

My favourite tip is to shop early for school supplies!
Crystal Porter
August 1, 2016 / 7:24 pm

Sales and I try to be organized
Jeanette Jackson
August 1, 2016 / 8:03 pm

Start looking for sales early
Taylor Charlton
August 1, 2016 / 10:58 pm

Don’t leave back to school shopping until the last minute
Tina L.
August 2, 2016 / 12:12 am

Buy school supply when it’s on sale.
CHRIS BB
August 2, 2016 / 12:14 am

GO TO THIS BLOG TO WIN MONEY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
Lori Sexton
August 2, 2016 / 5:34 am

Buy school supplies at the Dollar Store.
Nicole B
August 2, 2016 / 10:45 am

I watch all my emails as the school uniforms go on sale mid summer. It’s a lot cheaper to buy school things in July then August!
Angela September
August 2, 2016 / 2:40 pm

I try not to buy everything at the last minute as that’s not a great time to score deals. Rather I watch for combining coupons and sales thru out the year!
Clare O'Brien
August 2, 2016 / 2:42 pm

I like to buy all of my back to school supplies at the Dollar Tree to save money.
Marla
August 2, 2016 / 3:02 pm

Look for sales &use coupons
yvonne
August 2, 2016 / 3:03 pm

The best tip I have for back to school is to get a large calendar and ensure that all activities are written on it, and put it on a place that it will be scene, like on the fridge.
Julie
August 2, 2016 / 3:24 pm

My fav tip is having a folder or bin for each child that contains there school stuff, like newsletters, homework, tip forms etc, where they are to leave and pick up their necessary items.
Shane Smith
August 2, 2016 / 4:53 pm

Our trick is to print out a calendar so everyone know what is happening when. it helps the kids be responsible on their own.
We also make lunches the night before and that seems to help the morning chaos
Janice Wong
August 2, 2016 / 6:38 pm

Wait for back to school sales even if you don’t need to go back to school!
darci paice
August 2, 2016 / 7:25 pm

Watch for sales, repurpose items and buy a little bit as you go.
Justin
August 2, 2016 / 8:48 pm

Take home some office supplies!
Josh S
August 2, 2016 / 9:54 pm

Check for sales in flyers.
Silvana Cox
August 2, 2016 / 10:00 pm

making a list and checking flyers for best prices saves money and planned shopping trips
Mitch. E
August 2, 2016 / 11:04 pm

Prepare lunches after dinner
Tony Lee
August 3, 2016 / 4:15 am

Nice
Wanda Bergman
August 3, 2016 / 1:17 pm

Buy everything on sale and do it well in advance … even years.. You can save a lot of money in the long rung.
A Crock of Schmidt
August 3, 2016 / 6:32 pm

Frankly I’m still in denial that summer is half over already.
Caryn Coates
August 3, 2016 / 9:46 pm

My tip is to start shopping early and not leave everything to the last minute:)
Doug L
August 3, 2016 / 10:33 pm

Get kids back into their routine a few days before.
Debbie F
August 4, 2016 / 2:21 am

I check the flyers to find all the great deals.
Sunshine H
August 4, 2016 / 6:30 pm

I stock up when the prices are super low so that I have extra supplies as we need them through the year, and then can also reduce how many I need to buy the following years.
missbobloblaw
August 5, 2016 / 2:15 am

I gradually ease back into the earlier bedtime routine by having everyone go to bed ten minutes earlier….and earlier each day until back on schedule!
Brenda Penton
August 5, 2016 / 10:10 am

My tip is to buy extras when supplies are on sale. That way you don’t have to pay full price when you run out during the year, or you may even have extra supplies left over for the next school year.
diana
August 5, 2016 / 6:09 pm

keep an eye out for sale items
Jana Liu
August 5, 2016 / 7:16 pm

purchase school supplies throughout the year when there are good deals or sales on
lorna
August 5, 2016 / 8:26 pm

shop the sales early to be prepared and then a last family holiday before school starts.
Erica Seaman
August 6, 2016 / 2:09 pm

Don’t leave anything until the last moment,,,try to stick to a routine once school starts.
CyberScooby
August 6, 2016 / 2:34 pm

Definitely setting a budget to avoid buying unnecessary cute stuff
Theresa C.
August 7, 2016 / 11:54 pm

Start having the kids go to bed a little earlier each night the week before school starts 😉
Melissa M.
August 8, 2016 / 10:48 am

Start looking for supplies early, and wait for them to go on sale!
Sarah
August 8, 2016 / 9:30 pm

Compare, price match, and/or shop around for back to school shopping. 🙂
em
August 9, 2016 / 11:06 am

i usually get supplies all throughout the year and not wait for all the crazy lineups. i’ll usually buy pens/pencils at the dollar store but i’ll buy a new backpack or clothes at walmart
Nicole Jubleew
August 9, 2016 / 12:14 pm

The week before school starts slowly in managable time increments move bedtimes back to your kids regular school bedtime so that it’s an easier adjustment.
Karry Knisley
August 9, 2016 / 4:54 pm

I make a list and stick to it. I also price match and sale shop wherever possible.
Christine Murray
August 10, 2016 / 10:33 am

Plan ahead and use coupons.
Rhonda W G.
August 12, 2016 / 9:05 pm

Follow on Instagram
@2doggys
Jessica Gr
August 14, 2016 / 12:22 am

Start back in to school sleep schedules 2 weeks before
Anne-Marie Tvete
August 20, 2016 / 2:49 am

Get as much as you can at the Dollar store
Anne-Marie Tvete
August 20, 2016 / 2:50 am

following on instagram as @amt946
suzi
August 21, 2016 / 11:36 am

I bulk cook and then freeze to make evening meals during the week easier!
Laura F.
August 21, 2016 / 4:19 pm

I usually wait until after the first week of school to buy most supplies. That way you can see if the teachers request anything specific.
June M
August 27, 2016 / 8:18 pm

Use the @flipp app for comparison shopping
Christine McGee
August 28, 2016 / 3:20 pm

thank you for the opportunity!! Every little bit helps, especially this time of the year! 🙂
aimee
August 28, 2016 / 7:51 pm

Accept all help when offered
Teresa
August 28, 2016 / 10:24 pm

I keep track of what size running shoes the kids are currently fitting as well as a record of all the shoe sizes I have tucked away in the closet. I buy shoes on sale but first check my list to see what sizes I already have and what I still need. That way, when they outgrow their indoor shoes in the middle of the school year, I have a pair ready to go.
Sausan
August 29, 2016 / 8:52 am

Prepare meals for the week on Sundays. That way you, hopefully, won’t be stressed out come meal time
Laurie W.
August 29, 2016 / 10:05 am

I would start moving bedtime back so that the kids would be able to get up without fuss for school.
Clare I.
August 30, 2016 / 9:38 am

Have meal plans ready for the busy first few days
Kim F
August 30, 2016 / 10:15 am

Buy lunchbox friendly snacks in bulk so there’s always something on hand and lots to choose from!