A parent’s job is never quite done. After Christmas gift shopping there is the dreaded back to school shopping that lies ahead. Review put together a list of tips to help you save money and get everything done before the school bell rings!
Hold off buying trendier gear
Kids may love a certain lunch box or pencil case they find in July, but once they start school and see that their friends are all using another kind, they’ll beg you to upgrade them, and that only results in wasted cash.
Shop early
End of season sales are a great time to stock up on items your kids will need later on in the year.
Stick to the list
The teacher’s supply list at the start of a new school year is daunting enough so don’t waste time and money on unlisted items. Extra supplies, while they may be cute, will probably never get used and just leave your pockets empty.
Head to the supermarket for basic supplies
Check weekly circulars for great deals on pens and loose-leaf paper, and get your weekly grocery shopping done at the same time. Bonus: buying everything in one place will save time and petrol money!
Let the kids raid your cabinets
The kids can select home-office supplies and then personalize them in unique ways. For example, decorate inexpensive plain, white binders with digital photos by creating a collage and inserting the page into the plastic outer cover.
Host a back-to-school swap
Round up a couple of other moms with kids the same gender as yours but different ages, and host an annual clothes swap. Trade toys and books, too! You’ll save a bundle.
Plan lunch
When you’re in charge of what your child eats, you’ll save yourself money. Check the weekly circulars at your local supermarkets for sales.
Buy bright
Lost school supplies may be a given, but gear that’s hard to miss can stave off the inevitable. Pack all their pencils, erasers, and other goodies into a bright backpack or pencil pouch to keep them from disappearing.
