When it comes to sending your children off to school, one area that requires special attention is that of your kid’s school supplies. Why? Because, besides clothing, school supplies tend to take up a big chunk of the family’s finances, all at once, at one time of the year, Fall. Paying special attention to ways to cut that cost will make most parents very happy.
To save some money on kids school supplies, try to spread out buying the items all at once. Some items happen to be every day items (like tissues) and can be bought in larger quantities when a sale on them is found at other times of the year.
Some items can be reused. Lunch boxes, unless they are literally falling apart, can be used and even passed down to younger siblings. When purchasing one new, try not to let your child talk you into buying a fad-themed lunch box (or any other reusable supplies, for that mater). Next year, the fad might be gone, or your child has lost interest and you will be forced to buy a new one. Instead, buy plain items and let your child decorate them with stickers that can be removed easily enough.
While paper folders might be one of those really cheap items in the Fall, you may want to consider upgrading to the plastic kind. Paper disintegrates under the use and abuse of children, backpacks and lockers, and will find they need frequent replacement. Buying plastic folders saves money in the long run.
Other school supplies for kids, such as, paper, pens, crayons, folders, etc really are at their cheapest right before school starts. So, in that case, it would be a better idea to set a small amount of money aside every month just for those really cheap school supplies sales. If at all possible, buy more than you think your children will need for one year.
You will never know when your child might lose her supplies or special needs arise. If nothing else, you will have a jumpstart on supplies for the following year. My mother always kept a shelf in the hallway linen closet stocked with school supplies. This was very nice to have.
If this is your first year to buy kid’s school supplies, be sure to find out when the list for your child needs will be available. After that, from year to year, keep last year’s list handy wherever you go. Other items that won’t necessarily be on sale in the Fall can be bought at any time, and when they are found on sale, it makes for a much more satisfying experience.
By keeping the list with you whenever you go out shopping, you will know what you need and can act when a good sale is found. In any case, just keeping an eye open will inform you as to where you might find the best prices for certain items when it comes time to buy your kid’s school supplies.