I have to admit. It was almost painful for me to write this post. I feel like I just got out of school, and I still have 5 weeks or so off work. The thought of back to school is not thrilling me yet, (it will by August 18th, I promise.) I will write another post next week about back to school clothes and shoes!
Shopping for Back to School Supplies Tips
- Keep an eye on the office supply flyers. Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Target, and Walmart all started their back to school sales this week. Several of these stores have mail in rebates, so watch out for freebies. There are also $.01 sales many years. If your store gets sold out on Sunday before you make there, call and ask when they will restock. In my area it is usually Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Don’t be afraid to price match. Several of the stores I listed above will price match on exact items. Hopefully you can use price matches to save you a few trips. Beware though, it will have to be on exact brands. Most stores won’t price match a store brand.
- Don’t feel like you have buy the whole list at once. You will save money if you watch the sales, coupons, and rebates. You may not be able to get everything in one trip, but if you make one trip each week from now until school starts, you should save a bundle.
- Watch out for tax free weekends in your state. There are good things and bad things about these weekends. Be aware that although things are tax-free, they may not be at a rock bottom price. Plus the stores are extra busy during those days. This is a good time to make a large purchase, like a computer or printer to save on the tax.
- Don’t forget the dollar stores. If there are items that you just can’t find for cheap, check out Dollar Tree or Dollar General. You never know what you will find.
- Play the drug store game. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all have school supply specials too. On top of that you may be able to find those tissues, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes a lot cheaper. (Yes, those are all on the supply list I give out.)
- Keep track of your spending. If you spend over $30 on supplies after following these tips, I believe you should let the teacher or principal of your school know. As a teacher, I try to keep my supply list reasonably priced, and if I follow these tips, my list would come in under $15 per student. If your supply list becomes too much of a burden, let someone know. I know that my county offers supplies and assistance to those who ask for help.
Are you ready for back-to-school? Do you have any more tips for us to save?
Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week? Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share?
If so, please leave a comment or link up below!
Please leave a link back to Coupon Teacher so that we can all share ideas.
This is linked to Life as Mom and Madame Deals.
I disclose : There may be affiliate links in this post.
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I was in Walmart on Tuesday, and I saw the school supplies. I’m not ready for them either. They seem to be starting earlier every year!
Annie Kate
Thanks for the tips! I shop for 2 kids that are in school and one that “must have what the others have!”
Thank you for letting me post today!! You comment made me feel so good, you are my first follower I don’t personally know :0)Loved all your tips on buying school supplies!!!!!
I feel like school just let out too. Even though we don’t resume until 8/16 as a home school mom I’ve started planning and ordering the last of the children’s textbooks. This was a great post and I stumbled it.
I feel like we just got out too, but I started my shopping last week at Staples. Couldn’t pass up the deals.
Thanks for the tips, Shelly! I worked the sales (thanks to your blog) last year and still have a good stock of supplies for the kids. It makes it easy this year to be selective on buying only the items we will need and stock up with super great deals. I’ll be checking the circulars this weekend for the office supply stores.
These are very good tips. Making a list is a must. Keeps you from being tempted to grab things you don’t need. I also save by buying in bulk and using coupons. They are most likely to lose their pens, pencils and other stuff anyway,at least we still have some spares. And coupons help lessen the cost.
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but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t
already ;) Cheers!
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