Buying Back-to-School Supplies, Clothes without Overspending

It's back-to-school time again! This time of year can easily cause parents to go into debt. Being frugal seems almost impossible when one has to buy new wardrobes, school supplies, back packs, lunch boxes, and everything else children these days think they need. This is only multiplied when you have several kids going to school. Do not fear! You can keep your little students happy and outfit them without breaking the bank.

The wonderful thing about this time of year are the amazing sales on school supplies. Do not wait until the last minute to stock up! You will get a much better deal shopping early. Big chains like Staples and Office Depot generally have one cent sales in the weeks leading up to the beginning of school. Stock up on things at these great prices; don't just get what's on the list. It will save you money in the long run; as kids run out of supplies you have replacements for a fraction of what you'd pay buying them when they aren't on sale. Do not wait until the weekend before school starts to buy school supplies. Not only are the things needed much more likely to be out of stock, but you will not get the best deals. Shopping early and hitting slaes are key to getting the best deals on supplies.

As for clothes, analyze how much your children really need. Girls are especially prone to thinking they need quite a lot, when they could really get by with much less. A basic back to school wardrobe includes new socks and underwear, new sneakers, three pairs of jeans or pants, and five shirts. One could actually get by with less pairs of pants, depending on how often washing was done. With three pairs there is one to wear, one in the wash, and one put back in case of emergencies like unexpected rips and tears. As for the shirts, five is a good starting point as it gives you a shirt for everyday of the school without having to wear the same thing twice in a week. If more variety is wanted, seven to ten shirts is plenty for a school wardrobe. This gives the kids variety, yet is not a huge amount of clothing.
Now that you know what you need, think outside the box when shopping. Garage sales can be an incredible place to get school clothes. The same goes for thrift stores. You can get high quality clothing for a fraction of normal retail price. Children outgrow clothes so quickly, the clothes are often in like new condition. The prices can't be beat! Be on the look out for great sales like all you can fit in a bag for one or two dollars. EBay is also a great place to buy clothes, but you must be careful. Set a limit in your mind about how much you plan to spend, then stick to it. Do not get caught up in bidding and disregard your budget. This is how EBay can go from great deal to over priced very quickly. Rethiniking where and how you shop for clothes can add up to significant savings.

Backpacks are one thing you might want to splurge on. A well made pack is a good investment, you don't want to have to replace it mid year. They are also one of the ways children get to express their personalities. Getting a backpack your child will enjoy for the whole year and is made to last is the key. Do not rush out and grab a trendy backpack with a celebrity on it that will be out of fashion in a few months. Choose instead colors and designs rather than people, movies, or music themes.

If your kids take their lunches from home, lunch boxes may or may not be necessary. Older children will probably prefer a brown bag to a gaudy lunch box. Small children are quite content with them as well. Reusable, insulated lunch bags are a good choice and are often less expensive than lunch boxes. If you do choose a lunch box, look for quality. Make sure the included thermos is in good shape and that the box is built to last. Again you do not want the box emblazoned with something your child will likely out grow before long. Choose a classic color and design scheme.

Buying everything needed for back to school can be costly, but does not have to be. By following these tips you can outfit your children without breaking the bank. Both kids and parents can be happy with the outcome of smart, budget friendly shopping.