Even though we wait around all year for summer to roll in, it still goes by extremely quick. And every year we think we have school supplies under control, until the list shows up. As a parent of more than one child, you might want to consider going into back to school shopping with a plan. Depending on the grade of your child and their teacher, supplies can cost upwards to over $100 per child if not careful of having a plan. Here’s how to save on school supplies for back to school shopping.
1. Search Around First
The first tip to saving money when searching for school supplies is to shop around first. Do not just go to a store and think that you will find the best deal. Determining which stores have the best prices for the best items is a good place to start. Many times school supplies can be found online instead of having to go into a store. Determine what is needed for your child, make a list of the best prices for each supply and look to see where you can find the best deals. There are so many choices, but your best bet is to start with Amazon and Walmart, then make your way to Target, Office Max and any local stores that you have in your area. Check out their sales online first before entering the store. It is easy to get sucked into their sales without shopping around first.
2. Find coupons and Don’t Forget the Dollar Store
More than likely, there are going to be coupons. But you have to search them out. Sign up for newsletters from the major retailers and get on their coupon lists. This will help you instead of scrambling last minute. Stopping in at Goodwill and thrift shops for supplies is a great idea because they may be items that have never been used and are good quality. Not always is the Dollar Store best for certain supplies like pencils and pens, but being able to get a composition notebook, markers, crayons and scissors there would save you a ton of money. But keep in mind, the less quality of the supply, the more you will need to purchase them throughout the year.
3. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk does not mean you need to shop at Costco. But if they have the best deals for notebooks in bulk of 10, for sure jump on that sale! Back to school means that you have a lot supplies that need to last your kids throughout the whole school year, so why not purchase 10 notebooks? When that note comes home in the middle of the year that the teacher needs more notebooks, that will be your time to shine. Buying in bulk also means that when you have multiple children, chances are they need the same supplies. Looking for the sale like 3 packs of 8 markers for $3.00, you want that sale. Take each supply list and add up the numbers of the same items. When you can get them in bulk, this is a money saving opportunity. Don’t have multiple kids? Ask your friends if they want to supply swap. This can help everyone involved save money and lessen the burden of trying to find the supplies in the stores.
4. Check the Desk
Have you checked out the desk drawers and the closets at home? Chances are you have some supplies throughout your house or your relative’s home. Put out a message on Facebook for your family and friends to donate old notebooks, pens, pencils and art supplies to your kiddos. This can be fun for your kids to see what types of notebooks grandma and grandpa have in their home or their aunts and uncles. Just because it is a new school year, does not mean that everything needs to be brand new.
5. Only Buy What You Need
Lastly, when back to school supply shopping, only buy what you need. Now, as moms who go to Target often, we know this is impossible. But if you follow the above steps to making a plan before you go to the store. Compare prices, shop through eBates, make Amazon your best friend and don’t go above and beyond. Take the lists and go strictly off what is being asked for each classroom. This way you will not be returning items and going back to search for what was asked.
In the end, buying school supplies is an expensive experience. With our tips, it can hopefully save you money throughout the process. Just remember, don’t go to the store without a plan and don’t let your children lead the buying process. Bring them to the store only if necessary and using our step by step process above, splurging on a Frozen backpack won’t hit the pocket too hard.
