Shop Smart: Save Time and Money
School Supply Shopping Tips
Remember when back to school shopping was as simple as buying a new pair of shoes? Back in the day, if teachers needed a little help, students provided their own pencils, paper, and maybe a folder or two. These days, parents are expected to shop for a long list of items–from zipper baggies to facial tissues, to even the basics, like paper, pencils, glue, and markers—for their student. This can all be a little overwhelming, both for the busy parent and for the pocketbook so we’ve compiled some tips to help make school supply shopping easier on the budget while also saving some precious time.
Shop in Bulk: One of the best ways to save time and money is to tackle the list as a team with a fellow school parent. Get together, compare supply lists and divide the items. Even students in different grades will have similar needs, especially when it comes to things like tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, baggies, pencils, and markers. These items are available in bulk packaging, providing enough for everyone at great savings. This makes supply shopping easier, faster, cheaper, and more fun.
One-Stop Shopping: One of the best ways to save time is to buy all the supplies on the list at one place. Big box stores offer this convenience as well as low prices making them ideal for tag-team shoppers. To get the best bargains, plan your shopping trip by scanning the ad circulars before deciding which store to shop. Stores typically start stocking and promoting back-to-school merchandise by mid-summer, giving you several weeks to take advantage of sales and special promotions. Shopping early may not get you the best price on every item, but it will save you time and energy.
Build it Online: If your school provides an order form for a pre-packaged school supply kit at the end of the year, use it! This is, by far, the simplest way to save time and money. Just fill out your order form and submit it with a check in the spring, and a custom-built supply kit is delivered to your child’s classroom at the beginning of the next school year. If you missed the deadline to submit the form or your school doesn’t offer this wonderful service, you can still purchase either a “Grade Ready” kit or build your own custom kit at www.shop.schoolkidz.com . SchoolKidz will enable you to purchase a majority of the core school supply items requested by most schools in one fell swoop.
Buy Generics: The school supply lists are not only lengthy, but may also stipulate specific brands—everything from Ziploc® baggies and Kleenex® tissues, to Crayola® crayons and Elmer’s® glue. However, brand names don’t always mean better quality and typically translate to higher prices. Less expensive generics and “private label” products offer great value for those of us keeping a close eye on the bottom line this year.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Every year there are items on the supply list that are the same as last year. Rulers, protractors, calculators, backpacks, and pencil cases can often be used year after year. Make sure your children take care of their supplies and you’ll not only teach them the value of recycling, but you will save a few dollars, too. Try offering this incentive: if they reuse last year’s school supplies, put the savings into a piggy bank or start a savings account so they can recognize the financial benefit of taking care of their things. Also, consider buying earth-friendly paper products made out of recycled materials. They may cost a little more up front, but the impact on our environment is priceless.
Last-Minute Bargains: When buying supplies like notebooks and folders, the best pricing of the year is often available the last week before school begins. School supply basics can often be purchased for up to 75% off as retailers reduce prices to get rid of back-to-school inventory, so stock up on basics if you have the opportunity because even if they don’t get used this year, you can put them away for next fall.
Buy in bulk, share the load, stock up during sales, reuse as much as possible, and most of all make your school supply shopping a family event. Involving the kids helps get everybody excited about the upcoming year.
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