It's hard to believe that school is starting next week in Roanoke County! If you're like most of us, you're not looking forward to the extra shopping you'll have to do for back to school clothes, supplies, and fees. I recently asked local parents on our Facebook page for ideas on saving money on clothes and supplies. The response was fantastic- with over 60 tips and tricks shared that I've summarized in this article. If you think I'm missing anything please share by emailing bethbell@macaronikid.com.
Saving Money on Clothes
Shop Re-sale stores, such as Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, and re-sale events like Back on The Rack and LFA in September. You can also find toys, games, and equipment to start setting aside items for Christmas. Even sweeter, sell your gently used children’s clothing and items and earn money to pay for winter clothes.
Wait it out Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe for the first day of school. A new outfit is nice, but most of your kids spring/summer clothes are still wearable for this time of year. In addition, retail sales trends prove that price of fall and winter clothes drops dramatically by the end of September, early October. In Roanoke, Virginia, you won’t need winter clothes and coats until the end of October and later.
Saving Money on Back to School Supplies
Plan ahead Stores that don’t typically carry an excessive amount of school supplies throughout the year, Kroger, for example, will put their school supplies on sale by the end of September to make room for new seasonal things. Stock up on supplies then for mid year, get a few things to help the teachers out, and also the following school year. You can look online at the following school year’s list to get a good idea of what you child will need.
Look around. You may be surprised what you already have at home. Clean out closets, last year’s backpack, your office and other spaces around the house, you may find that you have many supplies that are reusable from prior years.
Buy in bulk If you have multiple kids or you can split bulk supplies with a few mom friends with kids in the same grade or you just want to stock up for mid-year.
Leave the kids at home, you’ll only get what they need versus what they think is trendy or fun. Let’s face it, everything is going to look pretty rough by December. Skip the shopping part altogether, and order through the Kroger or Walmart apps so all you have to do is drive up and pick up your purchases.
A note about Backpacks
Don’t skimp on quality. If you buy a good quality one, it will last for years. My oldest son carried the same LL Bean pack from 1st grade through 8th. We upgraded for high school because he needed more room, and this bag should last him through college. (Hey, I still use my vintage 1996 LL Bean pack! )
I hope you find this helpful! Have a great school year! Receive more tips, tricks, giveaways, and weekly event calendars in your inbox every Tuesday when you subscribe to our free newsletter! SUBSCRIBE HERE.
P.S. Want to look like a Pinterest Mom? We make it easy with our fun Back to School Printables:
