Do you remember that Staples commercial from the 1990’s where the dad is dancing around filling his cart with back to school supplies while the kids are gloomily observing him and dreading going back to school? It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is playing which adds to the hilarity because it’s supposed to be a Christmas song, but for most parents the beginning of the school year is the most wonderful time of the year! Well, if you’re currently feeling that back to school high, don’t let the cost of school supplies bring you down. Here are my 5 tips for saving money on school supplies!
1. Take stock of what you already have at home first
Chances are you already have plenty of pencils, glue sticks, or notebooks at home. Perhaps they’re tucked away in a drawer or cabinet somewhere and you and your kids have forgotten all about them. Out of sight out of mind! So go through your supplies before heading out to the store and pay attention to what you already have on hand.
2. If it’s still in good condition, it can be reused
Realistically, most things kids use will end up getting trashed by the end of the school year. But if by some miracle a binder, pencil pouch, or better yet a backpack is still in good condition, why not use it for another year and save yourself the money you would have spent on a new one?
3. Shop store brands for extra savings
I know school supplies look nicer when they say Bic or Elmers or Five Star, but you’ll end up paying extra for those name brands! Store brands are basically the same and they’re a fraction of the price.
4. Look for backpacks, lunch bags, and clothing at off-price retailers
I used to think the big box stores like Target or Walmart had the best deals on things like backpacks, but off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx actually have even better deals. Case in point – the backpack pictured below is the one I bought for my daughter this year. It’s listed on the Target website at $44.99, but I actually bought it at Marshalls for $19.99! I also purchased the majority of her back to school clothes from Ross and spent way less than I would have if we had gone to the mall or perhaps even to Walmart.
5. Wait until back to school time is over to get the best deals for next year
There are some things you know you’ll always need to buy every year, so why not wait until the back to school season is over and all those supplies are on clearance? Then you can take advantage of those low prices and stock up for next year.
There you have it – my 5 tips for saving money on school supplies. And for sticking with me through this entire post, I’m rewarding you with the commercial I referenced at the beginning. Enjoy!
What are some of your favorite tips for saving money on school supplies?
An excellent post, thank you!