How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

When the back to school season draws near, parents often cringe of thought of the dreaded back to school shopping. It can really put a dent in your wallet and often more charges on your credit card that you wanted to make. It doesn't have to be that way with just a little planning! I like to start as early as possible and sometimes even when school is still in session. Bargain hunting and proper planning are the key to successful and smart back to school shopping.

The best way to save money is to always keep your eye out for the deals. Only you have to know what it is you are looking for? The basics usually come to mind, such as:

#2 pencils

Erasers (the pencil topper kind are the best)

Pencil container, either a soft pouch or hard case

Elmer's glue

Glue sticks

Ruler

Crayons

Of course, depending on what grade your child is going into will affect your shopping list. Most teachers will send a "welcome back" letter along with a supply list for the parents. I've found that my son's school actually posts on their website the supplies needed for each grade! I have been able to shop for his back to school supplies a month before most parents even start to look for the letter from the school. You may find on the list some unusual items that you wouldn't normally associate with school supplies. For example:

Zip lock bags

Plastic utensils

Wet wipes

Box of tissues

Paper towels

It is more common for private schools to require more unsual items than public schools, although it does depend on the individual teacher's needs either way. Other school supplies that might be on the lookout for could include:

Colored pencils

Markers

Protractor

Pens

Tablets

Loose leaf paper

Folders

Binders

Calculator

Highlighters

Index cards

Scissors

Coin pouch for milk or lunch money

Lunch bag

The absolute essential for students are back packs! I remember growing up and getting a new book bag every single school year. Now that I am a parent myself I realize that this is very unnecessary and a big waste of money! When shopping for a back pack, try to steer your child away from the character book bags. Your son may really want that Spiderman book bag, but next year he may prefer Superman and will expect a new bag to match his new preference in super heroes. I suggest a practical back pack in your child's favorite color. Now a days there's back packs with wheels. If you are worried about back strain and your child walks to school then you might want to consider one. However, if your child rides the bus and generally doesn't bring a lot of books home, they aren't needed.

The same can apply if your child packs their lunch. It is the ultimate in saving money by packing their lunch. Buy a reusable, waterproof lunch bag. Plastic lunch boxes or those with hinges tend to break very easily. I don't recommend brown paper bags since they are bad for the environment and tear easily. When your child comes home from school wash out the bag in warm soapy water and place upside down to try. These can sometimes harbor odors so it's important to wash them frequently.

The cheapest way to find these items are by shopping during the "loss leader" days. These are when stores will put items on sale for practically pennies with the idea that you will end up purchasing more items at regular price. Make sure to stock up on these items! They usually are pencils, crayons, scissors, rulers and glue. I've found 24 packs of crayons for just 10 cents a box! I bought 5 boxes for only 50 cents. They will definitely last much longer than the school year and even beyond!

You can also find school supplies at dollar stores, office supplies stores and some unsual places such as yard sales and thrift stores! I've found folders, tablets, binders and back packs at such places. Keep in mind that yard sales and thrift stores are also great places to shop for clothes and shoes. If you don't mind second hand or slightly used items for your children, these are the places to find some great deals. Yard sales can be hit or miss but never pass one up! Thrift stores start to put out seasonal fall and winter clothing in the middle of summer, which is the perfect time to start looking for some back to school clothes and shoes. Back to school clothes don't always have to be new! Go through all your children's clothes and decide what can be worn for school or what goes in the "play" clothes drawer.

Remember to always keep your list with you in your purse or car in case you find some good bargains when you're out and about! Make sure to include the basics, specific teacher requested items, the color theyprefer for their book bag and lunch bag, as well as the size your children wear in clothing and shoes. Try to keep in mind that you don't have to spend a fortune, make out a budget and stick to it as best as you can!

Good luck with the new school year and for more frugal tips, please visit Our Debt Free Mission.