Can you believe it? It’s already time for back-to-school sales.

This is Christmas to the office supply stores, and they will do whatever they can to get your business. The drugstores will have great deals too. Lists are already posted on most school websites, so start shopping now. Here are some tips to take full advantage:

• Buy extra — Your child will eventually need replacement supplies. Stock up and put items away for later, when the sales are over. Consider buying extra and donating to a local school with families who might need help this year.

• Quality matters — The best illustration of this point is the pocket folder. Go ahead and buy the five-for-a-dime paper folders. After getting crammed into your child’s backpack, locker, desk, etc., you will replace it within days.

If you buy the more durable plastic or heavier paper ones, they’ll be more expensive up front but will last longer. This goes for backpacks, too.

• Coupons — Go to the websites for Papermate, 3M, Elmer’s, Sharpie, Penland and other key manufacturers of back-to-school supplies for coupons. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook pages.

n Rewards programs — All the office supply stores have them, but make sure you know what form you need or other requirements to get the best deal.

By the way, all this advice works for your home office, too. Use these sales to pick up cheap copy paper, computer accessories and organizational tools.