Back-to-school shopping can be nerve wracking at times; but, with proper planning, it’s not really stressful. Just try these tips for a smarter back-to-school shopping experience:
- Sort
You may have some supplies from the previous year that can be reused. Avoid buying the same items again.
- Prepare a list
Even if the schools have not provided you with a checklist of things to buy, you need not lose your head. You can check with the parents of older kids about what is required for a student of your child’s grade and then, make a list. Involve your kids in the process. Sit with him/her and check the list to ensure that nothing has been left out. This also helps your child to learn to be organized.
- Stay within the budget
Try to understand the difference between wants and needs. Don’t buy school supplies that your child wants just because it’s trendy. Instead, set a budget. Also, check if each thing you buy is actually needed. This will save you from extra expenses while teaching your child to set priorities and save money. It’s best to buy school supplies with no gimmicks like lights or whistles. They may be expensive and may distract other students, making it tough for the teachers.
- Look for offers
Most stores provide back-to-school discounts and offers when it’s time for school reopening. Check every ad or flyer you come across for such discounts before you head out to shop. Also, look for shops that offer price matching. Sometimes, your local health department may offer free school supplies in place of taking your child there for immunization.
- Shop in bulk
Invite parents of other kids from you area to go shopping with you for buying the school supplies. This can help you to get group discounts from stores. Also, you need not run to the shop every time for a new notebook or pencils if you buy things in bulk. Give your kid the necessary supplies and store the rest for later or for the next academic year.
- Buy quality products
Remember, the quality of a product doesn’t depend on its price. There is no guarantee that a costly product will stay for too long. Therefore, the best way is to stick to brands that have been here for years and that provide a warranty. The backpack you buy for your kid need not be expensive; but, it must be good enough for the students to carry heavy loads of books to school without being injured.
- Do not keep it for the last minute
You need not spend a whole day for purchasing school supplies. Instead, always keep the list with you and keep purchasing them whenever you go out to buy other household things.
- Start planning for next year
It’s always best to start at the earliest so that you can take your time to buy the necessary items instead of rushing to buy it all together. Some schools provide a list of supplies to buy for the next year to parents on the last day of school for the year. If your kid’s school doesn’t do that, you can talk to the concerned authorities about it.
Remember, the next school reopening is just three weeks away. Follow the above mentioned tips and have a hassle-free back-to-school shopping experience.
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