Summer might not be over, but with school enrollment starting, it’s time to start thinking about tackling that giant school supply list that you will be receiving. Even though it’s a pack of crayons here and a couple of glue sticks there – it all adds up and can really hurt the wallet!
Below we have listed several tips to shop the list at a discount. Many of which you might not have thought of! Have any more budget back-to-school shopping locations? Make sure to comment below!
Pro Tip: You can get $5 Back to School Haircuts art Paul Mitchell Hair School
Tips to Save on Back-to-School 2024:
Don’t buy everything at once
This is the biggest tip I can give you. To save the most money on school supplies, start your shopping in mid-July and go every week until sometime in August. Doing this also allows for you to keep an eye on when particular items might go on sale and to grab them at that time.
See What you Already Have on Hand
Before you head out to the store take inventory of what you already have.
Don’t shop the dollar Stores
It seems counterintuitive, but when school supply sales are going on the dollar stores don’t have the best deals. Why pay $1 for a notebook when you could get it for 35 cents? In addition – most dollar stores will not carry the specific brands and items that your school supply list is requesting. Take a look at the school supply price list linked below to get an idea of what you should be paying for school supplies this time of year.
Don’t buy everything new
Visit our list of Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops in Wichita. With all of the commercialism and advertisements pouring in right now regarding back-to-school shopping – try to avoid the trap that your child needs everything new, every year. The same backpacks and lunch boxes as last year will still be just as great, this year. Binders, folders, pens, and other lightly used supplies should be dug back out of storage and used, again this year. In addition to this – the best way you can save money in back-to-school shopping would be to shop the second-hand stores for your kiddo’s clothes. If your school requires a uniform – make sure you pay attention to the used uniform sales or check Facebook Marketplace for uniform pieces for sale. Second-hand doesn’t have to mean “second-best.” Lightly used clothing, backpacks, shoes, and sporting equipment will be just as good as purchasing brand-new and you will save hundreds of dollars in the process.
Follow the School Supplies List
School supply lists are available for most districts in Wichita by mid-July. Print the list and bring it with you every time you go shopping and diligently tackle each item on that list, and that list, alone. It’s easy to be lured into buying a trendy outfit, roller backpack, or notebook for your child but it’s a waste of money if those items aren’t accepted by the school. Sticking with the list will also keep you from feeling too overwhelmed while you are shopping and save you time, in the process.
Also see the School Supply Price List, which is a compilation of some of the lowest prices on school supplies we’ve seen in previous years. You can use that for comparison.
Watch the sales
During back-to-school shopping season, stores often mark prices on certain items waaaay down to get you in the store. These stores lose money on particular items in hopes that you’ll decide to just finish off your other shopping list (as well as a few impulse purchases) while you’re there.
Although many stores have foregone weekly back-to-school deals and have decided to have the same discount the entire shopping season, still keep your eyes peeled. By being patient and comparing prices you can tackle your list for even half the price!
*Quick Tip* Do Not Procrastinate! Stores purchase these supplies, in bulk, and frequently do not re-purchase. If its 1-week before school starts and the bin of crayons and #2 pencils are empty, you’re out of luck and you’ll have to purchase at a premium through online retailers such as Amazon.
Check the “per-unit” price
When comparing prices on a package of pens, pencils, etc. and you really want to know if you’re getting a deal, divide the package price by the number of items in the pack to come up with the unit price.
This is most helpful when shopping for supplies in bulk. I can’t just glance at, say, a 200-pack of Ticonderoga pencils at Sam’s Club or Costco and tell you if it’s a good deal. I have to do the math.
Uniforms
If your child attends a school where you have a dress code or uniforms. Typically, Walmart & Old Navy have Polos for around $4 right before school. Like the day or 2 before school starts. Also, check out Childrnes Place and Amazon for good deals.
Save on Big Ticket Items
It’s great to save 30 cents on a pack of markers, but isn’t it even better to save 30 dollars on a backpack, sporting equipment, school shoes, or a graphing calculator?
Yeah! So beginning in July, start visiting the stores and hunting down those items at a discount. If you aren’t particular on brand, we suggest shopping overstock and discount stores. Also, dont miss the Amazon Prime Day Sale that’s every July.
Our list of favorite stores for back-to-school big-ticket items:
- Outlet & Discount Stores in Wichita
- Ross
- The Bin Stores
- T.J. Maxx
- Marshalls
- Ollies
- Dillards Clearance Center
- SKECHERS Warehouse Outlet (for shoes)
Summer clearance
In Kansas, school starts when it’s still hot outside, and it usually stays hot well into October, so when it comes to buying the kids new clothes for school, remember that you can hold off on the winter sweaters and long pants (unless the school doesn’t allow shorts).
A perfect way to save money on school clothes is to shop the summer clearance. This is a great way for your kids to get new clothes and you get good deals!
Be wary of deals that aren’t deals
Back-to-school sales are a huge marketing ploy! Almost every store is going to have some sort of “sale” advertised, this summer, stating that you will save if you purchase. Before you grab that center-aisle display item marked as a bargain, make sure you do your research to make sure its a great price.
Computers and device sales
The sales for technology items don’t get much better than around this time of year. But before you shop, know your specs!
Yes, you can find a laptop for under $500, but a portable mini-computer (like a Chromebook) might be even cheaper and sufficient for the task. It is important to know how much memory you need, what size and type of hard drive you want, how large or small it should be, what peripherals the item will work with, etc.
The same is true for calculators. Teachers may have specific requirements for those too, and you often won’t find out what they are until after school starts.
For a scientific calculator, you should only spend in the neighborhood of $10. Graphing calculators, however, are often closer to $100! So before you drop that amount of cash, make sure the one you’re looking at will meet school requirements.
Related Articles:
Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops in Wichita
List of Outlet and Discount Stores in Wichita
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