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7 Easy Tips for Back to School Supply Shopping

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.

by RAKI WRIGHT

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Is it overwhelming for you when the kids go back to school? Finally, I have a list of everything I need to get their supplies ready. This is so easy. You can SO do this!
It is so overwhelming when the kids go back to school. Finally, I have a list of everything I need to get their supplies ready. This is so easy. I can SO do this!
Read more of the series of tips to get ready for back to school.

My kids are 13 and six. They will be going to 8th and 1st grades. My son is in pre-AP classes, so he had a summer reading project. Other than that, he has been able to have a pretty relaxing summer. My daughter is so excited to see her friends again and to start shopping for her supplies. I’ve checked both schools’ websites and both of their supply lists are available. I love that they’re available now because we can get started on our shopping and get it done early!

One of the most important tasks families will complete before school starts, is gathering all of the necessary school supplies.  Done haphazardly, it can be tiring and expensive.  However, with a little planning and preparation, it can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively.

1. Review the supplies required based on the child’s grade.

Each year, the schools publish lists of items required in each grade.  I would imagine that the bulk of the supplies required in a particular grade remain the same year-to-year.

2. Assess the supplies you already have.

Some of the same items like notebook paper, pencils, crayons, and personal hygiene items can be required from grade to grade.  Take some time to review what you have left over from last year.  We typically keep any supplies sent home at the end of the school year for our homework supplies.  Then, we send new items to school.

3. Make a list of what is needed

After marking off items you already have from the list, you will have a true picture of what you really need to buy.

Flickr photo credit: meddygarnet

4. Start shopping early in the season

Sales often begin in early summer.  If you wait until the weekend before school starts, prices may be inflated and the options may be skinny.

5. Price shop among multiple sources

Keep track of this season’s prices or compare prices from last year.  This will give you a good idea of price points for this year’s needs.  Pricing will vary widely between Walmart, Target, Office Max, Staples, and other national chains.

6. Stockpile for next school year

While shopping, if you see rock bottom prices on basic items, like notebook paper, pencils, crayons, and personal hygiene items, pick them up.  You can also review the list of required items for the next grade your child will be advancing to.  Again, I would imagine that the bulk of the supplies required in a particular grade remain the same year-to-year.

7. Donate free or cheap supplies

In addition to getting a head start on next school year’s supplies, keep in mind that schools and shelters often collect supplies for less fortunate children.  This is a great way to help out without breaking your budget.

With a little planning and preparation, back to school supply shopping can be easy.

More Tips to Get You Ready for the Back to School Season:

  • 20 Must Do’s Before School Starts
  • Clothing Children Inexpensively
  • Make meals easier during the school year
  • Preparing for a New School
  • Back to School Books for Moms

How do you make supply shopping easier?

It is so overwhelming when the kids go back to school. Finally, I have a list of everything I need to get their supplies ready. This is so easy. I can SO do this!

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RAKI WRIGHT
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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Back to School

Previous Post: « Preparing for a New School
Next Post: Make meals easier during the school year »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dianne@ScrutinizingLife says

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    Good info to prepare with!! Thanks for sharing at this week’s Living With Style Linky Party! Be sure to come back next week 🙂 ~Dianne

    • Livecoupons net says

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      Back to school is coming again! Hi there, A bunch of thanks for sharing such valuable information & experience with us.

  2. Melissa Vera says

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    I agree that you need to look at what you already have before buying more. Thank you for linking up on the #HomeMattersParty. Come back and share again next week.

  3. Nancy says

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    Great info! Stockpiling is usually my go-to solution. With several kids, we have to buy more school supplies. Sometimes buying 4-packs help! Keep up the great work!
    I recently wrote an article on finding the best Chromebook at different price points. https://www.netpayadvance.com/heading_back_to_school_on_a_budget Thought it might help others in their quest for school supplies.

Trackbacks

  1. Are Your Kids Ready to Go Back to School? says:
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    […] Back to school: Supplies shopping made easy […]

  2. Help Your Child Succeed in School says:
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    […] Back to school: Supplies shopping made easy […]

  3. Back to School – Four Things You Need to Prepare says:
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    […] Back to school: Supplies shopping made easy  – One of the most important tasks families will complete before school starts, is gathering all of the necessary school supplies.  Done haphazardly, it can be tiring and expensive.  However, with a little planning and preparation, it can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively. […]

  4. Kindergarten Readiness (& How We Are Preparing for Kindergarten) says:
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  5. How to Ease the Back to School Transition says:
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  6. 5 Ways to Save Money On Childcare & Other Kid Costs - Working Mom Blog | Outside the Box Mom says:
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    […] supplies I look at the school supplies my son has left and then only buy what is actually needed. I stock up at the lowest prices. […]

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Welcome! I'm Raki. I am a working mom of 2 (20-year old son and 13-year old daughter). I share tips to balance work, family, and make time for you. More...

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