Educational Back to School, Homeschool Toy Reviews for Parents

Written for 2011 Cyber Monday, this article provides great tips for homeschool parent back-to-school shopping. Traditional school families will also find great tips on  educational toy-buying. This penny-pinching mom starts her Christmas shopping in July to get early-bird and avoid the holiday chaos.

Here are parent-to-parent toy, craft, book, game and puzzle reviews for Cyber Week bargain-hunting. Parents' Choice tests and reviews new toy products. Toys are rated on quality of construction, concept and educational merit. The best toys and children's activities are awarded gold, silver, bronze or recommended status. Parents' Choice gold medal awards for this year are: Playmobil Secret Agent Headquarters play set, Bear in Tree Stump puppet, HaPe's Furnished All Season Dollhouse, Educo's Discovery Spaceship and Lift-off Rocket and Wooden Building Set: Four Elements. Gold medal games and puzzles include Block Builders, Richard Scarry's Busytown Busy, Busy Airport game, City Square Off and Dabble. Cyber Week Toy Reviews for Parents 

Back to School Shopping: Gel Shoe Inserts

Back to School Shopping: Gel Shoe Inserts for School Shoes
Back to school shopping means finding good school shoes. Kids spend a lot of time on their feet, walking, running and playing. The most import part of school shoes shopping is to look for comfort. Shoe inserts make school shoes more comfortable.
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Where to Buy Cheap USB Flash Drives for Back to School and College

Where to Find Cheap USB Flash Drives for College
Several of our sons' college professors are requiring students in class to bring a portable USB or 'flash' drive to class. I did some price comparison shopping. Here are the best sources and buying options of USB drives.
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How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping and School Supplies

Back-to-School: School Supply Shopping for Penny Pinchers
If manufacturers and retail stores had their way with back-to-school shopping, parents would need to take out a bank loan to outfit and supply kids for school. I'm a teacher and I'll walk you through the real required school supply list.
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Back-to-School and College with Free NOOKstudy Download from Barnes and Noble

Back-to-School College Prep Activities: Free Barnes and Noble Nook Study Download
Each year more textbook choices become available for college students. Renting, e-textbooks and digital downloads are provide more options. Barnes and Noble offers a free download called 'NOOK Study', free e-books and homework help.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Bargains, Deals on Shoes

Back-to-School Shopping: Save Money at Amazon on School Shoes
What's the best way to give students a good understanding? Good quality school shoes. Ouch. But seriously, your friendly neighborhood penny pincher is always bargain hunting. And here are some back-to-school shoe bargains you'll love.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Good School Shoes

Back-to-School Shoe Shopping: How to Choose School Shoes for Children
School shoes are chosen more for fashion than comfort it seems. That's not healthy for growing legs, back and feet. Here is my back-to-school shoe shopping guide for stylish, comfortable, reasonably priced kids shoes.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Best Backpacks

Back-to-School Backpack Shopping: Best School Backpacks
Backpacks are a staple of back-to-school shopping. Backpacks are pricey. Backpacks usually become a portable locker. Backpacks are heavy and hard to carry. Here is a guide to follow when purchasing a backpack for your student.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Avoid Second Hand Stores

Back-to-School Shopping: Why You Should Avoid Second-Hand Stores
When you shop for back-to-school clothing for children, my advice is to avoid second-hand stores. I'm a penny pincher, but second-hand clothing isn't always a bargain. Sometimes it's not even sanitary or healthy.
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Back-to-School Shopping: Bargains at Old Navy

Back to School Shopping at Old Navy: Good Sales, Cute Styles and Quality Clothing
When I buy clothing, I rate the quality factor high priority. Here's the brand that I've found has the best ratio of cost to quality. Old Navy gives the most 'bang' for the buck. Great sales. Durable clothing. Cute styles.
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