many parents are relieved to be going back to the normal day-to-day routine of the school year. There also comes the dreaded school supply list shopping.
Lists in hand and kids in tow, parents flock to their nearest Staples or Walmart or Target looking to grab those notebooks, binders and colored pencils that line the list. That list can get expensive especially if you have multiple school-age children. It doesn’t need to be.
Here are some tips and tricks to shopping for those back to school supplies that will let you save a few bucks and still fulfill everything your child needs to be ready for the new school year.
Shop online
Many times, buying online through various different retailers will offer better prices or selection than those in store.
Clip coupons
Coupons are a great way to save money while shopping. Many retailers offer coupons that are good toward school supplies.
Buy in bulk
Don’t be afraid to pick up that five pack of notebooks. Buy in bulk and save it for either later in the year or for next year. This is especially good for those staple items kids are always using – notebooks, binders, folders, colored pencils, pens and more.
Buy generic brands
You don’t need the top of the line brands for everything. Pick up that Walmart set of pencils or the generic Target pencil sharpener. You can be picky about what supplies you may get in a brand name, especially if you think it may break. But sometimes generic brands can bring you plenty of good deals.
Shop for used items
Itap time to surf Facebook Marketplace and those Buy Nothing groups. A fellow resident may have that calculator your child needs or they bought too much in bulk and have extra to give away or sell.
Shop without your kids
Kids want everything in the store if you let them. That sparkly pencil or set of stickers? Save money by shopping alone. You will be less distracted to go off the list or spend more on some items.
Take stock at home
Maybe you bought in bulk last year or your child didn’t use a pack of markers. Go through your supplies at home and make sure you are not buying more of something you don’t need.
Host a clothing swap
Itap not just the typical school supplies kids need. They also may need new clothes after growing out of what they wore the year before. Try hosting a clothing swap with other parents. Offer up your child’s clothes from the year before that are in good condition and see what you can get for the upcoming year.
Teach your child how to budget
If you would like to bring your child shopping with you, take the opportunity to teach them how to budget. Give them some money and the challenge of fulfilling their list. See what they come up with. Itap a great time to teach a lesson on money management.
