The last few weeks of summer are coming to an end, which means it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping for your kids. Unfortunately, back-to-school shopping can be expensive, especially if you’re unprepared. With inflation on the rise, saving money wherever you can is more important than ever. Luckily for you, we’re here to help with a few simple back-to-school shopping tips to help you get the best back-to-school deals and save as much money as possible this year.
When Do Back-to-School Sales Start?
Back-to-school sales typically start in late July and peak throughout August, which means now is the perfect time to get your shopping out of the way! Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon begin their promotions around this time. Keep an eye out for major discounts on school supplies, clothing, and electronics to help students and parents prepare for the upcoming school year.
What Are the Essential School Supplies?
Essential school supplies can vary depending on the grade level, but school supply lists usually include:
- Notebooks and binders
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Erasers and pencil sharpeners
- Folders and filing supplies
- Backpacks
- Lunchboxes
- Calculators (especially for higher grades)
- Tablets or laptops for digital learning
- Art supplies like markers, crayons, and glue
Best Back-to-School Shopping Tips
We’re here to show you that back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Follow these tips to help you get the most out of your kid’s back-to-school savings:
Take Stock of Your Current Supplies
Before you even start shopping for new supplies, take inventory of what your kids already have. You may be surprised by how much you have on hand from previous years. Go through your desk, children’s older backpacks, and any other storage areas where you keep school supplies. Then, set aside anything that can be reused. For example, many teachers send pencil boxes and personal notebooks back home with the kids after the school year is complete. Not only will these reusable items save you money, but they’ll also help reduce the amount of waste you produce.
Check The Dollar Store First for Your Back-to-School Shopping
Before you head to the big box stores, look at your local dollar store for cheap school supplies. You can often find the same supplies for a fraction of the price. For example, a pack of pencils at the dollar store might cost $1.25, while the same pack of pencils at a major retailer could cost $5 or more. The dollar store typically carries all the essential supplies you’ll need for the school year, so it’s worth checking out before you start shopping.
Consider Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is a great way to save money and get the supplies you need for school. You can often find gently used or even new items for a fraction of the retail price. Plus, you’ll be supporting a good cause when you thrift shop. Many thrift stores donate proceeds to charity, so you can feel good about your purchase while saving money. For more information on how to save money and support your community by thrifting, check out our blog post here.
Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends
Depending on where you live, you could take advantage of tax-free weekends. Many states offer tax-free weekends in the summer, typically in August. During these weekends, you can purchase school supplies, clothing, and other essentials without paying sales tax. Check your state’s schedule and plan your shopping around these dates to get the most out of your savings.
Compare Prices Online
Before you make any purchases, be sure to compare prices online. Back-to-school shopping online can open the door for so many more deals, and you can do it all from your home! Many websites and apps allow you to do this easily and quickly, such as camelcamelcamel© , a price tracker for Amazon.* This will help you get the best deal possible on the items you need.
Use Cashback Apps for Your Back-to-School Shopping
Several apps offer cash back on your purchases. These can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of shopping. Some popular cashback apps include Rakuten, Ibotta, and Shopkick.* Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any of these apps. They typically have requirements you’ll need to meet to get the cashback.
Keep Your Receipts
It’s always a good idea to keep your receipts while shopping, but it’s vital when you’re back-to-school shopping. This way, if you find a better deal on an item later, you can usually get a price adjustment or refund. Many stores have policies that allow you to get a refund or exchange within a specific timeframe. So, check the store’s policy before making your purchase and hold onto those receipts!
Take Advantage of Sales After School Starts
If you can wait to do your back-to-school shopping, you may be able to take advantage of sales that happen after school starts. Many stores mark down prices on school supplies once the school year has begun, so you may be able to get what you need for a fraction of the cost. This is where last year’s left-over supplies come in handy, helping bridge the gap until you find these sales.
Use Coupons and Promo Codes for Your Back-to-School Shopping
Search for coupons and promo codes before making any purchase. Websites like RetailMeNot©, Coupons.com©, and Honey© often have discount codes that may help you save on your back-to-school shopping.*
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Many stores have loyalty programs or newsletters that offer members exclusive discounts, rewards, and early access to sales. Signing up for these programs can provide additional savings and benefits.
Try These Back-to-School Shopping Tips
We hope you found these tips useful! You can see that with a little planning and using smart shopping strategies, back to school shopping doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. By following these simple tips, you can save some money and get the best deals on the supplies your child needs for the new school year.
*High-interest loans can be expensive and should be used only for short-term financial needs, not long-term solutions. Customers with credit difficulties should seek credit counseling. The opinions expressed above are solely the author’s views and may or may not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the website or its affiliates. Cash Factory USA does not provide financial advice.
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