Parents may be glad to get their kids out of the house, but many are worried about how they'll afford back-to-school clothes and supplies. The New Economy Blog says that many parents are even trading in their cars in the cash for clunkers program instead of shelling out for new supplies, but says that "back-to-school spending, even if restrained, will provide a catalyst to get shoppers into stores--something retailers haven't had for months." Bloggers offer savings tips and even freebies. Shopaholics Anonymous has a list of savings tips, including tax-free shoping dates by state. Make and Takes has a Crayola giveaway open through midnight at August 10, and LittleMissKnowItAll has an HP PhotoSmart printer giveaway, open through August 14 at 9 PM. Cool Mom Picks has put together a shopping guide, including backpack picks and "the coolest 80's rock tees," with discount codes. Super Eco warns to stay away from backpacks and other items that contain PVC and suggests choosing cloth or metal lunchboxes. Along those lines, Non-Toxic Kids is offering a discount on Kids Konserve items.

Gomestic teaches you how to organize a back-to-school swap meet at your kid's school: "This can not only be an excellent way to get much needed school items, it is also a great way to meet and get to know other parents at your child's school." And A Mom in Red High Heels calls attention to this program to help needy kids get back-to-school basics. For older students, BlackBerry Cool lists five free and useful back-to-school apps. Gearlog has rounded up the 25 best back-to-school tech deals. Moms at Work tries to make shopping with older kids less frustrating: "This year, I'm giving them a clothing allowance. How they spend it is up to them, but they can't come back to me in a few weeks begging for this or that item. No dice." And for those teens trying to figure out how to spend their clothing allowances, Prom Mafia has clothing savings tips, including how to recycle last year's stuff.

What are your back-to-school savings tips? Let us know in the comments.