Tips for Parents to Save on your Child's School Supplies This Year

Flickr Photo

From the Editors of Las Fabulosas

A new school year means an uptick in the annual long list of school supplies. In fact, the average familia spends nearly $700 on back-to-school purchases. Luckily, there are easy and creative ways to reduce school supply expenses, without sacrificing your kids’ needs. Gina Lincicum, blogger at Moneywise Moms, shares her wallet-friendly tips.

• Embrace the splurge/save concept: “Spend more on quality items that will take a beating — like a backpack and lunchbox — and shop the penny and quarter sales for basic supplies on the list,” says Lincicum. If possible, avoid buying a character or trend backpack your child might outgrow quickly.
  
• Verano shopping: It’s never too early to start school shopping. “Instead of waiting until the last minute, shop throughout the summer to save on bulk supplies before they’re out of stock,” she says. Lincicum snaps a photo with her phone of each child’s supply list provided by the school. “I have it with me and can take advantage of sales as I come across them, while I do other shopping.”
  
• Split the savings: Team up with amigas or vecinas with similar-aged kids, and split the cost. “For example, if each 4^th grader needs two red pens, but they come in packs of eight to 10, I’ll share the cost of these items with other moms.”
  
• Be savvy with sales: Take advantage of office stores’ rewards programs, sales ad coupons and other promotions. Back to school sales are the best time to stock up on pencils, crayons and art supplies. Involve your kids to see who can clip the most coupons. “Buy enough to get you through the year, so you don’t spend more mid-year,” says Lincicum.
  
• Add your own pizzazz. Often, cost comes in the form of jazzed-up accessories like pencil cases and backpacks. Instead, buy plain items and get creative with your kids. Visit a crafts store and add embellishments for fun and truly unique supplies. 

Lauren Fischer    is a freelance writer who has contributed to Woman’s World, People, Makeup Deal of the Day and SavvyMiss.com.