It’s that time of year again – time to get the kids ready for school! Whether if you are in school or at home learning, back to school season is just as fun for moms as it is for the kids, teachers included!
But for this teacher mom, I know it can be even more enjoyable when you can get the most bang for your buck on back to school shopping! We all know that back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, especially if you have big family. However, there are things you can do to minimize the cost. This school year, save yourself some money and possible some time with the back to school shopping hacks.
1. Stick to the list.
Any item not on the list provided by your child’s teacher probably isn’t needed. Although kids may beg for extra supplies, make a rule that if something isn’t on the list, you won’t buy it. They can have fun picking out the items that are actually needed.
- If a list wasn’t given out before the first day of school, there’s no need to get carried away and purchase a bunch of stuff your child might not ever use. Get the list as soon as possible; you’ll be in a position to pick up items when they’re on sale.
- Contact the school or look at the school’s website if you haven’t received a copy of the list. Many schools now provide a downloadable version on their website.
- The first day of school may require only a pencil and a notebook, especially for middle school and high school students so hold off on buying too many supplies right away.
2. Shop at Home First
You likely have several things at home that can be used. Look in your office for pencils, pens, unused notebooks, notebook paper, and more. Remember to check your child’s book bag, crayons, lunch box, and anything else that comes to mind. At the end of the school year, I gather all my son’s items from the previous year so I won’t buy something he doesn’t need.
Remember, items like pencil boxes, pencil sharpeners, and scissors can probably be used for years before they need replacement.
3. Consider the Source
Many parents immediately think of large super-stores as the best source of school supplies. Remember to consider the offerings of Amazon, drug stores, and even grocery stores.
Frequently, these less-considered stores can have spectacular sales on many back-to-school supplies just to get shoppers in the door or online shopping. Check out newspaper inserts and mailed circulars to find out about drugstore sales and or sign-up at Amazon to make a wish list to price watch items.
4. Thrift Stores
Thrift shopping is often frowned upon because the items are secondhand, and you might fear that they may be dirty and germy. However, a quick wash in the laundry for clothing and a spray of antibacterial spray will do the trick. Thrift stores, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, often run tag sales. Sometimes all items with pink tags are priced 50% off, or items with red tags are priced under $3.50.
These items can include jeans, brand name suits, and shoes, among other things. As well as bundles of pencils, notebooks, and various school supplies that will last all school year. Sometimes, you can score an entire secondhand wardrobe and supplies for under $40! But of course, you have to be a savvy shopper and check the tag sales.
5. Make Use of Your $1.00 Store!
Did you know that dollar stores in your area may actually accept coupons on their already discounted merchandise? The most notable dollar retailer that accepts coupons is Dollar General. However, by checking the FAQ of your local dollar store’s website, you’ll be made aware of their coupon policy.
If you have a $1 coupon off an item that you’re going to purchase at the dollar store, you’re going to score the item for free!
If you do not have a store in your area, check the websites. For example, The Dollar Tree can send you a catalog of all their items and you can buy in bundle. Many school districts also use this same catalog to buy in bulk too! Thankfully, if you have coupons for a large quantity of items you need, you may be able to score half, or even more, of your back to school shopping deals for nothing but a few cents in tax.
Plus, if you are a teacher or even homeschool parent, you can get an extra discount on your purchases.
6. Stockpiling Coupons
If you have three kids or more, it makes sense to consider stockpiling coupons for school supplies as soon as you can. A little trick that many savvy coupon moms and teachers like to use is stockpiling coupons for the essentials by purchasing the newspaper, printing online and requesting that coupons be directly mailed to their mailbox.
Also check with your neighbors for coupons. I’m not much of a coupon person and although I get ads in the mailbox every week, I don’t use them but pass them on to neighbors that do!
- To further your savings, sign up for email newsletters of all of your favorite stores. Stores like JCPenney send out quarterly coupons for 10% to 15% off of all of their merchandise, including their sales items. It isn’t uncommon to find children’s shorts and t-shirts on sale for less than $5. So, the savings can be considerable.
- Even if a coupon comes out after you’ve made a purchase, stores will typically honor them. Take your receipt and the coupon back to the store and get that better price.
- Watch for Back to School Sales. As the calendar closes in on the beginning of the school year, keep your eyes open. Sales abound, and the smart shopper will be on the lookout for the best deals. Often one store will have notebooks on sale for one cent, while another will have a great sale on pencils.
By the end of the summer, the coupon-ers that stockpile coupons often find reduced deals because the items have been on the shelf for most of the summer. Often times, many items end up being free or laughably cheap.
7. Shopping a Year Early or Even a Little Later
When you go back to school shopping, it may be tempting to simply shop a few weeks before the semester begins, like most parents and even some teachers. But, if you purchase items, such as binders, pieces of clothing, pencil holders, etc. just a few weeks after school has begun, just about everything in the store will be marked down considerably. This is what I have done for years!
Once all the districts already start in your area, you can then find many items on sale at your local Target or Office Max, especially composition notebooks.
8. Team up with another parent.
By joining forces with another parent, you have the opportunity to purchase items in bulk at reduced prices. Then divide up the supplies and the savings.
9. Check in with your child’s teacher
With many parents out of work this past spring, back to school shopping my be more difficult than ever this year. So make sure to check in with your teacher. I know I keep a lot of supplies from over the years on the back burner for kids that need them. I also use these same hacks to get deals and buy in bulk to keep in my classroom.
So check in with your child’s teacher and let them know some school supplies are not in the budget this year and I’m sure teachers will definitely accommodate.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school time is exciting for everyone, but for parents it can also be a financially stressful time of the year. But school starting doesn’t have to break the bank. Get your supply list, stick to it, and focus on saving money by following these tips. This school year might cost you less than any other by just stockpiling coupons, or shopping a year early.
If willing to invest your time, and keep an eager eye, you’ll be able to score amazing back to school sales.
If you are looking for even more ways to prepare for back to school check out The Speaking Polymath for their all-inclusive back to school tips!