1. Hunt For Back-To-School Deals
Keep your eyes peeled for discounts and promotions. Check out TrustDeals’ back-to-school-page for a roundup of specific stores and brands offering a vast array of school supplies and their online deals.
2. Shop At Discount Stores
Many discount stores, like Dollar General, offer a plethora of school supplies at budget-friendly prices. Think backpacks, lunch boxes, planners, notebooks, pens, art supplies, and more! Another great option is Staples. To learn more about this popular school supply store, read our Staples article!
3. Set A Back-To-School Budget
Decide on a specific amount for your back-to-school budget and stick to it. This keeps you focused while shopping and helps avoid impulse buys that you don’t really need.
4. List What You Need
Create a checklist of the essential school supplies. It’s easy to get sidetracked during shopping sprees, especially if you hit a discount store or get lost in an online shop. To avoid buying unnecessary items, stick to your list of essentials.
5. Buy In Bulk For The School Year
Some items are worth buying in bulk. For those must-haves you know you’ll need throughout the year, go big. Not only does it save money, but it also reduces the number of shopping trips you’ll need to make. Win-win!
6. Don’t Toss Last Year’s Supplies
Just because it’s a new school year doesn’t mean you need everything new. You likely have some leftover supplies from last year that can be reused. As long as they’re still in good shape, put them to good use again.
7. Phase Your Purchases
Don’t buy everything all at once. Spread out your purchases over time to ease the financial load. Start with the essentials and consider what items can wait to help distribute the costs more evenly.
8. DIY When Possible
Consider making some school supplies yourself. Check out some fun ideas in this article. Simple projects like personalizing notebooks or creating your own planners and calendars can save money and add a unique, personal touch to your supplies.
9. Explore Secondhand Options
Visit thrift stores or check online platforms like eBay for great deals. You can often find barely used or even new school supplies at a fraction of the cost. It’s also a sustainable way to gather everything you need for back to school.
10. Take Advantage Of School Resources
Check with your school to see if they provide any supplies to students. Sometimes schools offer essentials like notebooks, pens, and paper for free or at a reduced price. Everyone deserves access to quality school supplies, regardless of budget.
See? With a bit of planning and creativity, you don’t have to spend a fortune on school supplies. By scouting for discounts, hitting up budget-friendly stores, and shopping smart, you can make significant savings. Don’t forget to reuse old supplies and consider secondhand options. By spreading out your purchases and crafting some supplies yourself, you make back-to-school time both fun and affordable. Follow these tips to start the new school year prepared and with a fuller wallet!
