Back to school can be an expensive time but with the help of our Frugalista Amrita Singh, you can make the experience a little less hectic and a whole lot cheaper.

BREAKFAST

Start thinking about fast, healthy breakfast meals that are easy to assemble and shop (plus stock up) accordingly. Frugal tip: DIY your own instant oatmeal packs. Yes, it's easy to buy individual instant oatmeal packs from the store but you can also make your own for cheaper and have the whole family customize individual flavour combinations. 
 

INGREDIENTS (per packet)

  • 1/3 cup quick oats
  • 1 Tbsp finely ground quick oats
  • 1 tsp instant skim milk powder
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • Embellishments 


Combine all ingredients into a snack size resealable bag. When ready for breakfast, pour contents into a bowl and cover with 2/3 cup of boiling water. Cover and let stand for a few minutes. Uncover, stir and enjoy. Variation: pour contents into microwavable bowl with 2/3 cup milk. Bring to boil in microwave, stir and enjoy.

More here: 

http://www.prettyfrugalliving.com/2013/10/30/instant-oatmeal-packs/
 

LUNCH

Get organized and set up a dedicated lunch supply cupboard to house all essentials in one place. If you can form the habit of keeping everything in one place, you will save money over the long run by avoiding last-minute shopping. Frugal tip: shop the sales for these supplies. Best places right now: Kitchen Stuff Plus, Walmart, Canadian Tire. Save and stash utensil packets from take away meals. These come in handy for lunches! Use the label maker to label everything.  
 

HOMEWORK

Set up your kids for success with homework by assigning a specific area for them to get work done. This may be a desk in their room, or a communal space in the house. Get the area organized so after school assignments can be completed easily. Frugal tip: Buy school supplies in bulk and split with other families. DIY your own frugal desk caddy to keep school supplies in one place. 
 

MATERIALS

  • Soup cans (empty, rinsed)
  • Fabric remnants and/or scrapbooking paper
  • Decorative tape and/or duct tape
  • Small magnets and/or glue


Measure the length of soup can and cut fabric/paper to size so it will wrap around can. Leave a bit of overlap at the seam and secure with small magnets or glue. Cover the sharp top edge of can with a piece of tape. Place decorated cans onto a lazy susan and fill them with school supplies kids need for homework.


More here:

http://www.prettyfrugalliving.com/2015/08/26/pretty-desk-caddy/ ‎

 

BACKPACK

Dedicate each pocket/section of the backpack to something specific. Some parents swear by the art of mapping out the backpack so kids always stick to an organizational system. Frugal tip: Make and store a homemade homemade freshening spray to refresh backpacks throughout the year. This spray works on clothes too!
 

INGREDIENTS

Adapted from One Good Thing by Jillee

  • 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 cup boiled (then cooled) water
  • 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener


Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and store in cupboard. Spray onto inside and outside of backpack as needed. Works like a charm on musty clothing too!