8 Tips to Save on Back to School Shopping

It’s that time of year again — time to buy school clothes, gear, and supplies. As you know from previous years, you can spend a fortune on everything kids need. Here are eight tips on how to save money during this year’s back to school shopping.

Watch for end of summer sales

Today’s kids wear shorts, tee shirts, and polo shirts throughout the year — even in the dead of winter. So look for these items at the big end of summer sales and buy them at discounted prices.

Stick to the teacher’s supply list

There’s quite a lot on the supply list you receive from school, so don’t waste money on items not on the list. One way to save is to buy school supplies when they’re on sale at your grocery store. Check the weekly sales paper for pens, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, and other basics. Save time and gas money by buying your groceries and school supplies at the same place.

Hold a back to school swap

Some kids don’t mind wearing used clothing as long as the garments are new to them. Host a back to school swap where families bring gently worn items to trade with one another.

Plan lunch

You can save a lot when you plan lunch menus. See what lunch items are on sale at your grocery store each week and plan lunches around them. If ham is on sale at the deli one week, buy it instead of another deli meat.

Make them stand out

It’s inevitable that school supplies will go missing. Here are some ideas to prevent loss. Buy bright backpacks and pencil pouches or boxes that stand out from other kids’ gear. Get plain white or black 3-ring binders and let your children decorate them with personal photos. Kids love the art project and personalized items are less likely to disappear.

Shop at places that rotate merchandise often

You can find great deals at clothing stores that rotate their merchandise often. Some stores that do this are Old Navy, Gap Kids, and The Children’s Place. These three stores and many others will refund you the difference if an item goes on sale within 14 days of the date you purchased it. All you have to do is bring in the receipt to get your refund.

Browse Craigslist

Visit Craiglist and shop for clothes. You’ll find some great deals on gently worn items. You can also sell items. Why not make some cash on brand-name outfits that your kids no longer want to wear?

Hold off on buying gear

Have your children use last year’s backpack and lunch box for the first week of school, so they can see what the trends are. If you buy gear before school starts, your kids may want something completely different after they see what all the other kids are using.

Back to school shopping doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Use these great ideas and save! What tips have worked for you?