School is starting up again for the kids in our lives! It’s both an exciting and stressful time for everyone involved, and even though we go through the same routine every year, it never seems to get any easier.
The National Retail Federation says that the cost of school supplies will increase by 40% in 2022, with total projected expenses jumping nearly $200 since 2019,” according to the the New York Post.
That’s why we rounded up the best back to school savings tips and tricks for this year.
Take Stock and Swap
Take stock of what you already have. Before you make your rounds at stores and sales, take a look in your own house. There may very well be leftover supplies from last year, or from other siblings, that can go right back into someone else’s backpack this year. Ask neighbors and friends to do a supply swap, and get rid of the 1,000 pencils you bought one year on sale, in exchange for reams of looseleaf paper or extra bottles of glue.
Shop Sales Early
Shop smart. Take advantage of sales, and make your rounds to get the best deals on the more expensive items on your list.
Weekly back-to-school sales at most stores start Sunday mornings, and being the first to the sale merchandise will serve you well to not only make sure you get discount school supplies, but also that you get the item…at all.
Don’t get the whole list yet
School supplies go on sale in mid-September, once the bell rings and everybody is safely at their desks. Buy first-day basics and leave the rest for later, when they go on clearance. (Plus, if you don’t bring kids shopping, then you’ll be free of “but everyone has this ….” 😉 )
Target Practice
Wait for Target markdowns for back-to-school outfits. Getting friendly with your Target associate can always help you find the best day to do back-to-school shopping.
Even if your kid wants an outfit that’s not on sale, you can still save by checking the price on Amazon before buying, just show a Target cashier the Amazon price at checkout for a price match. (ht: Krazy Coupon Lady)
Finally, you can always save even more by shopping Target gift cards at CardCash.com (which we’ve seen go as high as 10% off), and stack them with a Target sale, to really lock-in savings.
Our Lists
We compiled a list of great stuff at great prices for your shopping (and saving!) pleasure. Hopefully this will make Back to School Shopping a wee bit easier for you!
Amazon had these for over 50% off !
- Elmers Glue – https://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Disappearing-Purple-School-E562/dp/B00143SNPG
- Pencils – https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-EverStrong-Reinforced-Break-Resistant/dp/B088SQMWJ
- Scissors – https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-94167097J-Classic-Scissors-Received/dp/B00005BZRZ
- Spiral notebooks – https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-Notebook-Subject-Selected/dp/B00006IDMK/
Staples has some hot deals for just 50 cents, plus stack that with some CardCash savings and you’re a super savvy shopper.
Overstock.com is a great place to check out for all sorts of deals. Right now, you can get dorm room furniture that starts at $39. (or for $39 minus 4% with gift cards 🙂 )
So whether their first day of school means … the start of a countdown to Thanksgiving break
or if they are ready to conquer the year – Happy shopping! and celebrate with some savings for yourself. A White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from The Cheescake Factory, or a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino from Starbucks 😋.