Alternatives to Back-to-School Shopping

It's already that time of year... parents and students begin to prepare for the big back to school rush at the end of summer. However, with these back to school offers, come somewhat unfriendly prices at times. However, there are many ways we don't always think of in regards to saving time and money.

Dollar Stores

I am, flat out, a dollar store junkie when it comes to shopping. When it comes to getting school supplies, it can't be beat often. Especially when more expensive stores around tend to run out of supplies quickly and don't always offer rainchecks. However, there isn't one time of year that the dollar stores don't have ample supplies. By supplies I don't mean clothing, since many dollar stores have a limited supply of clothing and even some don't offer clothes at all. But, should someone in your family require notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons and other back to school supplies, sometimes, the best places to go are dollar stores.

First, cast off the whole idea that dollar stores are just generic supplies. Recently, Shrek 3 came to theatres and dollar stores were supplied with ample folders and other school supplies with Shrek right on them. Sure, some people find these "tacky" and prefer solid colors, but, rest assured. Dollar stores are always loaded with general colors that won't distract from learning. One downfall, though, is finding college ruled paper can be a tad tricky in general, but especially moreso at dollar stores. Be sure if you're looking for notebooks at these places that you make sure 100% what ruling you need. I don't know why, personally, but some teachers get downright hostile and send home letters to parents to re-acquire notebooks if the ruling is wrong.

Not only do these stores carry movie-based products, but, they also carry popular favorites like the ever loved Crayola Crayons. You think teachers don't get specific? They do! I was perusing the "back to school" lists that the schools put in stores for students and parents to pick up and the supplies requested were right down to specified brands of glue, including type and size needed. Even after it, there was an underlined, "No color changing glues, please!" (Those are ones that go on purple and as they dry fade from view) This is where dollar stores come in big time for those who don't have much of an income. Instead of paying for the crayons in a regular store for over three dollars sometimes, the most you may have to pay is just over a dollar (depending on tax) for the same product. This gives you more money to buy clothing, or even more supplies that are needed.

End of the year sales

School just ended less than a month ago and already there are advertisments out for back to school this back to school that! There are two best times to get school supplies (and clothing) if you're going to a department-like store. (Such as K-Mart, Walmart and Target) These times being at the end of the school year or as soon as the back to school specials start. Most often there are ample supplies available at a lower cost while the demand is still somewhat low. Especially if you go at the end of a school year. Most families are thinking of summertime and no school, so, school supplies seem to just sit there on the shelves collecting dust. Sure, they may be last year supplies, however, there's no difference generally between years except the price on newer items is often higher.

This goes doubly for clothing, which as a parent I know that they can be insane for a pair of jeans. Well, as long as your child isn't picky about fashion to the 'must have this year' styles, then most times you can find decent clothing that's often times on clearance only because it's from the school year before. There's practically no difference in the items except for a year and your child will probably outgrow it before the school year ends, so the more you save now, the better it will be when you need to acquire newer clothes for your son/daughter during the school year.

Second Hand Shops

When I was younger, the thought of hand-me-downs made me cringe in the corner and weep, unabashed, like a little baby. But when I had my daughter, I went into one to find some outfits that wouldn't be a big worry if she spit up in. However, when I went in I discovered how nice some of these second hand shops can be. Now, I'm not talking the Salvation Army or even St. Vincent's or a church basement, but these second hand shops often sell brand name clothes for very, very low prices. Now sure, you have to be careful what you buy because something might have a stain, however, most of these clothes are inspected and priced accordingly.

So a shirt you want is $15.99 in a regular shop and some dingy t-shirts in the second hand store are $1, but you find this same shirt there in excellent shape for $6. Sure that still may seem costly, but it's far less than the full price elsewhere. Let me just address the whole "oh but it's sooo welfare!" state of mind that, sadly, kids do suffer hearing when other mean kids open their mouths. Flat out, second hand shops are not "welfare" in the least. Sure, some places out there are dives and should be avoided, but these shops are also known as consignment shops (at least locally) and sell "like new" brand names. I'm not talking Basic Edition brand, no, I mean Ambercrombie and Fitch, as well as Old Navy. Styles that may not be right "now" by terms, but aren't out just yet.

Getting the best for your buck can be trying - especially when you have more than one child in need of supplies and clothes. However, the three suggestions listed above have helped not only myself, but my parents and friends around me in being able to afford going back to school while not burning a hole in their pockets. However, there are other places one can go to, you just need to know where to look and always keep your eyes open for a bargain. Best of luck, back-to-schoolers, in getting what you need for a price you can afford!