I'm already seeing Back to School commercials and promotions from area stores — even though scoll doesn't start for another month!  But that means it's time for Elf advice about back to school shopping.

• Many states have tax free holidays during the back to school period.  If your state has one and you need to make purchases, be sure to take advantage of this discount.
• Think outside the big box stores.  Office stores and craft stores often have good back to school deals.
• Check with your school before buying classroom supplies.  Teachers are often very specific about what students should have.  Many have set up websites with information about supplies.
• If the supplies are consumable (crayons, pens, notebooks, etc.), consider buying extras now, while things are on sale.  When the fall supplies run out midyear, you'll have replacements available and you won't have to pay the higher price.
• Contrary to what the commercials say, you don't need to buy everything – and not at once. This point hold particularly true for kids headed off to college. For many kids, the college dorm is the first time they've ever shared a room. Taking everything they want may mean no room to actually live. There's a lot to be said for taking the minimum and adding only the things you really need or miss. Remember, everything you put into the dorm room ultimately must come out.
• Even if you don't have kids, take a look at the back to school sales. This time of year can be an especially good time to replenish your stock of pens and paper, towels and sheets, and basic storage solutions. No one said you had to be a student to take advantage of the sales!