Before You Buy School Supplies: 5 Tips That Can Save You Money

Back to school shopping can get expensive fast. Between notebooks, pens, backpacks, and all the extras kids ask for, it’s easy to walk into a store for a few school supplies and walk out wondering how the total got so high.

But back to school shopping doesn’t have to break the budget. With a little planning, you can get everything your children actually need, avoid unnecessary purchases, and start the school year with a lot less stress.

Here are five simple ways to save money on school supplies this year.

1. Shop Early

Don’t wait until the last few days of summer break. Last minute shopping often means picked over shelves, crowded stores, tired parents, and kids who have had just about enough of summer vacation.

Shopping earlier gives you more time to compare prices, find what you actually need, and avoid making rushed purchases simply because you want to get out of the store.

The best time to start? Before everyone else has the same idea.

2. Make a Detailed List

Never head out for back to school shopping without a list.

Sit down beforehand and write out exactly what each child needs. A high school student’s supply list will look very different from that of a first grader, so make a separate list for each child rather than buying a little of everything.

Before shopping, check what you already have at home, too. Last year’s unused notebooks, unopened pencils, folders, and other supplies may still be perfectly good for the new school year.

A clear list makes it much easier to stick to what you actually need and avoid impulse purchases.

3. Compare Prices Before You Shop

With so many prices available online, a few minutes of research can make a real difference.

Some major retailers charge considerably more for certain school supplies, while discount stores may offer similar products for less. But don’t automatically assume that the discount store is always the cheapest. Prices can vary considerably depending on the item.

Focus your comparison on the supplies your children actually need. For older kids, that might mean pens, spiral notebooks, binders, and highlighters. For younger children, compare prices on markers, pencils, notebooks, crayons, and other classroom basics.

You don’t need to compare the price of every pencil in town. A quick check of the items that make up the biggest portion of your shopping list can help keep the total under control.

4. Be Selective About Brands

A notebook featuring a popular character, logo, or design can sometimes cost significantly more than a basic version that does exactly the same job.

If your children enjoy choosing special notebooks and branded school supplies, set a budget beforehand. Let each child choose a few items they really love, then purchase good quality, less expensive versions of the remaining supplies.

At the same time, the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical. There’s little value in buying a pack of pens that leak, an eraser that barely works, or a mechanical pencil that breaks after a few uses.

For frequently used items such as pens, mechanical pencils, and erasers, paying a little more for reliable quality may actually save money in the long run.

5. Consider Shopping Without the Kids

This might be the biggest money saving tip of all.

Taking younger children along can turn a practical shopping trip into an endless stream of “Can I get this?” and “But I really need that!”

When possible, shop on your own or bring only older children who need to choose specific supplies for themselves. You’ll be able to concentrate on your list, compare prices without distractions, and make decisions based on what you actually need rather than what catches someone’s eye.

If you want the kids to be involved, you can always let them choose a few special items beforehand while keeping the majority of the shopping in your hands.

A Smarter Start to the School Year

Back to school shopping doesn’t have to mean an enormous bill. Shop early, make a list, compare prices, spend strategically on quality, and think twice before bringing the whole family along.

A little planning can save money, reduce stress, and help your family head into the new school year feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Have your own money saving tips for back to school shopping? Share them in the comments and help other parents save, too.