21 Ways To Save Money On Back To School Supplies
Back To School
Is just around the corner and let’s face it can be a struggle. The kids are still in summer vacation mode, schedules are still all over the place, parents are wondering when they might get a moment to themselves. Discover 21 simple and easy back to school money saving tips.
School Supply Shopping
Now it’s time to shop for school supplies. Let’s save you some stress and some money with some back to school money saving tips.
Back To School Money Saving Tips:
Opt for generics instead of name brands
This is the easiest way to save money on back to school supplies. When it comes to supplies you need the items that get the job done and generics do this.
Yes the shiny, glittery, name brand, movie inspired supplies are great and look cool but when it comes to dollar for dollar generic basics are where the savings is at.
Buy in bulk
For items you know you are going to need throughout the year or for numerous children look into buying the school supplies in bulk. Get a few of your neighbors together and share the bulk expenses and save more money.
You know you are going to need more than one pencil, pen, notebook, pencil case and more. Why not save the money and get more for the price you would pay for one.
Shop online
To be honest I think this is my favorite money saving option. You can shop in your pajamas, there’s no children to add extra stuff to the cart, you get in, choose the stuff you want and it’s shipped right to your door. You don’t even have to leave the house.
Plus shopping online saves you a huge amount of money by giving you the best deals. Amazon is a great place to do your school supply shopping.
If you have an Amazon Prime Account (if not, get a free 30-Day trial right here), your supplies will be shipped to you in two days. It’s super simple, click, pay, delivery – no stress.
Save even more money on all your online purchases with Rakuten. Try Rakuten and receive a $10 gift my treat.
Shop By Grade:
Buy last years model
Most grades are using electronics whether it be a tablet, a computer or a scientific calculator and these can get expensive. Add in the teenage request for a cellphone. Save your money and invest in last years model, it does the same job as this years with about a 25% savings.
Purchase products that last
Instead of going with the cheapest model, choose the next step up and get pens and pencils that will last. You don’t want to be back at the store in two weeks because the ink didn’t work or the zipper broke on the pencil case.
Set a budget and save money
Planning is your greatest money saver. As soon as you get your school supply list set a budget and save the cash. Avoid using the credit cards and paying interest.
Swap it up
Exchange school supplies with your friends or within your own family if you have more than one child. Think the hand me down idea. One child may need the calculator that his older brother used last year or maybe your neighbors art supplies are just what your daughter needs. Swap and save.
Use what you have
Your child’s school supply list says pencils, crayons, ruler, pencil case, runners and more. You probably have all of these items leftover from last year or from summer projects.
Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you need to go buy everything brand new. Recycle and reuse the supplies you have to save money.
Everything must be labeled
It doesn’t have to be in pre-printed super expensive mail order labels. You can use fine black felt to label items or self printing computer labels.
Invest in re-usables
When it comes to school lunch supplies skip the single use and use reusables. They will save you a huge amount of money and waste.
Frugal Money Saving Related Posts:
- 50 Healthy After School Snacks
- 30 Super Frugal Money Saving Tips
- 21 Ways To Save Hundreds On Groceries
Shop your local thrift store
Moving away from the big box supply stores can actually be a huge money saver. Thrift stores are great places to shop for back to school clothes and supplies.
Shop your favorite dollar store
Believe it or not you can get most of your school supplies at the dollar store. Pencils, pens, markers and more. It’s also a great place to grab snacks and office supplies.
Stop clipping coupons
Start saving money in seconds! Rakuten is a free app that pays you to shop. It’s simple and super easy to use. Shop, click and save. You can download the app right here and get $10 free to start. No clipping coupons or shopping sales, just shop for the items on your list and start saving.
Shop store sales
Watch your local flyers for the back to school sales. Nothing says you have to buy all your supplies at one store, spread it out and shop where you get the best deal.
Download needed text books
Who says you need the hard cover version. If you can download it at a fraction of the cost, do so. Checkout Amazon’s list of text books, novels and more. If you have an Amazon Prime Account (if not, get a free 30-Day trial right here) you get great deals on books.
Save even more money on all your online purchases with Rakuten. Try Rakuten and receive a $10 gift my treat.
Hold off on new clothes
Shop after school starts for all the best deals on school clothes, shoes and so much more.
Buy the digital version
Amazon has an amazing Kindle selection, you can download numerous books without all the physical weight and cost. Checkout Amazon Kindle if you have an Amazon Prime Account (if not, get a free 30-Day trial right here).
Purchase your school supplies through school purchasing programs
Some schools will offer a supply package for each grade. You usually need to register and prepay for your supplies during the summer and they get delivered right before school starts.
Shop throughout the year
Who says school supplies are only available once a year. Shop for your supplies all year long to score the best deal.
Purchase next years supplies in the fall
Right after school starts the prices of school supplies drop so the stores can make room for Halloween and other seasonal supplies. This is the perfect time to stock up for next year or items you may use during next semester.
Updated May 29, 2021
