The Ultimate Guide to Saving on Back-to-School Supplies
As the summer months come to an end, it's time to start thinking about preparing for the new school year. One of the biggest expenses parents face is buying school supplies. But there are ways to save money on these essential items.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school are expected to spend an average of $661 on school supplies this year. That's a lot of money, especially if you have multiple children.
But there are plenty of ways to save money on school supplies without sacrificing quality. Here are a few tips:
Shop early
One of the best ways to save money on school supplies is to shop early. Stores typically start stocking up on school supplies in July, so you'll have the best selection and prices if you shop early.
Use coupons
There are always plenty of coupons available for school supplies. You can find coupons in newspapers, magazines, and online. You can also sign up for email lists from your favorite stores to receive exclusive coupons and discounts.
Buy in bulk
If you have multiple children, it can save you money to buy school supplies in bulk. Many stores offer discounts on bulk purchases.
Shop online
You can often find better deals on school supplies online than in stores. However, be sure to factor in the cost of shipping when comparing prices.
Use tax-free holidays
Many states offer tax-free holidays on back-to-school supplies. This can save you a significant amount of money, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if it's available in your state.
Buy generic brands
Generic brands of school supplies are often just as good as name brands, but they cost less. So, if you're on a budget, don't be afraid to buy generic brands.
Reuse old supplies
If your children still have school supplies from last year, see if you can reuse them. This can save you a lot of money.
Get creative
There are many ways to get creative and save money on school supplies. For example, you can make your own lunch boxes and snacks, or you can buy used school supplies from other parents.
By following these tips, you can save a significant amount of money on back-to-school supplies. So, don't wait until the last minute to start shopping. Start now and take advantage of all the great deals that are available.
Table: Average back-to-school spending by grade level
| Grade Level |
Average Spending |
| Elementary school |
$636 |
| Middle school |
$741 |
| High school |
$857 |
Table: Tips for saving money on school supplies
| Tip |
Description |
| Shop early |
Stores typically start stocking up on school supplies in July, so you'll have the best selection and prices if you shop early. |
| Use coupons |
There are always plenty of coupons available for school supplies. You can find coupons in newspapers, magazines, and online. |
| Buy in bulk |
If you have multiple children, it can save you money to buy school supplies in bulk. Many stores offer discounts on bulk purchases. |
| Shop online |
You can often find better deals on school supplies online than in stores. However, be sure to factor in the cost of shipping when comparing prices. |
| Use tax-free holidays |
Many states offer tax-free holidays on back-to-school supplies. This can save you a significant amount of money, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if it's available in your state. |
| Buy generic brands |
Generic brands of school supplies are often just as good as name brands, but they cost less. So, if you're on a budget, don't be afraid to buy generic brands. |
| Reuse old supplies |
If your children still have school supplies from last year, see if you can reuse them. This can save you a lot of money. |
| Get creative |
There are many ways to get creative and save money on school supplies. For example, you can make your own lunch boxes and snacks, or you can buy used school supplies from other parents. |
Table: Common mistakes to avoid when shopping for school supplies
| Mistake |
Description |
| Waiting until the last minute |
If you wait until the last minute to shop for school supplies, you'll likely pay more. Stores typically have the best selection and prices at the beginning of the school year. |
| Not using coupons |
There are always plenty of coupons available for school supplies. Be sure to take advantage of these discounts to save money. |
| Buying brand-name supplies |
Brand-name school supplies are often more expensive than generic brands. However, there is no difference in quality. So, if you're on a budget, don't be afraid to buy generic brands. |
| Not taking advantage of tax-free holidays |
Many states offer tax-free holidays on back-to-school supplies. This can save you a significant amount of money, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity if it's available in your state. |
| Buying more than you need |
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of back-to-school shopping and buy more than you need. However, it's important to stick to your budget and only buy the essential supplies. |
