 Your child may have a perfectly fine backpack that just needs to be run through the wash. They may have school supplies in that backpack that have not been used or in good condition to use again. Trey Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrey.com, says that applies to clothing also. Have them try on all their clothes and then make your list from there because it doesn't make sense to go out and buy a bunch of things that you don't need.