How to find the cheapest school supplies

School supplies, like literally everything else, are expensive. The average family will spend $864 on back-to-school items this fall (Compare to just under $700 in 2019), which at best is unreasonable and out of reach for many.

The best time to buy school supplies is generally July or August. Usually before the start of the new semester. game. Nor are big stores like Target, Walmart, and Office His Depot the only options for filling his list of supplies. (With a little planning, you can even anticipate next year’s school supply needs.)

Here are some strategies for keeping school supplies costs down.

Inventory what you have and reuse what you can

Before you buy anything, make a list of what you already have. Search junk drawers, backpacks, desks, and cabinets to find stashes of pens, highlighters, erasers, and art supplies.

Some items don’t need to be bought new every year, even if your child wants them. You can recycle backpacks, pencil cases, binders, sharpeners, scissors, rulers, basically anything you don’t use up.

Another way to reduce, reuse and recycle: Set up a school supply exchange or hand-me-down event with other family members. Have everyone bring in an item they don’t need (for example, something they bought for an older sibling that they no longer use) and are happy to give it away or trade it in.

shop in the clearance section

Sure, big box stores are convenient because you can find most of what you need in one place. If you’re heading to a Target, Walmart, or office supply store, first look for clearance bins or aisles. You can also check out sales and clearance items throughout the year, as well as items that may come in handy in the future.

Look at discount stores, dollar stores, or department stores

your child is not necessarily requirement You might look for a particular brand of school supplies, or find great deals in unexpected places: Noren, garage sales, second-hand clothing stores, 100-yen shops, and department stores are just a few options. Craft stores like Michaels may have lower prices for art supplies than Target or Walmart. And no matter how you feel about Amazon, chances are you’ll find a decent deal with the convenience of delivery to your door.

Purchasing Consumables in Bulk

Consider buying supplies in bulk if buying for multiple children or if you have the resources and storage space to stock up on certain items you know will be used in the future You can also coordinate with other families in need of similar items to purchase and distribute in bulk.

Similarly, there are companies that put together wholesale pre-made school supply kits, some of which are based on individual school or grade level supply lists. They aren’t cheap, but they’re definitely convenient, and you don’t have to buy a whole pack of pencils if you only need a few.

Here’s where to find bulk, discounted, or wholesale school supplies.

Find discounts, coupons and membership deals

Sign up for the store’s email list to receive notifications about sales and check out coupon sites like RetailMeNot. Store apps (like Target) may have special coupons that aren’t available elsewhere. If nothing else, ask about discounts and price matches when shopping. Prices match in some stores Where we can show you our competitors’ ads.

shop on sunday or monday

According to Crazy Coupon Ladytop-of-the-line inventory and weekly deals on back-to-school supplies and clothing are available on Sundays or Mondays.

Contact a school district or organization to donate supplies

You may not have to cover the full cost of back-to-school shopping for your child. Some school districts provide supplies to families in need. few organizations Some (such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Kids In Need Foundation) offer discounted or free backpacks and supply kits. Local churches and community centers may also host drives for school supplies.