Without a plan, back-to-school shopping can become an expensive hassle. Here is a checklist that will help keep your family on time, on task, and on budget:
Supplies
- Stick to the teacher’s list of supplies
- Shop at home first; you may already own most items
- Wait until tax-free holidays
- Buy plain lunch-boxes and let kids decorate
- Put names on everything
- Clip coupons from Sunday circulars
- Shop discount stores first
- Don’t forget about grocery store sales
- Follow stores’ social media accounts for sale alerts
- Buy in bulk and split among multiple families
Clothing
- Vintage is big, try thrift shops
- If not vintage, go discount, such as TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Nordstrom Rack
- If not discount, try gilt.com, zulily.com and myhabit.com
- Make alterations to old clothes: Hem pants, dye shirts, sew on cool patches
- Organize or find a clothing swap with other moms in your area
- Old Navy, Gap Kids, and The Children’s Place refund the difference on new sale items within 14 days
- Use Craigslist to sell stuff for extra cash
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