Tips for Smart Back-to-School Supply Shopping

As summer winds down, the excitement (and sometimes stress) of back-to-school shopping ramps up. For many families, this annual task can be a budget strain, but with some strategic planning, you can save money and teach your kids valuable financial lessons. Here’s how to get the best deals on school supplies.

Plan ahead and make a school supplies list

Start by having your child’s supply list provided by their school, grade level, or teacher. If you did not receive one at the end of the year in your child’s report card envelope, check the school’s website. Review the list carefully to identify essential items and potential extras. Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute purchases, which can often be more expensive.

Take advantage of Virginia’s tax-free weekend

Mark your calendars! Virginia's tax-free weekend usually falls on the first weekend of August. During this time, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, and footwear without paying sales tax. This can lead to significant savings, especially if you're buying for multiple children. Check the state’s website for specific dates and a list of qualifying items.

Shop smart with sales and coupons

Retailers often have back-to-school sales starting in mid-July. Combine these sales with coupons for maximum savings. Here are some tips to stretch your dollar further:

• Price matching: Many stores, including major retailers, will match a competitor’s price. Bring ads or use your smartphone to show the lower price at checkout.
• Bulk buying: Purchase frequently used items like pencils, notebooks, and glue in bulk. These can be shared among siblings or stored for next year.
• Dollar store shopping: Basic supplies like folders, notebooks, erasers, and scissors can often be found at dollar stores for a fraction of their prices at big-box retailers. However, as a veteran elementary school teacher, I strongly advise not skimping on crayons and pencils. Ticonderoga and Crayola are worth the extra cost for their quality. Just trust me on this one!
• Online shopping: Websites like Amazon often have competitive prices, especially when you buy in bulk. Don’t forget to check for online coupons or cash back offers.

How to involve your kids in back-to-school shopping

Back-to-school shopping is a perfect opportunity to teach your kids about money management. Here’s how you can turn this shopping trip into a fun financial lesson:

Budgeting

Give your child a budget for their school supplies. This can be a fixed amount of money they have to spend wisely. Allowing kids to pick out some of their own school supplies fosters a sense of responsibility and independence, boosts their confidence, and encourages them to express their individuality. This process can also make them more excited about the upcoming school year, since they have items that reflect their personal tastes and interests.

Comparison shopping

Show them how to compare prices between different stores and brands. Use a notebook or a simple spreadsheet to list prices and calculate the best deals.

Identifying needs vs. wants

Teach them to distinguish between essential and non-essential items. For example, while they need pencils and notebooks, a new superhero backpack might be a want. Discuss how prioritizing needs helps manage your family budget.

Planning for future school expenses

New school supplies aren’t the only expense families face throughout the academic year. Extracurricular activities, field trips, and seasonal clothing can add up. Here’s how to plan ahead:

• Monthly savings: Set aside a small amount each month specifically for school-related expenses. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed when these costs arise.
• Emergency funds: Build a separate fund for unexpected expenses. These could be anything from a lost pair of glasses to a last-minute project requiring supplies.
• Sales cycles: Be aware of when certain items go on sale. For example, buy winter clothes at the end of the season when they are heavily discounted.

Keeping school supplies organized

Having a designated space for school supplies and school-related paperwork is important for several reasons.

  Check your inventory. Before hitting the stores, take stock of the supplies you already have. Last year’s leftover notebooks, binders, and pencils can often be reused. Encourage your kids to personalize old items to make them feel new again. This not only saves money but also teaches kids about the value of reusing and recycling.

 Unwanted leftover school supplies? Be sure to donate them so that other kids can use them. For example, you can donate school supplies to Richmond Public Schools, Charlottesville area schools through Backpack Buddies, or relevant school systems or organizations in your area.

  Manage receipts. Keep all school-related receipts in one place. This helps if you need to return or exchange items and makes it easier to track your spending.

  Set up a supply station. Create a dedicated area at home where supplies are stored. This keeps everything organized and makes it easy to find what’s needed for homework and projects. This will also help kids stay on task during homework time rather than wandering around the house searching for what they need.

With a little planning, you can make back-to-school shopping a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Remember to take advantage of Virginia’s tax-free weekend, involve your kids in budgeting and shopping, and plan ahead for the school year’s expenses. Happy shopping, and here’s to a successful and budget-friendly school year!