Yesterday as part of our Chuck E. Cheese extravaganza, my sister and I decided to shop for school supplies together.  It was super fun!!  The kids loved getting to shop together, we ended up coming home with much more than what was on the list, and everyone felt satisfied by the end of the day.  When I have the chance, though, I prefer to shop local for school supplies.  When you do this, your money can do amazing things! 

Your tax dollars will go directly toward helping your local schools.  If your kids attend public school, then they directly benefit whenever you shop locally.  The tax dollars provide money for high-quality teachers, equipment, facilities, and other needed resources.

Some stores offer bonuses that go toward local schools.  Stores like Target and Food City will donate a percentage of your purchase amount to the school of your choice.  If you don’t have kids in school, consider donating toward a school that has special meaning for you.  This costs nothing extra but every penny counts!!!

Stores in other areas might not have what’s on your school supply list.  Case in point:  my son’s list requires him to have a primary composition book.  The store we went to didn’t have these at all; it wasn’t on their supply list.  It’s a small thing but I’ll have to go to a local store to find it.

Keeping up with the Joneses.  Normally I don’t advocate this kind of behavior at all!!  However, there’s a time and place for positive peer pressure.  My daughter noticed that some of her friends had a very cool binder with all kinds of built-in organization features.  She asked if we could get one this year.  Since she’s taking an interest in becoming more organized, I’m all for it!!  Going to a local store meant that we were able to find just the binder she was looking for.  Having cool supplies is an easy way to help your child look forward to the start of the school year.

Supporting local economy.  Aside from the tax dollars going to your town’s school, you’re also helping to support your community by shopping local.  Those stores provide jobs for people in your town.  There’s a trickle-down effect that can also lead to more businesses, better medical facilities, and other improvements that can result from a thriving local economy.  Contributing to that feels good!

There are times when time or convenience dictate your shopping venue. It’s so easy to pop on Amazon and get what you need.  When you’re shopping for school supplies, though, consider spending your money in a local store.  Your schools will thank you for it!