However, there are ways to reduce the expenses for school supplies, and here are five shopping hacks that have passed the test of time.
1. Get Back-to-School Clothes Online
With a little hunting and ingenuity, parents can save a ton of money by shopping online. There are numerous websites that offer special discounts and coupon codes on different types of clothing. In addition, there are several online stores that specialize in back-to-school garments, which means that children can get fashionable items without ruining their parents.
2. Reuse and Recycle
There are plenty of supplies that can be reused from previous years. For example, lunchboxes and backpacks can be put back into the rotation after a good wash. There are also probably lots of notebooks, pens, pencils, and binders that can be used by children of all ages.
3. Don’t Purchase Disposables
Plastic baggies, paper notebooks, and other disposable items may seem like a bargain, but in reality, they often cost more than long-lasting gear. This is due to the fact that they must be replenished periodically. Buying a reusable lunchbox or a digital notebook is a more reasonable investment despite their higher price, and the best part is that they are eco-friendly!
4. Save Money on Big-Ticket Items
Some back-to-school supplies are more expensive than others. Running from store to store to save a dollar on a pack of crayons isn’t a good use of your energy or time. Instead, focus on saving money on larger items such as laptops, tablets, clothes, calculators, lunch containers, etc. Look for sales or go online to find school supplies at a significant discount. It’s such deals that will truly allow you to save money.
5. Look For Second-Hand Extracurricular Gear
Extracurricular activities can require the use of specialized equipment such as hockey or lacrosse sticks, protective gear, musical instruments, etc. Those items can be quite expensive, especially if they are fabricated by a reputable brand. To save money, parents should check places such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to find well-preserved second-hand equipment at fair and reasonable prices.
These five shopping tricks can help parents get the necessary back-to-school supplies for their children without breaking the bank.