Ready for smarter back-to-school shopping? Learn how to save on supplies, find the best sales, and stick to your budget with these tips.
Whether you’re aiming for affordable items at Staples or Office Depot or looking for school supply shopping ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- For back-to-school needs, consider using items you already have at home to reduce expenses and promote sustainability.
- Check out thrift stores and garage sales for affordable supplies, and set a clear budget.
- Maximize savings through coupons, price comparisons, and bulk buying.
- Benefit from student discounts and plan homemade lunches. Also, consider refurbished electronics, cash-back apps, and credit card benefits.
How to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping
1. Shop Your Home First
Start your shopping trip by checking out the resources available within your own home.
Look through your drawers and closets to discover forgotten items like half-used notebooks, pens, and pencils. This simple step not only prevents unnecessary purchases but also ensures a more sustainable approach.
2. Buy Second-Hand School Supplies
Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and community garage sales can be great places to find good deals on school supplies.
These types of stores usually sell gently used items at lower prices than new ones. You might be able to find everything you need, from backpacks to binders, in good condition.
3. Use Coupons
Using coupons is still a good way to save money when buying back-to-school items. Look for coupons in newspapers, online coupon websites, and store websites. You might find some great deals.
Just make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before using a coupon. With a little patience and research, you can score big savings on everything from school supplies to new clothes.
4. Compare Prices
When considering buying something, it’s important to compare prices between different stores, both online and in person. You want to find the place that gives you the best deal to get the most for your money.
This might involve visiting multiple stores, searching online, or using price comparison websites. Once you’ve found the best price, you can feel confident you’re making a smart purchase.
5. Price Match Flyers
Use the competition between merchants to your advantage. Tell them when you find a lower price from another store, and they may try to match or beat it. That way, you can get the lowest price and save money.
6. Buy in Bulk
For affordable classroom supplies, bulk purchasing is key. Pens, paper, and other essentials become less expensive when bought together. Encourage fellow parents to pool resources and divide costs. Everyone benefits from this collaborative approach.
7. Use Student Discounts
To save money on clothing, electronics, and software, ask about student discounts at various stores. College bookstores, electronics retailers, and software companies often offer discounts for students. Ask about available deals to maximize your savings.
8. Plan to Bring Lunch From Home
Eating lunch at school can be costly, so consider bringing your own lunch from home to save money and develop healthier eating habits. Planning and packing your lunch ahead of time helps prevent overspending and ensures you never run out of food.
By bringing your own lunch, you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes, making healthier choices easier.
9. Don’t Buy Everything at Once
The urge to complete shopping all at once can be strong, especially during holidays or special promotions. But it’s generally wiser to space out your purchases over time.
This prevents overspending and takes advantage of sales and offers that come up throughout the year. Breaking up your shopping trips can also reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
10. Stick to a Shopping List
The allure of flashy displays and tempting promotions can lead to impulse buying. To avoid overspending, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. By planning ahead and staying focused, you can make more mindful purchasing decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
11. Buy Refurbished Electronics
Refurbished electronics can be a smart choice for those on a budget. These products have been inspected and repaired by manufacturers or authorized service providers, ensuring quality and performance. Plus, they’re often cheaper than buying new.
12. Use Cash-Back Apps
Cash-back apps are a useful tool for earning money while shopping. Simply download the app, link your credit card, and start earning cash rewards based on your purchases. There is no need to clip coupons or carry cash; just shop smarter with cash-back apps.
13. Buy Supplies That Will Last the Entire Year
Prioritize durability in school supplies to last throughout the academic year and reduce waste. Choose supplies that can withstand repeated use and won’t need replacing halfway through the year. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also better for the environment
14. Use a Cash Back Credit Card
Cash-back credit cards can be beneficial for school shopping. They offer rewards on purchases to help cover expenses like supplies and textbooks. Some have bonus perks like 0% introductory APR or travel insurance.
To avoid interest, pay off the balance fully each month and read your card’s terms and conditions.
15. Set a Budget and Stick to it
Establishing a clear budget for your back-to-school shopping is crucial to avoiding overspending. Set a realistic amount and prioritize your needs over your wants to ensure you stay within your means.
Consider creating a wishlist for non-essential items to avoid impulse purchases and stay true to your budget.
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Best Places to Go Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget
Staples
Staples, a leading Canadian office supply retailer, knows the importance of back-to-school supplies. Its collection includes various writing instruments, bags, and accessories.
Parents and teachers appreciate Staples’ convenience, as it offers a one-stop solution for all back-to-school needs. The company’s regular back-to-school sales offer competitive prices, making it an attractive option for customers.
Office Depot
Office Depot is another affordable option for back-to-school shopping. With a wide range of school supplies, technology products, and organization tools, you can complete your shopping list without going overboard. Take advantage of special promotions and deals during the back-to-school season to get the most for your money.
Walmart
Known for its extensive selection and competitive prices, Walmart is a favourite among budget-conscious shoppers. From clothing and stationery to electronics and backpacks, you’ll discover a wide array of back-to-school essentials.
Check out their online and in-store offerings to find the best deals.
Best Buy
If you need electronics or tech gadgets for the school year, Best Buy is a reliable choice. From laptops and tablets to headphones and calculators, you’ll find various options to suit your needs.
Keep an eye out for their back-to-school promotions and discounts.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores can be great places to find back-to-school supplies. You can often find gently used clothes, sturdy backpacks, and even school materials at a cheaper price than buying new ones. To find these great deals, try checking out local thrift stores near you.
The Dollar Store
Looking for ways to stretch your back-to-school budget? Consider hitting up your local dollar store. These stores typically carry a range of essential school supplies, creative materials, and organizational tools at reasonable costs.
Although the items may be generic, they can still meet your kids’ requirements without breaking the bank.
Garage Sales
Garage sales are good opportunities to discover second-hand items at low prices. Keep a lookout for sales in your area, as you might come across clothing, backpacks, and other school essentials in good condition.
When Do School Supplies Go on Sale?
The timing of back-to-school shopping can greatly impact its success. Being aware of when school supplies go on sale can help you catch the best deals and discounts. Typically, retailers begin offering back-to-school sales during the summer months, with peak promotions in July and August.
At this time, you can find discounts on a range of merchandise, including office supplies, clothing, electronics, and much more. Keeping tabs on advertisements, online platforms, and store flyers allows you to remain knowledgeable about current sales and makes it easier to plan your purchases, maximizing your savings.
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FAQs
Generally, having five to seven outfits ready can ensure a smooth rotation for school days.
It depends on many factors, including personal preference, location, and availability. Generally, the best time is during the end-of-season sales, which typically occur in late July or early August.
Backpacks are often considered one of the most popular and essential back-to-school items. They serve as both functional accessories and fashion statements.
School shopping is best during back-to-school sales events in July and August, where a variety of discounts are available on school supplies, clothing, and electronics.
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