17 Money-Saving Tips for Back to School Shopping

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

1. Stick to the teacher’s list of supplies
2. Shop at home first; you may already own most items
3. Wait until tax-free holidays
4. Buy plain lunch-boxes and let kids decorate
5. Put names on everything
6. Clip coupons from Sunday circulars
7. Shop discount stores first
8. Don’t forget about grocery store sales
9. Follow stores’ social media accounts for sale alerts
10. Buy in bulk and split among multiple families

Clothing

11. Vintage is big, try thrift shops
12. If not vintage, go discount, such as TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Nordstrom Rack
13. If not discount, try gilt.com, zulily.com and myhabit.com
14. Make alterations to old clothes: Hem pants, dye shirts, sew on cool patches
15. Organize or find a clothing swap with other moms in your area
16. Old Navy, Gap Kids, and The Children’s Place refund the difference on new sale items within 14 days
17. Use Craigslist to sell stuff for extra cash