Summer is nearly over, and soon children around the country will be headed back to school. Whilst this can bring a welcome break to tired parents and grandparents, it can also hit your wallet hard. School fees, uniforms and supplies add up fast. Here are some great ways to save on your back-to-school shopping.
Do a supply stocktake
Before you head to the shops, take an inventory of the school supplies that were left over from last year. You may already own many of the items on the list, and others might only need a top up.
There may be plenty of pens, pencils, notebooks, and loose leaf paper floating around the house to get your kids through at least part of the year. Other items—think binders, scissors, rulers, pencil cases and lunchboxes—are durable enough that they can be reused. If your child owns multiple half-used boxes of markers or crayons, you may be able to combine them to create a full, “new” set.
Stick to the list
The supplies recommended by your child’s school or teacher are what they’ll actually need for class. Anything else will probably not be used. Save yourself money by only getting what’s on the list.
However, the list may still be over a dozen items long, and that’s just for one child! If possible, ask your children’s teachers if there is anything they won’t be needing right away. Hold off buying these supplies until they’ll actually be put to use. This can help spread your spending throughout the school year, and give you an opportunity to take advantage of discounts after the back-to-school rush.
Buy generic, but durable supplies
Your children and grandchildren will probably want all the “coolest” school items. However, trendy branded merchandise is not only more expensive, it’s often not made to last.
Generic supplies are usually a better option. They’re typically less expensive, and you’re more likely to find sales and discounts on unbranded items. They also tend to last longer, standing up to the daily wear and tear of the schoolroom. You can compromise with your little ones by allowing them one or two special items, such as a lunchbox featuring their favourite cartoon character, but stick to non-branded items for everything else.
Look for secondhand items
Children grow quickly, and may not use clothing and backpacks for long before they no longer fit. Lightly used uniforms or school bags are available and can save you money.
Secondhand uniforms can sometimes be purchased at the shops or through your child’s school, you just have to ask. If not, try arranging a “swap day” with other parents. Others may have items from their older students that don’t fit or are no longer needed that might be perfect for your children. You can also try online classified sites for used backpacks or jackets.
As with school supplies, try spreading out your spending rather than getting everything at once. Put off purchasing jumpers and cold weather jackets until the seasons change.
Label everything
Kids are notorious for losing things. Hats, jumpers, notebooks, sport equipment… these and many other items routinely end up in the school lost and found box. Replacing missing items can be costly, especially custom items like glasses or mouth guards.
Labelling your child’s school things won’t keep them from going missing, but it does increase the chances of them be returned. Fabric labels that can be sewn into clothes and hats are more durable than fabric markers. Stickers bearing your kids’ names can be affixed to other items. Buy a few extra sheets at the beginning of the year to replace the labels as they wear out.
Plan lunches around what’s on sale
Packing your child’s lunchbox is a great way to ensure they have healthy lunch options and save money.
Plan the week’s menu around what’s on sale. Select fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season, and chose deli meat varieties on special. You can also stock up on non-perishable snacks, such as muesli bars and crackers, when they’re at their lowest price. If you’re family aren’t picky eaters, you can also try different snack brands as they go on sale.
Looking for more back-to-school tips? Learn how to pick the perfect backpack for your child.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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