This post is about 10 back-to-school shopping tips you must know in order to save time and money.
School bells are ringing, and so are the savings!
Get ready to crush your back-to-school shopping game with these 10 must-know tips to save time and money.
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As a former student, I remember the thrill of shopping for aesthetic school supplies and cute school outfits.
However, despite going back-to-school shopping annually, I often needed to plan more effectively.
I rarely checked my current supplies, reviewed my wardrobe, or set a budget—essential steps before hitting the stores.
So, this article is based on my firsthand experience of what not to do when preparing for back-to-school shopping and aims to help you avoid the small pitfalls.
Whether you’re a parent prepping for the first day or a student gearing up for a new semester, mastering back-to-school shopping is key.
This article’s got the hacks and strategies you need to make this year’s shopping spree a breeze.
We’ve rounded up 10 game-changing tips to help you shop smarter, save bigger, and strut through the aisles like a real pro.
From savvy budget hacks to insider strategies, get ready to ace your shopping list and make this year’s prep a total win!
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Take Inventory Of What You Currently Have
The first step is to take stock of what you already have to get ready for some fab back-to-school shopping.
Yes, it’s time for a closet audit!
Assess your wardrobe and decide which items you want to keep, toss, or donate.
Our detailed article will guide you through the decluttering process so you can make room for all those chic new outfits.
Don’t forget to inventory your school supplies—notebooks, pens, and emergency kit essentials.
You might find it helpful to create a list of everything you’ll need for the upcoming school year and tick off items as you go.
This simple strategy will keep you from splurging on unnecessary items and avoid buying duplicates.
Have A List Of Your Needs vs. Your Wants
Once you’ve taken stock of everything you already have for the upcoming school year, it’s time to use that info to your advantage.
Make a list of what you need versus want.
And yes, darling, there’s a difference—trust me!
Needs might include more binders, dividers, and a hole puncher if you don’t already own one.
Wants, on the other hand, could be the latest Skims set you’ve been eyeing, a new laptop even though your current one is perfectly functional, or a chic new phone case—because what’s back-to-school shopping without a little extra flair?
Being honest with yourself on these details can save you time and money.
Prepare A Thorough Back To School Shopping List
Shopping lists are your ultimate secret weapon for an absolute stress-free haul!
So, let’s put them to work, shall we?
Start by gathering all the info from tips 1 and 2, plus that handy back-to-school list your school gives out.
Whether you prefer to go digital or old-school with a notepad, create a list of everything you’ll need.
And don’t forget to make a separate “wish list” for those extra goodies you might want to snag while you’re at it.
Creating a list isn’t just a must for back-to-school shopping; it’s a fabulous habit to adopt for everything from grocery runs to planning your daily tasks.
It’s about making life easier and much more organized.
Have Your Back To School Budget In Place
We’ve all heard the phrase “ballin’ on a budget,” right?
Well, that’s precisely what you’ll be doing this years back-to-school shopping season.
From personal experience, I can tell you how easy it is to go overboard without a solid budget.
Now, I would only dream of stepping into a store with a clear plan of how much I’m spending and on what.
So, let’s get smart about it!
Start by setting a budget for your upcoming back-to-school shopping spree.
Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall, and if you’re feeling extra organized, break it down further.
How much for supplies, how much for clothing, and yes, even how much for that trendy hairstyle.
You may find that need to tweak your plans and/or save more for particular items.
Trust me, creating a budget is critical to keeping your spending in check and your shopping spree successful!
Prioritize Important Items Before Options Are Limited
Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times for online and in-store shopping.
Everyone’s hunting for the cutest supplies, the hottest shoes to strut down the hallways, and the best deals.
To snag those must-have items while the selection is still fresh, start by prioritizing the essentials on your list.
Knock out the must-haves first, and once those are checked off, you can shop for the basics without stressing over whether your favorite style has sold out.
This way, you’ll easily have your practical and also stylish, needs covered.
Know Where The Back To School Sales Are
Nothing says “back to school” like a fabulous sale!
Before you embark on that shopping spree, take a moment to check when your favorite stores are running their back-to-school promotions.
Not only will this help you save money on all your must-have essentials, but it’ll also save you from a frenzied shopping marathon.
This post is about 10 back-to-school shopping tips you must know in order to save time and money.
*Pin this image to Pinterest and save this post for future reference!*
Typically, stores launch their back-to-school sales in August and September, so mark your calendar and watch for those important dates.
That way, you can hit up the best deals without the hassle of bouncing from store to store.
Happy shopping—and may your wardrobe and school supplies be as dazzling as your new semester!
Take Advantage Of Back To School Tax-Free Week
If you’re not jumping on the chance to enjoy your state’s tax-free week, you’re really missing out!
Tax-free week is like a little holiday for your wallet, running from Sunday, August 18th to Saturday, August 24th 2024 of this year.
During this week, many states offer a temporary reprieve from sales tax on certain items, a perfect excuse to splurge on back-to-school items.
Trust me, your budget will thank you for skipping the regular, tax-laden shopping days.
Where I live in Connecticut, most clothing and footwear under $100 are tax-exempt during this week.
So before diving into your back-to-school shopping spree, mark this week on your calendar.
And if you’re unsure when your state’s tax-free week is, just do a quick search—you don’t want to miss out on those sweet savings!
Compare Item Prices Both In-Stores & Online
A simple tip that savvy shoppers always remember to do is compare prices.
It might seem like a no-brainer, especially with back-to-school shopping and any other shopping spree, but a little reminder never hurts.
Before you rush off to Target for that adorable pink lunchbox you spotted online, take a moment to check prices at other stores like Walmart or Costco.
You might be surprised at how much you can save with just a bit of extra effort.
Trust me, those savings add up and can make a big difference in your budget.
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And remember, many stores offer price-matching policies or additional discounts if you bring in a lower price from a competitor.
So, before you make any purchases, give yourself a few minutes to compare and enjoy the thrill of scoring a good old bargain.
Buy Those Generic Brands Whenever Possible
One of the…second…smartest moves you can make when back-to-school shopping is opting for generic brands over name brands.
While it might be tempting to splurge on those high-profile labels, generic brands often offer the same quality for a fraction of the price.
Think of it as a secret for saving money without sacrificing the essentials.
Many generic products are produced in the same factories as their brand-name counterparts and meet the same standards but with a more wallet-friendly price tag labeled on it.
From notebooks and pens to snacks and toiletries, choosing generic can lead to significant savings that you can redirect to other essential areas, like extracurricular activities or those cute pair of back-to-school kicks you’ve been eyeing in DSW.
So, next time you’re stocking up for the school year, try those generic options—you might just be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save while still getting everything you need.
Get Yourself A Latte & Take Your Time, Girl
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, patience is truly your best friend.
Taking time to choose each item can work wonders for your shopping experience and budget.
We all know that rushing through your list can lead to impulse buys—hello, glitter pens you don’t need!—or missing out on those oh-so-amazing deals.
Instead, make a miniature adventure out of it: set aside some time to peruse different stores, compare prices, and really think about each purchase.
This not only helps you dodge those last-minute shopping scrambles but also allows you to discover some hidden gems at fabulous prices.
You might just stumble upon some sales or promotions you’d miss if you’re speed-shopping.
Take a deep breath, sip that yummy latte, and enjoy the process, girlfriend.
A touch of patience can lead to serious savings and make your back-to-school shopping experience successful.
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a stress-fest—with these ten essential tips, you can tackle it confidently and easily.
A little planning goes a long way, from creating a detailed list and setting a budget to prioritizing quality over quantity and taking advantage of seasonal sales.
This post is about 10 back-to-school shopping tips you must know in order to save time and money.
*Pin this image to Pinterest and save this post for future reference!*
With these 10 back-to-school shopping tips, you’ll breeze through your to-do list and sprinkle a little extra sparkle on the new school year.
Get your shopping bags out, lists prepared, and get ready to make this school year the most successful one.
Happy shopping, here’s to a fantastic school year! 📚
This is a good back to school shopping tips. I shall share this post with some friends who have siblings who are still studying. Thank you for sharing.
These are great ways to save on back-to-school shopping! It can cost so much sometimes so these are great saving tips! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk