Ah, summer! Sunshine, the lake, baseball and iced tea…and back to school? Summer is quickly coming to an end and fall is just around the corner. That means pencils, markers, crayons, glue sticks, rulers, paper, shoes, maybe even a new backpack. It may seem like it’s too early to start thinking about making your kid’s back-to-school shopping list but now that it’s August and with schools starting early in many districts this year, it’s time to think about ways to save money on back-to-school shopping.

Try these shopping tips to save you time, money and hassle when shopping for back to school.

Begin by shopping at home first

Any supplies already stashed away in drawers from last school year are a bonus, so check the house for pencils, markers, rulers, and paper.

Stick to the list

School supply aisles these days look can look like toy departments and it can be tempting to buy those flashy pens and cutely designed folders – but the extra supplies that aren’t on the supply list can quickly add up.

Buy the basics in bulk

Items such as paper, pencils, pens, glue sticks, and notebooks can often be bought in bulk at discounted prices. Keep leftover supplies and set up a station in the house where kids can pull items to use all year – this helps avoid last-minute shopping trips when your child hits that last page of the math notebook.

Track discounts and sales

During weeks leading up to the first day of school, check for coupons from retailers like Staples, Office Max, Wal-Mart, Target and Office Depot. Each of these stores has specials at different times. Sticking to your list can help you find discounts on those items. Look for coupons in your local newspaper or download the free RetailMeNot app to help you spend less this back-to-school season.

Between books, clothing, and supplies, the start of the school year can be tough on your wallet. Use these tips to keep costs down and save a few extra dollars.

Author: Acacia Kersey, Marketing Specialist | Marketing Services