Year after year, as the summer draws to an end, parents everywhere look forward to the return of a normal routine as school starts up again. While summertime is a great chance to bond with your kids and enjoy some time together, the start of school is a welcome change for many parents. It also, however, means that you will have to prepare for some serious back-to-school shopping.

The few weeks before school begins can be an expensive one for many families. Supplies, clothes, and a variety of other things will need to be purchased so that your kids are ready with everything that they need to get back to their studies. As is the way with most long lists, though, it can be all too easy to forget about some key items.

If you are looking to draw up your back-to-school budget so that your kids are prepared for the beginning of the brand new school year, here are three things that you shouldn’t leave out.

1. A Backup Pair of Shoes

Many schools have dress codes in place for acceptable attire for students. Even if you child’s school doesn’t have such guidelines, you still want them to be comfortable throughout the day. Moreover, if you have younger children who are still growing, it is important that their footwear is comfortable enough to get them through the school day. While you know all this already, you might have suppressed the memories of those mornings where you are all running late because someone can’t find their shoes.

When you are looking to get out the door on time in the morning, the last thing you want to do is search for a misplaced or hiding shoe. This is why it is a good idea to have a backup pair of shoes handy for those inevitable moments. Are you not thrilled about having to purchase an additional pair of shoes? Kohls coupons can make that backup pair way more affordable.

2. An Oversized Sweater

Even though the weather outside might still be far from frightful and the last warm days of summer are still hanging on, cooler weather is just around the corner. You want to avoid being in a situation where you are trying to shop for warmer clothes after school has already begun as by then your free time will be at a minimum. 

However, you don’t know exactly how much your kids are going to grow between the end of summer and the cooler days of fall. Go ahead and purchase a sweater or two in a size up for your kids. This way they will be sure to have a warm layer for fall that will fit by the time colder temperatures set in.

3. Miniature Packs of Sanitizing Wipes

These days, it is always a good idea to have a little extra antibacterial power on hand when leaving the house. Make sure that everyone has a miniature pack of sanitizing wipes in their backpacks so that they can make extra sure to keep all the surfaces they come in contact with clean and germ free.