This is the first year that I will be participating in full blown back to school shopping and honestly it kind of excites me. I know other parents are reading this and thinking, “Are you OUT of your mind, it’s horrible!” Toodie is entering Kindergarten in a few weeks and I don’t know whether I should be excited for her or frightened because my little girl is growing faster than I ever imagined. When I was little I loved the idea of back to school shopping because it meant new clothes, supplies, and a cool backpack. Toodie has started to get excited also and has been active in picking out what she will need for her big day and new year!
I did a lot preparing before I headed out shopping this year, given it was my first and I have heard the crowds get a little insane out there. Based on my experience I came up with 5 Stress Free Back To School Shopping Tips that helped me and I am sure they will help you to. I promise they will make this aspect of your life much easier if followed!
1. “The List”: Every school has a list of supplies organized by grade level. You can pick this up from the school itself or find it at most stores including Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, and many others. This is your life line so do not lose it! It’s also smart to have it on you at all times because you never know when you will find a great sale while shopping. Start early, buy a little at a time, and ALWAYS mark off what you have already purchased. This will help you avoid a surplus of 250 highlighters sitting in your garage.
2. Tax Free Week: Take advantage! This doesn’t mean do your shopping at the last minute. Split it in half and try and get most of your supplies while the deals are hot. This is the perfect time to save money on clothing, books, computers, supplies, & school related items. The taxes add up and you can use the extra money to buy even more. In Florida tax free week is from August 1-3 but each participating state has a different schedule.
3. Buy In Bulk: There are a few staple items and supplies you will find on every list for every grade and for every school. These are things like loose leaf paper, pencils, folders, and notebooks. Since you know your child will be using them throughout the year and probably their whole school career, buy in bulk. You tend to save more when you do this and you know the supplies will not be going to waste because they are universal items. This is going to save you from having to make unnecessary trips to the store when your child runs out or misplaces something.
4. Shop At Home: Back to school shopping can get expensive and sometimes a few of the things you need are already in your house. Before heading out to tackle the supply list, look and see what you have. Look around for an unused folders, notebooks, pencils, highlighters, and anything else that is gently used. These can all be utilized during the year and may save you a few dollars. Don’t buy something you really don’t need!
5. Shop Around & Compare: There are SO many stores participating in back to school sales that it would be silly to buy everything you need after visiting only one of them. Be smart and shop around. Compare prices, deals, and sales. Browse the internet and flyers to see what stores are offering and when. Don’t feel pressured to by everything at once. Buy some here and some there so you can really get the best value.
Happy Back To School shopping! Have you scored any incredible deals so far this year?
We get lists from the schools, but they are VERY specific, so sometimes I can't find what I need all in one place. It's kind of a hassle.
Great tips. I need to stay on top of it this year for sure. I think I'm going to start early and shop online as much as I can – especially for those backpacks and lunch boxes!
Great list! I always buy in bulk, especially those notebook and binder paper. Every school always need them every year so we always have them plentiful.
These are great and are just in time for all the great sales. Shopping can be an expensive pain!
These are all great tips! I notice that sometimes "the list" you'll get doesn't have everything on it that you're child will need. It's always good to check with each teacher to see what is specifically requested by them. I remember going back-to-school shopping before and after school started because I would shop off the list then end up needing items or notebooks that weren't mentioned until school started.
Shop around and compare is what I do. It pays to use coupons and get the school supplies at a good price to save money. I like your tips, they are very helpful.
This is a great list! I need to get started for my daughter!
I love shopping around to compare. I hardly ever just buy on impulse this time of year.
I completely agree about shopping around! So many stores do have great Back To School sales it's really smart to watch flyers and go to different stores for different items!
I like shopping sales, and I also like to get started ahead of time. My kids start school early for our area, so it makes since for me. I have gotten some deals deep in the summer!
I dont ever buy until the tax free week, yet I do window shop around to compare and find the best deals
We always buy bulk at the beginning of the school year – so many sales – you cannot beat the sale prices
These are great tips – but I am so not ready for back to school time. I feel like summer just started!
I usually order the school supply box from school so I dont have to deal with the craziness of school shopping!
That's a good idea! I haven't seen that offered at my daughter's new school but then again this is her first year attending so maybe I will find these things out as I go!
That's a great point! I remember that happening when I was in school. It's a good idea to check in with the teach in case. I am going to have to do this at open house!
That's what we did when it came to the lunchbox and backpack. We actually bought hers before the Summer even started! Sometimes it pays off doing it early because you aren't left picking through the leftovers that everyone has already rummaged through.