How to Save Money on School Supplies
Going back to school can be exciting but also daunting especially for parents when they see the long list of supplies required for the school year ahead. From pencils to markers to notebooks to scissors and glue, your kids are going to need heaps of new learning materials.
Thankfully, we have compiled some of the best ways on how to save money on school supplies. You can save tons of money on school supplies for the upcoming school year whether its from home or school. Follow these few simple tips and tricks so you can get your kids everything they want, and save money doing it!
Check Your House
Believe it or not, you likely have tons of school supplies laying around the house already. Things like to hide in closets, drawers, old backpacks, and other nooks and crannies.
So, do a sweep of the house and look for simple things like new pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, rulers, post-its, and pens. Even those these are small items, they can add up in price at the store because your kids often need a lot of each item. This is an easy and simple way to save money on school supplies.
No Sales Tax Holidays
If you are lucky enough to live in a state with a no sales tax holiday, take advantage of his opportunity. You can go shopping for school supplies, new clothing, and even computers. This is a great way to save some extra money and a wonderful way to save money on school supplies.
Buy in Bulk Stores
Have a membership at those huge bulk stores like Costco? Then, buy those schools supplies there. Even though you may pay a bit more out of pocket initially, you can a huge supply of items like pens, pencils, paper, markers, notebooks, and loose-leaf paper. It is very likely your kids will need more paper and pencils as the school year goes on. Instead of having to run out to the store in the middle of the year when there are no more back-to-school sales, you will already have the extra supplies they will need. This is a very
It is very likely your kids will need more paper and pencils as the school year goes on. Instead of having to run out to the store in the middle of the year when there are no more back-to-school sales, you will already have the extra supplies they will need. This is a very convenient way to save money on school supplies.
Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales
Of course, nearing the end of summer there are going to be tons of school supply and clothing sales at almost every store. Keep a close eye on flyers, social media, emails, etc. to keep an eye out for when sales are about to begin at your favorite stores. You can often find deep discounts on some of the most common supplies on your kid’s school supply list from their teachers.
Be Smart with Backpacks
One of the biggest expenses you will encounter for the up and coming school year is a backpack. Backpacks are often quite pricey for one of good quality. Use coupons when you can, buy second-hand, or wait for sales to come about at your favorite stores and your favorite brands.
You can still find great quality backpacks that aren’t the super popular name brands like NorthFace, Billabong, and Nike. Look at backpacks from Lands End, Timberland, and JanSport. They often have sales and they will actually last your kids the whole entire school year.
School Uniforms
If your kids need school uniforms, never buy them from a school uniform store. They are often extremely overpriced and the quality of clothing can be lacking as well. If any store is going to hike up the price of uniforms, it will be a designated school uniform store.
Instead, shop around for your kid’s uniforms at places like Lands End, Old Navy, and Gap who all now carry great quality and affordable uniforms. Uniforms are often overlooked as a “school supply,” so make sure you consider this as a school supply. It will help you keep on track with your budget and save money on school supplies overall.
Buy From Multiple Stores
Yes, this may be a bit annoying to run from store to store, but financially speaking, it will likely be worth it. Generally, one store only has select items on sale. So you may get those pens, pencils, scissors, and pencil boxes on sale, but what about the rest of the list? Buy the things that are on sale from one store and go to another store and buy the items that are on sale there. Whatever is leftover, search for stores that are likely to have the remainder of the list on sale.
Additionally, you can buy the rest of the school supply list online from websites like Amazon. These kinds of websites will have no frills and fuss and have amazing prices for school items. Even better – if you have Amazon Prime you will get free 2-day shipping.
Try the Dollar Tree
You may not associate the Dollar Tree with school supply shopping, but you can find great items at even better prices here. They will have all of the basics like pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, scissors, glue, and tons more. Give it a shot! You will save money on school supplies and can use your savings for other things.
Walmart, Staples, and Office Max Flyers
Keep your eye on these stores flyers when August rolls around. Stores are getting ready for families who are going back to school and the sales abound. You can often find the best deals advertised in these kinds of flyers and you can use the flyers to plan out your shopping trip. Write down what you need that is on sale at each store. Then make your way to each store, stick to the list of items on sale at each store, and you will watch the savings pile up.
