It’s almost that time again to start back to school shopping. But don’t let back to school shopping get the best of you! I know it can be stressful and expensive, but that’s why we are here! We have gathered some of the best back to school shopping tips to make this year pain free!
Back To School Shopping
Do you ever think about the best time to Start Back to School Shopping? Summer may feel like it has just started, but it’s already time to start thinking about all of the back to school shopping that needs to be done! With the new school year means new items like pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, etc. And while elementary aged and middle school aged kids may have easier supply lists (only slightly) high school students and college students may need stuff like a new laptop.
Don’t sigh! It’s okay, we got you. The good news is we can help you find discount school supplies and talk about other savings like during tax-free shopping weekend.
With American parents spending an average of $630 on back to school supplies, it’s important to catch the early sales to save the most money – especially if you have multiple children!
Not sure when to catch the best deals? Check out these parent-tested tips below.
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Related: Getting ready for school? Don’t forget about the lunch box! Check out the best kids insulated lunch boxes!
If your school provides a recommended supplies list, that is a really good start. If they haven’t released it yet, grab last years version for your child’s upcoming grade level and circle the items that will likely be on this year’s list as well. In general, these lists don’t change much from year to year!
Add things that kids might need in addition to the list including backpacks, clothing, shoes, lunch boxes and more. If your child wears a uniform to school, make sure you break down the sizes and items you will need for the upcoming year.
If you need help making a shopping list, check out below…
Taking a cue from parents who plan ahead! Retailers start creating their back to school sections as early as the Fourth of July. Retailers typically offer some sort of incentive during the early weeks to jumpstart sales.
If possible, start stocking up early in the summer, and set items aside for August or September. Keep in mind that retailers have back to school sales throughout the summer, so keep an eye on their weekly ads for the best prices.
Shop Often to Get the Best Back to School Prices
For the best deals, you may need to wait for sales on specific items, so be prepared to shop often. Sign up for promotional emails from your favorite back to school retailers to make sure you get the latest deals and steals.
A weekly trip to buy the latest on-sale school supply can help save money, and help you stock up on items that frequently need to be replaced mid-school year. Store extra items in a plastic tub until they’re needed after the winter holiday break!
If there’s anything left over at the end of the school year, save it for the next year or donate it to your child’s teacher.
Sales Tax Holidays for School Supplies
A day free of paying sales tax?! Yes, please! If you’re lucky enough to live in a state that offers a sales tax holiday, consider waiting until then to start your back to school shopping.
You can avoid paying sales tax on clothing, footwear, school supplies, and, in some states, computers and books! Find a complete list of State Sales Tax Holidays here. Some weeks start early in the summer, while others fall later in August, so be sure to check your state’s dates.
For deeper discounts on back to school supplies, last-minute shopping can pay off big. School supplies are priced to move as stores get ready to clear off the shelves and move on to the next selling season.
Be careful though, because although you can find plenty of items at clearance prices, you might not be able to find everything that you need. If your child needs very specific items, or will only write in a certain type of notebook, it’s probably better to pick that up first, and stock up on extras right before or after the first day of school.
Shopping for back to school supplies is an expensive endeavor, but with some careful planning, and a willingness to shop early and often, you’ll be able to save on plenty of back to school items.
If your child’s school or teacher has a detailed back to school shopping list, be sure to have that in hand before heading out for supplies.
We always forward to school supply shopping! I have passed on the torch to my daughter for geeking out over school and office supplies… This year, we tried shopping for supplies from the comfort of the couch, in sweatpants, with snacks!
I was a little sad at first, but it was actually more enjoyable! It’s less stressful to search for (8) mauve prong plastic pocket folders in a search field online, as opposed to digging through boxes on shelves. Okay, I’m stretching a little with the mauve, but you get my point. There is always at least one or two “unicorn” items on her school supply list that are impossible to find in-store.
Also, there is always that inevitable forgotten item… or item that wasn’t described quite right, causing me to buy the wrong thing.
Amazon Prime Makes it Easy & Cheaper
Back to School Deals On Amazon
Did you know there is a place where Amazon puts all their back to school deals? <–Click there to explore all the savings fun.
More Back To School Shopping Savings
Don’t discount the dollar store. It is a great place for simple items elementary school students and middle schoolers will need. The necessary supplies like crayons, pencils, markers, really any basic supplies is much more affordable at dollar stores. Though the dollar store isn’t the end all be all when it comes to things like notepads and loose leaf paper.
More Back to School Fun from Kids Activities Blog
What is your best tip to save time and/ or money while back to school shopping? Comment below!
