Back to School Shopping in Cleveland and Akron

2. Shop for Gently-Used Clothes for Teens

Plato's Closet offers a unique option for teens that want to dress in all the latest fashion at about 1/4th of the price. Plato's Closet makes it cool to shop and buy gently used clothing. They only accept and sell brand name, gently used clothing. Brand names that you can expect include Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Holister, and more. Accessories to complete your new outfit can also be purchased. Plato's caters to male and female teens. Do you have clothes that you're not wearing? Bring them in for cash.

3. Shop for Gently-Used Clothes for Kids

Once Upon A Child sells gently used children's clothing from newborn to size 16. These kid-friendly stores offer brand named clothing at a fraction of the cost of new. You can also bring in your clothes for cash.

4. Shop for Shoes

Famous Footwear is holding their buy one get one ½ off sale for all shoes for the Back-to-School season. You can either buy your kids a couple pairs of shoes at a really great price or mix and match buying shoes for the whole family. They have locations all over Northeast Ohio.

Sears is another great place for shoes when you use their "Kid Advantage" program. If your child wears their shoes out before they outgrow them, you'll receive a free pair. See store for details.

5. Shop for School Supplies

A number of local retailers offer deeply discounted prices on school supplies during the month of August. Places such as Wal-Mart, KMart, Office Max, and Staples have items such as folders, notebooks, crayons, pencils, rulers, and glue for $.01 - $.20 each. There are limited supplies of these items and a limit of how many you may purchase, but the savings add up. A copy of your school's supply list usually can be found at these stores. (Most school districts also have these lists on their Web sites.) Other places like Big Lots offer similar prices during August and 75% off savings throughout the year on name brand items that are closeouts.

6. Consider Gift Cards

Grandparents who want to help send their grandkids back to school, but may not know what style or size to buy are well-advised to consider gift cards. Most stores offer gift cards. Many malls and shopping centers do too. This is the perfect solution; family can help out and kids get what they want.

7. Eye Exams and Glasses

Kids eye prescriptions change frequently as their vision matures, but being able to see clearly is crucial for learning. Many places offer discounted eye exams and glasses right before school starts. All area Wal-Marts offer 2 pairs of select kids glasses for $89; this price includes frames, lenses, and a one-year breakage warranty. Other styles are just $30 a pair. All area Eye Masters offer a two for $99 special on all kids frames and lenses that are priced normally up to $69 each. They advertise as having the biggest selection for the price.

8. For College Bound Students

Get the coolest, coordinating dorm gear at JC Penney. For the best selection and to coordinate with your roommate, shop online. Print off their check list for everything you need for bedding, cleaning, eating, the bathroom. and more. Everything is in ultra cool colors and styles.

Bed Bath and Beyond has everything a college bound student needs for their dorm. Take advantage of their "Pack & Hold" system where you order everything online and they will ship it directly to your dorm room. Also enter for a chance to win $25,000 for the best dorm room online and in stores.