Do you love school supplies? I’m one of those people, lol. The next best thing to school supplies is saving money on school supplies!
As summer comes to a close though, buying school supplies and everything else that kids need for school, it can seem like a daunting (and expensive!) task!
And if you have multiple kids, it can be worse!
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Don’t worry though, I’ve got some smart and easy tips to save you money on school supplies!
1. Start with a Plan
Before you start shopping, make a plan to help you save the most money!
a. School Supply Inventory Check-
Take stock of what school supplies you already have. Go through last year’s leftover supplies to see what you already have.
You might find more than you think that are unused or barely used! And you already saved yourself money right there!
b. School Supply List-
Check if your child’s school normally provides a school supply list. Using the actual list can help you focus on what you really need and cut down on impulse buys.
Some schools will provide all of the basic school supplies, so be sure to ask before you go spending your own money on a bunch of extra things!
c. Set your Budget-
Set a budget before you start shopping. It doesn’t have to be strict (unless you need it to be), but at least keeping a number in mind helps you stay on track and prevent overspending. Be realistic, and stick to it as closely as possible.
Use my printable Floral Budget Planner to help you stay on track- see a video of all the pages in my shop!
2. Timing Your School Supply Purchases
Timing is super important when it comes to saving money on school supplies.
a. Shop Early or Late-
Shopping early can help you beat the rush and give you more time to snag some great deals.
However, shopping right before school starts can also get you some deep discounts as stores try to clear out their stuff. But shopping late can be stressful and inventory can start to get low, so keep that in mind!
b. Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales-
Back-to-school sales usually start in July and go through September. Keep an eye on your stores’ weekly flyers, online deals, and clearance sections. Shopping off-season for school supplies can save you some big money too!
c. Tax-Free Holidays-
Many states have tax-free holidays specifically for school supplies. These are fantastic opportunities to save a bit more, especially if you’re going make some bigger purchases.
Check this page for a list of sales tax holidays by state to see if your state is having one this year.
3. Use Smart Shopping Strategies
When you get to the stores, use these smart shopping strategies to keep your costs down:
a. Price Matching-
Some stores will match a competitor’s lower price. Use this to your advantage by bringing ads or using your phone to show the lower prices elsewhere.
Use an app like Flipp to look through all of the ads for your local stores to compare prices. Be sure to read the fine print on each store’s policy too!
b. Buy in Bulk-
Items like notebooks, pencils, and paper are often cheaper in bulk. Consider joining a wholesale club like Sam’s, BJs or Costco, or even teaming up with other parents to buy supplies in larger quantities.
c. Store Brands vs. Name Brands-
Store brands often offer the same quality as name brands but at a lower price. Compare and choose the more economical option whenever possible. Some things are worth buying a name brand, but some aren’t!
4. Use Apps and Online Resources to Save You Money!
There are fantastic online tools for saving money on school supplies!
a. Online Shopping and Coupons-
Lots of stores often have online-only deals! The Walmart and Target apps/websites are great places to start.
Of course Amazon likes to match prices with them too, but they also have their own Amazon coupons that you can look for. Check CamelCamelCamel to see that you’re getting the lowest price.
Don’t forget to search for online coupons and promo codes before making any purchase (see below for more info)!
b. Cashback and Reward Programs-
Sign up for cashback and reward programs from retailers and your credit card companies. These programs can give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash or points.
c. Apps and Websites-
Download shopping apps like Honey, Rakuten, and RetailMeNot to find the best deals, apply discounts automatically, and sometimes earn cash back.
Swagbucks, iBotta, or Fetch also have coupons or give you points/gift cards for receipts.
Websites like Slickdeals, DealNews, Brad’s Deals, and BrickSeek also highlight great deals that people find across the internet!
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5. Secondhand and Thrift Options
Secondhand doesn’t mean second best! Here’s where to look:
a. Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops-
Thrift stores and consignment shops often carry school supplies, backpacks, and other things for school at half the cost! I normally find a lot of brand new items too!
b. Online Marketplaces-
Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find gently used or even new school supplies at discounted prices. Check the seller’s ratings and reviews first for a better buying experience.
c. School Supply Swaps-
Organize or participate in a school supply swap with other parents. Check with parents in your neighborhood, church, community center, or the Parent/Teacher Organization at your child’s school.
It’s a fun and cost-effective way to exchange items your children no longer need for supplies they do.
6. Involve Your Children
Teaching your children about budgeting and smart shopping is an important life lesson to learn.
a. Budgeting Lessons-
Explain budgeting to your kids and involve them in the process. Give them a part of the budget to manage and let them make decisions about what to buy. They’ll learn responsibility and financial literacy.
b. Comparison Shopping-
Show your children how to compare prices and quality. Take them shopping and explain why you choose certain items over others based on cost-effectiveness.
c. DIY Projects-
Involve your kids in DIY projects for their school supplies. It saves money and makes them more invested in using and taking better care of the supplies they helped create.
7. Long-Term Savings Strategies
Consider using some of these strategies for saving money on school supplies in the long run:
a. Off-Season Shopping-
Shop for next year’s school supplies during end-of-season sales. I’ve found some amazing deals in the off-season, lots of stores offer significant discounts after the back-to-school rush.
b. Quality Over Quantity-
Invest in higher-quality items that last longer. While they may be more expensive upfront, durable items like backpacks and lunchboxes can save money over time by not needing to be replaced as frequently.
My son’s backpack and lunch kit from Pottery Barn made it through 5 years of elementary school! While it was expensive (although I got it on sale), it was worth it and a lot less than having to buy a new set every year.
c. Monitor Usage-
Teach your children to take care of their supplies and use them responsibly. This reduces the need for mid-year replacements and encourages them in building good habits in general.
8. Community and School Resources
Take advantage of resources available in your community and through your child’s school. Lots of times you can also find these events posted on Facebook in your local events!
a. School Supply Drives-
Many communities organize school supply drives where you can get free or discounted supplies. Check with local organizations, churches, and community centers for more information.
b. School Programs-
Some schools offer programs to assist families in need with school supplies. Reach out to your child’s school to see if they have any resources or partnerships with local businesses.
c. Non-Profit Organizations-
Organizations like the Salvation Army and United Way often provide school supplies to families in need. Look for programs in your area and apply early, as supplies may be limited.
9. Final Tips and Tricks
A few additional tips to help you save:
a. Avoid Trendy Items-
Trendy or character-themed supplies are often more expensive and may not last as long. Opt for generic or classic designs that can be used year after year.
Or buy smaller, cheaper character items like pencils, erasers, or a pencil pouch if your child just has to have something with their favorite character on it. It can be fun for kids to have something with their favorite characters on them!
b. Stick to the List-
It’s tempting to buy extra items, but sticking to the school supply list helps you avoid unnecessary expenses.
c. Pack Lunches-
While not directly related to school supplies, packing lunches can save a significant amount compared to buying school lunches. Invest in reusable containers and plan meals ahead to save even more.
Saving the Most Money on School Supplies
Saving money on school supplies doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little planning, smart shopping, and creativity, you can ensure your kids have everything they need without breaking the bank.
Plus, you’ll be teaching them valuable lessons about budgeting and resourcefulness along the way.
What are your favorite hacks to save on back to school supply shopping? Comment and let me know below!
Don’t forget to pin and share to help another mom out! Happy shopping, and here’s to a fantastic school year!
