It’s one of the most dreaded phrases in most children’s lives – back to school time. I know that summer seems like it just began, but the reality is that many children will be heading back to school in about a month from now. Many students start school in late August.
I honestly don’t know how large families afford shopping for back to school. Just the supplies alone is enough to make you feel like you have to take out a second mortgage on your home. Supplies can cost hundreds of dollars – and that is just for two children. I don’t know how parents of 3, 4, 5 or more children do it.
Supplies are one thing, back to school clothing is another. It amazes me how quickly kids grow, even teenagers. Some how they never fit their clothes from the year before and you end up buying an entire new wardrobe. I’m grateful that my teenage daughter has stopped growing (although she’s very petite). Meanwhile my son just keeps growing and growing and growing. I refuse to spend a lot of money on clothing for him because no sooner do we buy him something he outgrows it. I’ve actually started to buy clothes a bit too big for him just so he gets more wear out of them.
There are several ways you can help reduce the costs associated with back to school shopping. Here are a few tips that my family does to help lessen the costs.
Stock up – Throughout the school year if I happen to come across a great sale on school supplies (paper, notebooks, pens…) I stock up on the supplies I know my kids will need.
Shop at discount stores – The loose leaf paper from the dollar and discount stores is just as good as paper you buy at the big name office supply stores, and a lot cheaper too. Often these types of stores carry most of the supplies you need.
Recycle – At the end of the school year I look over my kid’s binders and notebooks. If they are in reasonable condition, or have plenty of paper left in them, I put t hem aside and have my kids use them the next school year.
Buy out of season – If your child has stopped growing, or if you want to “guesstimate” what size your child will be wearing, take advantage of off season sales and clearance items. If the spring pick up sweaters, jeans and long sleeve shirts. In the colder months check out the clearance racks for short sleeve shirts and shorts.
Take stock – Have your children go through their drawers and closets. Toss out things that are worn or stained. Take stock of what they have and what they need so you don’t end up buying too much.
Buy only the necessities – Resist your kids begging and pleading to buy things that you know that they don’t truly need. One or two things is fine but don’t go overboard.
Coupons, Coupons, Coupons – You can’t go wrong with coupons. Check out places like Passion for Savings. There you can check out coupons and discounts for many stores you might shop at like Target, Walmart, Staples and CVS. I found some JCPenny printable coupons on their site that I plan on using to pick up some clothing for my kids.
Another suggestion would be to borrow the big ticket items you might need, or see if a friend or relative has what you need that they no longer have a use for. One you my daughter needed a very expensive calculator that we couldn’t afford. Thankfully my husband’s friend’s son had one that he no longer needed so they generously gave it to us.
If you have more than one child be sure to save some of the things from the older child for the younger child 0r children. For example, my daughter takes Italian in school. We purchased several English/Italian books for her (dictionaries and the like). Our son takes Italian too. He now uses those same books because our daughter no longer needs them.
A lesson we learned a few years ago from a friend is DON’T buy a lot of back to school clothing. Buy a first day of school outfit instead. Most likely kids will resort to the clothes they currently have after the first day or two of school when the novelty is over. Instead wait until later September/early October when most of the back to school fashions are on sale.
I’m sure many readers have some great tips or suggestions on keeping the costs of back to school shopping down.
I have a $25 Visa gift card to giveaway to a lucky reader, compliments of Passion For Savings. Thank you Passion For Savings! Feel free to stop by and check them out at PassionForSavings.com.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end at 11:59 PM (EST) on August 7, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and share with me a money saving tip for back to school shopping.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*This post is curtosey of Passion For Savings however the thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. Passion For Savings will be providing the prize.
Maureen says
Make of list of what is needed. See what we have from the previous school year and then go through the store flyers and shop by flyer for the discounts. Go on line to see if there are coupons or deals regarding the needed items.
Mary Happymommy says
We save money by shopping during our state’s tax free weekend in August.
Lisa Brown says
shop early and go for the sales
Ron Miller says
Well we’re past it now, oldest is 16, but when younger and school clothes shopping we’d always bring one of his friends to shop with us because if the friend liked it, he’d be more likely to wear it after buying it… as opposed to years before doing this, the school clothes we’d buy that would never be worn
Cynthia R says
go to yard sales and thrift stores for clothes, if there are books kids need for english get them at the library or thrift stores, don’t buy them new! Comparison shop always!
Pam Goodpaster says
shop npw
Anne says
My best tip would be to shop the sales–never pay full price. And if the item you want isn’t something that’s needed the first day of school, wait until the stores put back-to-school products on clearance, which should be soon after school starts because they’ll want the space for Halloween stuff.
john hutchens says
watch for sales and buy extras for later in the school year
Stephanie Grant says
Shop sales and use coupons 🙂 I also buy in bulk to last all school year.
Rae says
I stock up on things I know I will nedd when I find it on sale. My kids ALWAYS need composition notebooks, when I found them on sale for 25 cents, I bought 20 of them. I know I will need them then I am not rushing the sales to find them.—
Kelly D says
My best back to school money saving tip is to get the list of items needed from your kid’s class before you shop. Their teacher usually supplies most of what they need in my kid’s school, so I wait for the list before I spend money.
Kelly D says
My best back to school money saving tip is to get the list of items needed from your kid’s class before you shop. Their teacher usually supplies most of what they need in my kid’s school, so I wait for the list before I spend money.
Sherrie C. says
My best back to school tips are look for sales and discounts, shop around and do price comparisons online before heading out to the store and use coupons whenever possible to save money.
callawishes(at)hotmail(dot)com
Crystal W says
My biggest is to never shop the back to school sales! I always try to stock up whenever I find a good sale year round instead of getting everything in August.
soha molina says
Wait for supply list before buying anything.
Thomas Murphy says
shop the sales and use coupons.
Jammie says
hit the end of the back to school sales and purchase for the next school year.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I shop sales and use coupons. I also do price comparisons between stores.
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
I try to shop early so I can hunt for the best deals….I have a bin in the hall closet where I store things. Sometimes I shop clearance after school has been in session to get items for next year.
Sadie B. says
We start shopping early and stick to a budget.
Janet W. says
My best school money saving tip is to take advantage of the sales. Also try not to buy products until you know for sure your child needs them. That’s happened to my daughters in the past and they ended up not even using supplies that were “required”.
debbie says
Shop early but just for the sale items. Wait, and make sure you don’t buy things you won’t need for the rest. A couple of weeks later, everything goes on clearance anyway.
Aimee Marie says
Shop early & know what you need
Lenora D says
I try to stock up at clearances.
deb c says
I have a general idea about some of the school supplies they will need; so, if I see someone is having a sale I will go ahead and purchase the items.
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
My best tip for back to school is to shop around at multiple stores.
Jackie says
I like to buy supplies early while they are on sale. We also wait to buy “back to school” clothes until they are on sale. We’ve learned that most of the clothes we buy are for cooler weather, and if we wait, they’ll be on sale.
Kristie says
I don’t buy the kids new clothes if they don’t need them and then get them new clothes for Christmas.
Vicki Wurgler says
I shop for clothes at garage sales summer months and watch for sales before school starts
Amanda Starr says
Always look for sales and coupons. Also thrift stores can has some really great stuff for cheap.
Candice says
Look for the back to store special offers at stores, and shop multiple stores to get the best deals.
Megan says
Shop sales throughout the year to avoid having to spend too much at once.
Jennifer B says
stick to the list and take your time to hit all the sales
Kimberly Schotz says
I stock up now while school supplies are on sale.
Elena says
Shop early and use coupons
Jennifer T. says
Stock up on supplies when they go on sale and use the tax-free weekend to your advantage.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer T. says
I follow on Bloglovin’ under MagMom73.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jessie C. says
Price match if stores allow, use coupons and shop on sales.
Michelle H. says
I subscribe to stores email and mailing lists so that I can have deals and specials sent to me.
Shemp DeYoung (@shempgames) says
There are so many places competing for back to school shoppers, so don’t just go buy from the closest one.
Jennifer says
Look for sales and save ahead! Shop clearance racks!
Michele Behlen says
Shop for common items when on sale and use the list provided by the school to avoid spending money on unnecessary items.
Michele Behlen says
I follow you on Bloglovin’
Tina says
I always look for the best sales and deals and also using coupons is a great way to save money on school clothes and school supplies.
Tina says
Following you on Bloglovin under tinakohrman. Thank you for the amazing giveaway!!!
sarah k says
Buy year round when there is a good sale, then you won’t be rushing and paying more later.
Shayna says
Coupon codes and back to school sales !!!
shebebes@yahoo.com
Shayna says
I follow you on bloglovin’
Shayna Brookman
Shayna says
I shared this giveaway on google +
https://plus.google.com/107070134132312766358/posts/JKibXHXnE5t
April Yedinak says
One of my tips for saving money at the beginning of the school year is to space out purchases for the classroom like paper towels and tissues. Since so many parents turn that stuff in at the beginning, I wait until a semester or two in and then bring that stuff. I have more money for school clothes and sometimes I can get the stuff really cheap by waiting for sales and using coupons.
christine jessamine says
my advice to always stock up when the sales hit for the following year
Andrea Williams says
Look at all the sales ads and plan your shopping trips.
Julie Lynn Bickham says
To start now, they already have great deals. I already bought school supplies.
Seyma Shabbir says
Coupon and Target coupon back to school supplies, stock up on free and great deals!
Michele P says
watch for sales and rebates, I also tend to shop for school clothing all year round, may get a few new pieces at regular price but usually I buy a bit larger for my daughter for the next year to wear often when these items are on seasonal clearance.
alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) says
read the circulars beforehand and plan accordingly!
Karin says
Shop Thrift stores and garage sales —
Leslie Galloway says
I start shopping early, and buy as things go on sale. If you wait until the last minute you’re stuck paying full price on supplies and clothes.
Crystal says
You can usually score some great deals right after school starts! Easy to store the items away for later in the year!
Crystal says
I follow on Bloglovin! (CrystalW07)
dv8 says
Dollar Tree and similar dollar stores have some supplies cheaper than at Walmart.
Brook Lohmeier says
Check ads carefully…OfficeMax runs good sales
rod jackson says
shop sales and the tax free weekend
Debra Elliott says
I wait until tax free week-end and use coupons and ad match at my local stores.
Debra Elliott says
I want until tax free week end and use coupons and ad match
Debra Hall says
i always started very early getting the best sales
Debra Hall says
I Follow She Scribes on BlogLovin
Melissa P. says
Patiently wait! Everything will go on sale at least twice if not more throughout the summer. Keep you eye out for sales and shop for what you need once it goes on sale. Even if that means going to different stores. It will help you save. Also, make sure you compare costs on single sold items versus those in multi-packs. For instance, Wal-mart had a 3-Pack of Pearl erasers for $1.48. Seemed like a good deal. However, they had the single Pearl erasers for $0.25 each. So, I was able to get 3 Pearl erasers for $.75 cents vs. the 3-pack for $1.48.
Yona says
I always keep an eye out for Staples fliers – they always have some really good savings for schooltime.
Jessica Cox says
always buy extra supplies when on sale so you can replenish through out the year
Jessica Cox says
i follow on bloglovin
jessicacox12764
Michelle C says
I shop for basic supplies all year round and stock up when I find great deals. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Bill Elliott says
Try to shop early if you can and watch for sales on back to school products in the weekend
newspapers.
tam childers says
shop around for best deals, start early.
Tammy S says
I use coupons and I also buy a bunch of the basics at the end of September and save them for the following year.
Kate F. says
Shop early. Don’t wait until the week before school starts.
BusyWorkingMama says
I try to watch the sale circulars and plan ahead.
Debbie G says
Best tip is to check sales ads for sales then search for coupons to use with the sale items.
laurie nykaza says
i watch for sales throughout the year so we don’t shop and spend all at one time
Ken Ohl says
check the sunday paper for the office supply store ads and get your supplies for next to nothing
Megan Cromes says
shop early in morning.;)
Dorrie Turner says
Make a list and set a budget so you stay on track.
Carol says
I like to look for sales, and shop with coupons also.
Robin Pearson says
Buy on sale and use coupons.
Annmarie W. says
I always make sure to watch for school supply coupons, and then hit up the back to school sales! Also, I buy supplies on sale throughout the year & stash them away for the next school year!
Laura says
Buy the things you know you’re going to need early when they’re on sale.
Katherine H says
I watch for sales and compare prices!
Kiara says
My tip is to shop tax free weekend.
Stephanie Larison says
Match coupons with back to school sales to get the cheapest price.
Ann Fantom says
My back to school shopping tip is to make a list of everything we need and set a dollar limit before beginning to shopping. Then stick to it.
Adrienne Gordon says
gotta shop the stores
Cynthia C says
Watch the sales and look for coupons to match up to them.
Georgia Beckman says
My best back to school money saving tip is this: divide & conquer. There are MANY stores with MANY sales. If you run all over to hit them all, you’re going to eat up all your savings on gas. Work with family & friends & each of you pick up a specific great sale item for all the others at a store your going to.
Margaret Smith says
Each Sunday, I go through our local sale papers and pick out the best deals on back to school items. Since each store is fairly close, I pick up at each store the best priced items that I need. I’m usually finished with back to school shopping in a few trips and I get the best prices.
Crystal F says
It’s best to price match with Walmart. It’s also good to watch Staples and Office Depot sales papers for their 1 cent sales. Thank you!
Angela Kinder says
Shop at more than once store. Another store might have some of the items you need at a cheaper price, and another store might have a cheaper backpack you need.
kim says
use coupons and check sales ads I combine my coupons and money back deals to save on everything
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
watch for sales
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Kim H says
use coupons and sales combined
Kathleen says
shop early when sales are cheap and stock up for the entire year
kport207 at gmail dot com
Katie K says
shop early sales
Monique Rizzo says
Buy in bulk when on sale.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Christina Sparks says
I shop all year long when I see a sale on the items needed for school
Erica H says
I try and shop a few weeks after school starts to get better savings on clothes!
Tari Lawson says
I like to stock up on things I know I will need when they go on clearance the year before. Things like folders, backpacks, lunchboxes, post its, etc.
Barbara Montag says
We have a neighborhood swap/sale for kids clothes – everyone loves it!
Thank you.
Barbara Montag says
Blog Lovin barbaramontag
Suzanne K says
I shop and stock up year round when I find the best deals
Claire says
For clothing, the clearance rack is your best friend. Target usually has a ton of nice stuff for under $10.
Geoff K says
My best tip would be to buy supplies in bulk from stores like Staples and Sam’s Club and save the extra items for the next school term/semester!
Tamar says
Buy when on sale throughout the year.
Jennifer R. says
My best back to school money saving tip is to start early and shop sales.
Jennifer R. says
I follow through Bloglovin’ under Jennifer Reed.
Anne says
When possible, buy things in bulk; for example, a six-pack of notebooks is often less expensive per notebook than if you bought six separate notebooks.
Jessica H. says
Consider thrift stores and consignment stores for clothing. We just went to our consignment store and they were having a huge half off sale. The clothes are generally higher quality and I scored a ton of items for about $2-3 a piece, many of them brand new items with tags still on. You cannot match that at a box store. With so many styles and trends popular and the freedom of self expression you can usually find something your child will adore. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
girlygirlugh at gmail dot com
kyl neusch says
use coupons.
karen b says
I don’t have any kids that go to school anymore, but when they did I always watched the ads before I shopped.
karenb834atyahoo.com
Deborah jackson says
Shop ahead of time and be ready for the sales. Plus, put money aside ahead of time!
debbie says
Don’t overbuy until you actually get to school, I know they have lists, but they usually end up not needing everything.. (get the loss leaders when they go on sale). Then get the clearance when the stores are getting rid of it all.
Jenna D says
Compare store prices and shop around
Jenna D says
following you on bloglovin- jennacat
Kimberly Hilbert says
My tip is to have a list before you go and know exactly what you need.
Bill Elliott says
Try to watch the sales papers when it gets close to time for school to starts, Office Depot,
Staples always run great deals that you can store for later in the year.
David Haug says
Don’t buy what you don’t need. Buy on sale items they will use all year, like paper and pencils
Sarah L says
Shop at thrift stores & garage sales
Thanks for the contest.
Sarah L says
subscribe email: slehandwc at gmail dot com
betty says
shop sales. don’t spend all at one store
Katherine says
Purchase when on sale!
Denise S says
Stock up on everything you’ll need while its on sale.
Robin says
Make a list, look for sales, and shop early.
Pat B says
Get what you can at the dollar store first – they have a great selection
Raine says
I buy supplies during the school year for the next year instead of just before school starts when the prices may be higher.
Raine says
I follow on Bloglovin as raine38
Eileen Burke says
There are great coupons to match up with sales out there!
Allie says
Always watch the ads for great deals and sales
Theresa D says
buy things on sale an use a coupon for the sale item whenever possibel
Theresa D says
I follow you on BlogLovin
Jill Myrick says
We have tax free weekend in NC and I try to buy most of what we need during that weekend when everything is on sale. I also save and use coupons whenever possible.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Tanya White says
I shop after school starts for the next year when everything is deeply discounted.
Deb S says
When buying clothes buy only one or two new outfits and save the rest for the Labor Day sales. Big savings and the kids still feel like they got new stuff for school.
Tina says
I shop early. I shop with coupons. I always catch the big sales. You can get some really good deals if you are careful.
john says
buy in july
kolpin says
buy on-sale items for next year at the same time, but in a different color–so it feels new!
Daniel M says
buy supplies at the end of the school year when they’re usually on sale for next season
June Lisle says
Check sales throughout the year and get the supplies as you go. It helps. online auction sites like listia doesn’t hurt either.
June Lisle says
I follow on Bloglovin as faithandfreebies
Terry Cross says
Shop around for the best prices and sales
Ashley says
I like to shop early at the discount stores such as Big Lots.
Carmen says
I stock up on supplies that can be used year-round, not just for school.
Tracy Allen says
Don’t miss out on the Tax Free days offered by many states
joni says
I just watch ads for sales and use discount codes online.
Roxann says
Compare prices and shop at the sales. Also use coupons when you can.
Kim Smith says
I search the ads weekly to get the best deals.
loni says
Shop early for the best deals on school supplies..as cheap as free or .01!
trippyjanet at gmail dot com
Teresa Crosswhite says
Lately I have been using coupons.
Teresa Crosswhite says
I make a list, sticking too it is another issue.
Susan Smith says
I match coupons with back to school sales to get the cheapest price.
Rebecca Peters says
I go for sales and clearance!
xxbeccaannxx@gmail.com
Lisa Garner says
I compare prices between stores and then make my purchases based on price and discounts.
angela cisco says
I shop around and get extras at the beginning of the year.
Leslie L Stanziani says
Shop around and make sure to compare all ads.I also go to thrift stores a lot.
Leslie L Stanziani says
I follow on bloglovin as lstanziani.
Aubrey says
i’m shopping on the tax free weekend
Karen A. says
Buy the Sunday newspaper and check out all the circulars
Keeley Sullivan says
Love this site!
Katherine Newton says
Coupons!
steph g says
I always look for coupons when shopping for clothes online.
matt lehman says
lol, but i tear the used pages in notebooks and send em back to school with last years paper!
Nicole Millheim says
I shop on tax free weekend and they have lots of sales then too
Nicole Millheim says
I follow on bloglovin
Rebecca Lock says
Buy quality items that can be used for several years- Better Binders and high quality backpack.
Carmen Peterson says
Pack the kids lunch. It is way more cost effective than letting them eat at the school. Healthier too!
Ellie W says
I always buy clothes and supplies at end of season clearance sales for the following year.
Donna Pyszk says
Shop at Walmart they have the best prices.
Samantha says
Use coupons and wait for sales!
Christine says
set a budget
Erica C. says
Buy items throughout the year when they are on sale.
CharityS says
Use coupons & shop on tax free weekend (if available).
Mary Cloud says
There are usually some great coupons in the newspaper around school time for school supplies
annabella @ centurytel dot net
Brittney House says
We shop during sales and use coupons
Jennifer Paige says
Look for sales and clearance areas.
Mihaela D. says
I save by shopping during tax free weekend.
Dawn Reid says
Use coupons and match with the sales.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Dawn Reid says
I follow on Bloglovin
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Miranda Ward says
I shop during tax free weekend!
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
Lindsey M says
I look around, most places have some good deals at back to school time so I stock up on things I’ll want at home too
Denise Donaldson says
use coupons and you can get many items free
Michaela R says
Use coupons, if you have them. Go when the sales are good. Stick to the list!!
Mya Murphy says
I look for sales and use coupons!!
Patrice says
My tip is to check out al the sales flyers and find the best prices for the items you are seeking. Be sure to look for any available coupons, and get loyalty cards to get store discounts.
susan smoaks says
I like to shop year round so that it doesn’t hit my budget all at once.
susan smoaks says
i follow you on blog lovin
Rachel Ellis says
I only shop the sales, if it isn’t on sale then I wait until it is to buy.
Rachel Ellis says
I follow you on bloglovin – http://www.bloglovin.com/racheljeramie
Joy Q says
Buy notebooks and pens when they go on sale in the fall for next year.
Jaime says
Wait for sales and coupons
Sherry Conrad says
If you ask my daughter, she will tell you to bring your mom with you- I picked up a lot of the things my grandson needs for her. 😉
Kathy Luman says
Buy things on sale and use coupons. I also look for the buy one get one free.
Sherry Conrad says
I follow you on Bloglovin
jules m. says
watch for sales and save coupons
Joy Q says
I follow you on bloglovin – http://www.bloglovin.com/rjcqh
Peter G says
Go with the school list and leave the kids at home. Cheaper that way.
K. Cleaver says
I pick up the basics that the kids need (paper, pencils, folders, notebooks) when they’re on sale and buy extra backpacks to have on hand for when theirs falls apart.
T.h.Ransom says
I try to get some of the basic supplies the year before when there are after school clearance sales. Then I get the remaining items by sticking to the sales.
Beth Klocinski says
Shop the sales and don’t forget to check out the office supply stores as they get great deals
Jeanette H. says
Shop around. Watch the sale papers and get there early so they don’t run out.
Beverly Metcalf says
Make a list of what is needed and then watch sales and buy when the needed items are on sale. Thanks for this contest.
Brandi Kerr says
Clarence racks are my favorite.. LOVE EM
Heather S says
get emails from your fav store to know the sales and use coupons
janna johnson says
use coupons during sales and try dollar stores
Vikki Billings says
you should plan to do your School shopping when they have the tax free weekend in your state
Vikki Billings says
I follow you on Bloglovin as Vikki Billings
S Carter says
I buy school supplies 1 year ahead, so I buy next years supplies when this years go on clearance.
kristin sims says
Well, this year our school board has placed a policy where all students wear uniforms….although my 8th grader can’t stand it, it sure will save me a lot of money on back to school clothes!
kristin sims says
i shared on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?src=bm&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shescribes.com%2F2013%2F07%2Fsaving-on-back-to-school-supplies-fashions-giveaway-ends-8713.html%23W3sdKGe9ryyhiZ7v.01&t=Saving+%24%24%24+on+Back+to+School+Supplies+%26+Fashions+%28Giveaway+ends+8%2F7%2F13%29+%7C+She+Scribes&v=3
AEKZ2 says
My tip is to shop at a store that price matches other stores’ ads
Barbara Long says
My best back to school savings tip is to start shopping early and shop the sales and use coupons.
longbarb11@aol.com
Sand says
I stock up on sales.
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway…get the school supply shopping list from your school before summer break, or the week before school starts so you can “shop to the list”.
Melanie Johnson says
Shop the sales all year round!