Back to school season is in full swing with many kids already heading back. If you’re a parent you probably loathe this time of year with that mile long school supplies list but it truly is a great time to stock up on many essentials.
Here’s my go-to list on what to buy during back to school sales.
Office Supplies
It’s no secret that you’ll find some serious markdowns on office supplies this time of the year. While you’re going through your child’s back to school list consider buying extras. My kids always get sent home with a list requesting items be restocked once the first half of the school year is over. Take advantage of the low prices now and you won’t have to worry about restocking mid school year.
I also like to buy extra supplies for homework and replenish any office supplies I might need like staples, pens and printer paper.
Some other things you should look for good deals on are:
- Computers/Tablets
- Printers
- Printer Ink
- Desks
Bedding
Many stores will have bedroom items on sale for kids heading off to college. This makes it a perfect time to get new bedding, lamps or pillows if you’re in need of those items.
Clothes/Shoes
For the most part my kids and I wear pretty basic wardrobes. My oldest only wears jeggings and my youngest only wears leggings. This makes it incredibly easy for me to find good deals and stock up on enough of these items to last us throughout the whole year.
I like to wear white tennis shoes but usually get them dirty past repair after owning them for a few months. Instead of spending $50 per pair I find cheap ones at K-Mart or Target for less than $20 and that are also BOGO half off right now.
Stocking up on shoes and clothes might seem obvious but whether you have kids or not now is the time to buy your basic wardrobe staples.
Underwear/Socks
Since I have two kids in school this time of year puts me in “nesting mode.” I go through the house organizing like crazy (especially bedrooms) and throwing out the things we don’t need. And I also take the time to inspect the items I generally don’t think of that might need replacing…….like unmentionables 🙂
You’ll find tons of BOGO sales making it one of the best times of year to get these items.
Back to School Shopping Tips
There truly are a lot of great deals to be had during back to school time. But this doesn’t mean you should drain your bank account.
Visit what you have – Before you can determine what you need, you need to know what you have. If you’re shopping for your kids go through their clothes and shoes and get rid of everything that no longer fits them and that they don’t wear. By doing this you’ll be able to get a good idea of what needs to be purchased to fill in the gaps.
Also inspect past book bags and lunch boxes to see if they should be replaced.
Make a list of what you need – Before you start shopping make a list of what you’re going to buy so that you don’t go overboard. My list looked something like this:
- Six pairs of pants & Six Shirts per child
- A pair of gym shoes for each child
- School supplies + extras
- New underwear and socks for the entire family
- Two pairs of white tennis shoes for me
- Printer paper
Look for deals based on your list – Once you have your list you’ll be able to find the deals. I was able to get all of my kids’ pants for $6-$10/pair and my shoes for $13 per pair.
Your list will empower you to buy the things you actually need when you see the right opportunity.
Have you been back to school shopping yet?
Alexa Mason is a freelance writer and wanna be internet entrepreneur. She is also a newly single mom to two beautiful little girls. She chronicles her journey as a single mom trying to make it big at www.singlemomsincome.com.