Back to school shopping

Back to school season is officially here, and with it, the annual adventure of supply shopping! It can feel overwhelming, but I've found that having a strategy really helps. This year, my goal was to be super intentional, sticking strictly to the 'supply's list' and avoiding unnecessary purchases. It's amazing how quickly things add up, right? I wanted to share my personal 'back to school shopping guide' to help you tackle your own list efficiently and affordably. One of my biggest 'back to school shopping tips' is to truly go through that list item by item. Don't just eyeball it! As the saying goes, 'Only sticking to the supply's list and that's all' really makes a difference. Before buying anything new, I always check what we can 'reuse from last year'. Backpacks, lunchboxes, and even some art supplies like rulers or good quality scissors can often get another year out of them, saving a good chunk of change. This is a fantastic 'back-to-school shopping hack' for saving money on school supplies without sacrificing quality. This year's list was pretty straightforward. We needed notebooks, pencils, and of course, a few specific items. I had a funny 'mom brain!!!' moment when I was thinking about 'composition books'. The list said 'THREE (like needs 3) composition books', and for a second, I was confused, thinking about musical compositions! It’s easy to get mixed up with terminology, so always double-check the exact wording on the list. Getting those 'composition books' sorted was a win! Beyond the standard 'stationery items list', there's always the clothing aspect. While the initial article was brief, my shopping included specific clothing items like '3 shirts', '1 dress', and '1 pair of pants'. For clothing, I focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and I always look for sales and clearance racks to maximize our budget. And don't forget the lunch essentials! A sturdy 'Bento' box is always on our 'school essentials' list; it makes packing healthy lunches so much easier and minimizes waste. To really 'save money on school supplies', consider these extra 'back to school shopping hacks': Shop Sales Tax Holidays: Many states offer these, so plan your big purchases around them if possible. Buy in Bulk (Smartly): If you know you'll use a lot of something (like pencils or glue sticks), buying a larger pack can be cheaper in the long run, but don't overbuy just to buy bulk. Compare Prices: Don't just go to one store. Check online and local stores for the best deals on your 'school supplies list'. Dollar Stores/Discount Retailers: These can be great for basic items like folders, rulers, and even some art supplies. You'd be surprised what 'back to school things' you can find. DIY Where Possible: Sometimes, personalizing existing items or making simple organizers can be cheaper and more fun. Look for Hand-Me-Downs/Donations: Especially for bigger items like uniforms or textbooks, community groups or school programs might be a lifesaver. Prioritize: What are the absolute 'back to school must haves' vs. what can wait or be a 'nice-to-have'? The list is your best friend here. Navigating 'back to school things' can be a challenge, but with a little planning and these 'shopping back to school' tips, it becomes much more manageable. I hope my experience helps you tick off your 'school supplies list' and leaves you feeling prepared for the new academic year!