Stock Up on Back to School Sales for Children of All Ages

AVENEL: Are you finding everything you need at back to school sales this summer? The bargains only get better as school approaches,  especially on electronics like the Toshiba 15.6 inch laptop at Radio Shack. The computer has three gigobytes of memory and a 500 gigobyte hard drive making it a great resource for students who need a computer that is portable and lightweight. If a college student is returning to school or even if he or she is just starting that journey to a higher education, teach him or her the responsibility of paying bills the fun and easy way with a square credit card reader on sale for $9.99. The device attaches to an iPod or iPad Touch cell phone. College students will learn not only the value of money but the importance of making sure credit cards are always within arm's reach because the card itself must be attached to the cell phone to work. Radio Shack is also offering free Android phones with the purchase of an AT&T contract. The data phone packages may seem a bit pricey but with most cell phone companies offering family locator features as an added service, the slightly higher monthly fees are well worth the peace of mind to parents who want to know exactly where their children are located throughout the day; 1550 St. Georges Avenue; 732-574-3500.

ISELIN: Are those fussy college students making you wish they wanted to attend trade school? Don't get stressed out trying to find the perfect dorm furniture and accessories at the last minute when you can buy a gift card and simplify your life. Follow the link to Bed Bath and Beyond for more information on buying store gift cards to give to your children. Let them sort it all out because aren't they old enough yet to make their own decisons? Don't panic, though, many items are clearance priced through the end of the summer so your son and daughter should find a bounty of great dorm items for a reasonable price; 1 Ronson Road; 732-634-7097.

WOODBRIDGE: For the grade school gang, the excitment of starting a new school year means many things. New teachers, new friends and lots of homework which can be monitored by parents on most school websites. With such sophisticated technology, students know the days of "but, Mom, we didn't get any homework" are long gone. Stock up on the necessities at Walgreens. Penway filler paper, 130 sheets, is on sale for .79 cents. Pick up a pack of Bic Brite Liner highlighters for the same price because we all know how the little ones love to color. Grab a few pairs of children's socks in assorted styles for $1 per pair because even the basics must be "totally cool" to meet the kids approved standards on school apparel. Buy yourself a pair too; women's socks are also specially priced at $1 per pair. But don't buy matching socks because we all know what an embarrassment that will turn out to be for the kids who act like they're "too cool" to resemble their parents in any shape or form; 17 Green Street; 732-326-9782.

What would life be like without a great looking pair of sneakers? If your child is heading to elementary school, middle school, high school or college, the footwear must pass the peer review test on what's hot because we all know that any type of shoe, especially sneakers, must be fashion conscious. Gone are the days of practical footwear to fit a designed purpose: kids must look sharp or the world as they live it will come to a complete end. Don't pay ridiculous prices for sneakers; shop at the Sports Authority this week and buy your children everything from Nike, New Balance or Saucony brand sneakers for boys and girls and save big. Prices range from $39.99 to $59.99. Follow the link to the website to print a coupon and save $10 on a $50 purchase or $25 on a $100 purchase; 931 Route 1 South; 732-634-3050.