There’s something exciting about back-to-school season. Maybe it’s because everything feels fresh and new. Even though it’s not a new year (this is in the middle of the year), it just feels like a new start, a clean slate. There are new clothes, notebooks, pencils, and even sometimes a brand new phone or laptop.
All of these are great, but here’s the bad thing: the sheer amount of money this all costs! Yes, you read that right; that alone is a pretty bad problem! All these shirts, shoes, backpacks, supplies, all of them cost money. But don’t worry; you don’t have to make sacrifices or cut corners to get your kid’s clothes. So, with all of that said, let’s go ahead and dive into some great ways you can save on back-to-school shopping.
Make a List and Stick to It
Before you even think about hitting the stores, make a detailed list of everything your child needs. This includes school supplies, clothing, and any extras like sports gear or electronics. Plus, having a list helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. But this also ensures you don’t forget any essentials.
Shop at Home First
You’d be surprised how many school supplies you already have at home. Every household tends to have a cup or drawer that’s just filled with pens and pencils. So, just be sure to check your drawers, closets, and last year’s backpack for unused notebooks, pens, and other supplies. This not only saves money but also reduces waste (because, at the end of the day, you still need to be sustainable). It’s a win-win!
Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
Usually, from the start of June up until mid-September, you’re going to find that every business around will have back-to-school sales. So, be sure to keep an eye on flyers, websites, and apps that highlight current deals. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Staples often have significant discounts on school supplies.
Sometimes, Amazon will make these sales (or you can buy during Prime Day since that’s practically during the back-to-school season). But other than that, you might want to consider signing up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive exclusive discounts and sale notifications.
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons are a tried-and-true way to save money, and they’re easier to use than ever with digital options. You can look into websites and extensions like RetailMeNot and Honey since they provide online coupon codes, while cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta offer rebates on purchases. What’s even better is when you combine these with store sales for maximum savings.
Buy in Bulk
So this one might not be necessary, but honestly, it still deserves the attention! For items you know you’ll need a lot of, like pencils, notebooks, and tissues, buying in bulk can be a cost-effective strategy. Plus, that might even mean for a couple of years, none of these will need to be purchased (which saves you some stress in the end).
You can basically count on wholesale retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club to offer great deals on large quantities. You can also team up with other parents to split bulk purchases.
Shop Secondhand
Clothes, especially, can be a big expense. So, this one might be complicated since some kids don’t think the best of used clothing. But overall, this is sustainable, so you might want to talk to your child about its environmental impact. But with that all said, you might want to consider shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale sites like ThredUp, Vinted, DePop, eBay, and Poshmark.
These places often have gently used, fashionable clothing at a fraction of the cost. If your kid is growing fast, then this might definitely be the best option (in a few months, their brand-new clothes may no longer fit). But don’t forget to check local Facebook Marketplace or community groups for deals on gently used school supplies and backpacks.
Use Student Discounts
If you’re in college and you’re shopping for yourself, or if you’re a student and you’re shopping for your kid, use your student ID to your advantage! But even if your child has a student ID, they might be able to take advantage of this, too (it really depends on the business). Retailers like Apple and Dell, as well as clothing stores like J.Crew, offer discounts to students. It’s worth asking about student discounts wherever you shop.
Start Early
The earlier you start shopping, the better. Early shopping allows you to take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute rush. Plus, it gives you more time to compare prices and find the best deals.
Just Compare Prices Online
Before making any major purchases, take some time to compare prices online. Websites like PriceGrabber or Google Shopping allow you to compare prices from different retailers, ensuring you get the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs if you’re ordering online.
Use Last Year’s Supplies
Now, there’s absolutely no reason at all that your child can’t reuse their backpack if it’s in working condition (no rips to tears), and there’s no reason for them not to re-wear the same clothes (as long as they fit and they’re not damaged or torn). The same goes for supplies, too. While yes, you should buy new items, just don’t get the idea that everything needs to be brand new if it’s still in fine condition. Again, there’s that sustainable aspect you need to think about.
Use Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card that offers rewards or cashback, use it for your back-to-school shopping. Just make sure to pay off the balance to avoid interest charges. This way, you earn points or cashback on money you were going to spend anyway.
It’s Time for Savings!
Saving on back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be some sort of stressful ordeal! Seriously, all it takes is some planning and some smart shopping! But you can definitely make the most of your budget and start the school year off right!
