Save on School Supply Shopping

July 30th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under • by Debbie Dragon

My oldest son is going into first grade this September, and I still remember my shock at the extensive “school supply” list he had for Kindergarten LAST year. I spent well over $60 gathering the supplies for his “must-have” list, and after receiving this year’s school supply list, I calculate it will cost about the same if I don’t take some action! Here are some tips to save on your school supply shopping:

Use Leftover Stuff

I know there are some things that need to be purchased new, but there are many times when we can easily recycle and re-use that we don’t. Backpacks can almost always withstand more than a single school year of use, but many parents get a new one each school year for their children.

Do you have any pocket folders leftover from last school year? Some rip and get damaged from the wear and tear of use, but chances are you have a few leftover that are still in the package or in good shape. Use them again this year. Same goes with pencil boxes or cases, scissors, rulers, glue sticks, etc. Our school district includes these items on the shopping list year after year, but there is no reason to buy new each year if the old ones still work!

Watch Sales Flyers

Office Max often offers penny sales on items during the months of August and September. You can get pens, pencils, white-out, post-its, notebook paper and more for just a penny. Stock up on these items at rock bottom prices and you can use them this year… and next year, too.

The Dollar Store

My school district also tends to specify BRAND NAME products when creating their school shopping lists, but I don’t think they’ll turn down my store-brand zippered bags just because I didn’t buy Ziploc brand, do you?

Baby wipes, Chlorox wipes, dry erase markers and crayons can all be purchased inexpensively at the dollar store. You may not get specific brand names, but the item will work just as well and the school will be just as happy to have the store brands as the name brands, I’m sure!

Buy a Little at a Time

It can be tempting to head to Walmart or Target with your child’s school supply list and check off every item from the 50-item list all in one stop to get it over with. The fact is though, there are times when teachers sort of change their minds once school begins, and request additional or different items from the original list you receive. I’ve had this happen! You might consider buying the individual supplies that are for your own child’s use first; and holding off a bit on the “shared” supplies that all parents contribute to the classroom use to be sure the list doesn’t change after you’ve gone out and purchased everything.