It’s that time of year again – back-to-school shopping! As a parent, this can be an exciting but stressful time trying to get everything your kids need for the new school year while sticking to a budget. The costs can really add up between supplies, clothes, shoes, backpacks, and more.
Don’t sweat it! Here are 10+ tips to help you save money on back-to-school shopping:
1. Make a List and Set a Budget
Before you head to the stores, make a detailed list of everything your child needs for school. This helps prevent impulse purchases and overspending. Be sure to check with the school for any required supplies. Once your list is complete, set a realistic back-to-school budget and stick to it. Look for ways to trim costs where you can.
2. Shop Early for the Best Selection
The earlier you start shopping, the better selection you’ll have on all the essentials. Shop a few weeks before school starts if possible. Popular items tend to sell out quickly. Shopping early also spreads out costs over the summer rather than having one huge bill in August.
3. Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense
For supplies that you know you’ll need a lot of like paper, pencils, pens, glue sticks, etc., buy these in bulk packs. Big box stores like Costco often have great deals on bulk school supplies at affordable prices. Just make sure what you buy will actually get used.
4. Sign Up for Retail Email Lists
Sign up for promotional emails from retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and more. You’ll get insider access to deals and sales, plus online codes for extra discounts on back-to-school essentials. Stack savings from promo codes with other discounts for maximum savings.
5. Shop Discount and Dollar Stores
Dollar stores, discount shops, and even garage sales can yield major savings on classroom supplies. You can often get pens, erasers, rulers, folders, notebooks, and more for only a few dollars. Just make sure to check the quality.
6. Buy Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Opt for the store brand version of supplies rather than name brands. The quality is usually comparable at a fraction of the price. For example, a store brand 100 pack of crayons may cost just a dollar or two versus five dollars for Crayola.
7. Reuse What You Already Have
Before buying everything new, look at what you already have at home that could be reused. Old binders, folders, pens, backpacks, and lunch bags may still be in good condition. Kids can also reuse last year’s supplies that weren’t completely used up.
8. Take Inventory of Clothes Before Shopping
Thoroughly go through your child’s wardrobe and take inventory of what still fits before shopping for new clothes. Have your child try on everything to see what they have outgrown. Making a list of needed clothing items helps prevent overspending.
9. Shop End of Season Sales
The best time to shop for kids’ clothing and summer items is at the end of the season when retailers discount prices. For back-to-school, look for markdowns on summer clothes in mid to late August. Stock up on shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, sandals, and summer shoes for next year.
10. Shop Thrift and Consignment Stores
Gently used clothing and accessories cost a fraction of retail prices. Kids grow so fast, many items have hardly been worn. Try consignment shops, thrift stores, garage sales, or sale groups on Facebook. But make sure to budget enough time to find good quality items.
11. Stick With Classic Styles
Trendy clothes go out of style quickly and are rarely worth paying more for. Focus on buying classic styles in solid colors that can be mixed and matched and worn for years to come. It’s better value for your money.
12. Utilize Cash Back and Rewards Programs
Sign up for free rewards programs through your credit cards, favorite retailers, school shopping apps and more. You can earn cash back or redeem points on purchases to save money. Retail apps like Shopkick reward you just for walking in the door or scanning items.
13. Follow Your Favorite Retailers on Social Media
Follow favorite retailers on social media for exclusive deals and news on sales. Around back-to-school season, retailers will often post special discounts and coupons on their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts. You can then use those codes online or in-store.
14. Buy Uniform Pieces Out of Season
If your kids wear school uniforms, look for these items out of season for the best value. Places like Old Navy, French Toast, and Children’s Place all carry uniform pieces. Shop off-season and you can stock up on khakis, polos, and more for up to 50% off or more.
15. Host a Clothing Swap
Get together with other parents and host a back-to-school clothing swap, either in person or online through Facebook groups or apps like Kidizen. Go through your kids’ closets and pick out any good quality clothes, shoes, or supplies they’ve outgrown. Swap with other families.
16. Shop Teacher Supply Lists for Free Money
Many teacher supply lists on sites like SupplyMe include a link to earn cash back when you complete the purchases online. Retailers like Office Depot and Staples give anywhere from 5-25% cash back just for buying needed supplies.
Back-to-school shopping can put a strain on the wallet. But using these tips and tricks can help you save money and reduce stress. Make a list, set a budget, take advantage of sales and deals, and get creative. Before you know it, your kids will be equipped for school success!
