Have you started back to school shopping? Dreading it? Putting it off because you don’t want to fit the madness? Well, read these tips, make a plan and head out to tackle that list! Take advantage of back to school sales and try to shop on tax free days (depending on your state).
Make a list: Use the list provided by your child’s school (these are usually online too) and write out a complete shopping list so you know exactly what you need. You can even make a list on your smartphone so you have it with you at all times.
Only buy the necessities: School supplies like pencils, folders, notebooks, and paper don’t go out of style. Your child can use leftover supplies for school from last year, extra supplies from a sibling, or even those found by raiding your home office. Also, your child does not need a backpack with a built-in iPod or a pencil that flashes and lights up. Buy the necessities and skip the extra stuff.
Start early and stock up: Beginning in mid-July, retailers start the back to school sales. Use your list and shop the best deals that week. By the time school starts, your list will be complete. It’s pretty much a given fact that you’ll need the same basic supplies each year like paper, pencils, and notebooks. Buy in bulk during those extra special sales; if you do, you’ll have to buy even less next year. To stay organized, keep your bulk school supplies in a storage bin or a special place in the closet.
Pay attention to promotions: Several of the office supply stores off free shipping to the store when you purchase online. Place your order without having to leave your house and let someone else package everything up for you – it’s a real time-saver! Local health departments in some areas offer free basic school supplies to parents who bring their children in for immunizations.
Reuse and recycle: Most people try to live an eco-friendly life, so when possible, reuse any supplies from last year that are still in good shape. You can even hit up the garage sales for great deals on back to school supplies. Also make sure to set up a scrap paper bin for the whole family to use so no paper goes to waste.
To make your back to school shopping a little easier, make sure you check out all of the back to school sales I’ve posted and don’t forget to shop through eBates or BeFrugal to get cash back when you shop online.
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