It's that time again! All the kids are going back to school and getting off the street. And yes, in my town I literally mean the street, street hocky, basketball, there's always something going on.
I've researched and I've written my favorite ideas, so here are ways to save time and money doing your BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING.
1. Make a list. Or get a list. Many schools hand them out at the end of the year for the next one, some hand them out to stationary stores around town, other post them online.
2. Purchase multiples of frequently used items when they are on sale, any time of year. If you are out shopping for Valentines day and looseleaf paper is on sale for some reason, get a few packs. I know we are going more and more computer based, but you will still need paper for a few years.
3. Use supplies from last year. After pulling a back pack from last year and sorting what was in it (also a good way to store supplies over the year, each child will have their back pack with their supplies) I think I may need to purchase just shoes.
4. Get only what you NEED and save the extras for when you need extras. Like an IPod might be fun for that walk to school, but it's a great birthday present, and no, they don't NEED an IPad for the first day just because their friend might have one.
5. When getting branded items, choose those they like rather then what is cool today. If your child likes Batman but Cars is cool this year, they will get tired of that Cars backpack and want Batman by Christmas. This also works for favorite colours versus what their friends have.
6. Compare dollar store items with larger box stores or stationary supply stores. That 50 cent notebook might look like a great deal, but if it has only a third of the pages of the $1 at a larger store, then you aren't saving anything.
7. Go with another parent. Think peer pressure in reverse. "Everyone has one" isn't nearly as effective if their friend is right next to you and she's not getting one either.
8. Get a few "treats" An extra pen for that junior high girl just because it's pink or purple? If you can add that pen, and maybe a notebook with a pretty cover, instead of needing more expensive jeans or shoes with all the extras, then you save and they still get to show their own style and individuality.
9. Keep MOST items basic. A pencil is a pencil, and a pen is a pen. Not only will they use them, they will lose them, trade them, lend them out. One or two special items may be treated better as it stands out from the rest, but if every pencil is unique then it ends up being just like the others, but costing you more.
10. If your school as a purchase plan compare the prices and be willing to USE it. Schools who have plans with certain companies usually get a lower rate on all supplies, they get the exact products as everyone else in the class, you don't have to go get them, and they come packaged to the first day of school. Also, these companies have the list already, so if you lose yours you'll still have everything you need.
I've researched and I've written my favorite ideas, so here are ways to save time and money doing your BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING.
1. Make a list. Or get a list. Many schools hand them out at the end of the year for the next one, some hand them out to stationary stores around town, other post them online.
2. Purchase multiples of frequently used items when they are on sale, any time of year. If you are out shopping for Valentines day and looseleaf paper is on sale for some reason, get a few packs. I know we are going more and more computer based, but you will still need paper for a few years.
3. Use supplies from last year. After pulling a back pack from last year and sorting what was in it (also a good way to store supplies over the year, each child will have their back pack with their supplies) I think I may need to purchase just shoes.
4. Get only what you NEED and save the extras for when you need extras. Like an IPod might be fun for that walk to school, but it's a great birthday present, and no, they don't NEED an IPad for the first day just because their friend might have one.
5. When getting branded items, choose those they like rather then what is cool today. If your child likes Batman but Cars is cool this year, they will get tired of that Cars backpack and want Batman by Christmas. This also works for favorite colours versus what their friends have.
6. Compare dollar store items with larger box stores or stationary supply stores. That 50 cent notebook might look like a great deal, but if it has only a third of the pages of the $1 at a larger store, then you aren't saving anything.
7. Go with another parent. Think peer pressure in reverse. "Everyone has one" isn't nearly as effective if their friend is right next to you and she's not getting one either.
8. Get a few "treats" An extra pen for that junior high girl just because it's pink or purple? If you can add that pen, and maybe a notebook with a pretty cover, instead of needing more expensive jeans or shoes with all the extras, then you save and they still get to show their own style and individuality.
9. Keep MOST items basic. A pencil is a pencil, and a pen is a pen. Not only will they use them, they will lose them, trade them, lend them out. One or two special items may be treated better as it stands out from the rest, but if every pencil is unique then it ends up being just like the others, but costing you more.
10. If your school as a purchase plan compare the prices and be willing to USE it. Schools who have plans with certain companies usually get a lower rate on all supplies, they get the exact products as everyone else in the class, you don't have to go get them, and they come packaged to the first day of school. Also, these companies have the list already, so if you lose yours you'll still have everything you need.