Does the idea of shopping for back to school make your wallet hide?
Don’t worry, here are a couple of things to consider before you start your back-to-school field trip.
stick to the list
Most school systems now hand out a school supply list well in advance of the first day of school. Use this list and try not to add anything to it.
buy the sales
With your list in hand, grab those dirty papers and plan your attack. Look to see which stores have what on sale. If you know that your little one will only use an XYZ brand notebook because it has their favorite character, look at which store sells it for less. Yes, you may need to visit more than one store to get the best deals. Just keep in mind the gas mileage. Also, shop late in the season for the best deals.
Consider Second Hand
Other places to consider when shopping for back-to-school clothes are consignment, second-hand clothing, and even eBay. You may be able to find high-quality items, even brand new, for much less. Also, reputable thrift stores won’t even accept clothing that has stains, rips, or tears. Nobody needs to know where you bought them.
Determine your needs
One really important thing to consider is if your little one really NEEDS it. Do you really need that whole new wardrobe or will a couple of pieces throughout the year work best? They’ll probably outgrow them in no time anyway.
If it’s a must, make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money. Athletic shoes are an excellent example of this. Do your son’s shoes have a hole just a few weeks after he bought them?
Just a few things to keep in mind when shopping for back to school. Remember to stick to a list, shop the bargains, consider the secondhand purchase and determine if it’s a want or a need.