10 Aug Back to School: 10 Tips to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping
Back-to-school season always seems to arrive faster than expected—and so do the expenses! School supplies, clothes, shoes, lunch boxes, backpacks, registration fees and extracurricular activities can quickly add up for families.
The good news is that getting ready for school doesn’t mean you have to buy everything new or pay full price. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can enjoy a budget-friendly back-to-school season without sacrificing what your kids need.
Take Inventory Before You Shop
Before checking flyers or filling up your online shopping cart, take a look at what you already have at home.
Pencils, binders, barely used notebooks, rulers, pencil cases, backpacks and lunch boxes from last year may still be perfectly good to use.
Get the kids involved and sort everything into three categories: reuse, replace and buy.
This simple step can help you avoid buying duplicates and make your shopping list much shorter.
Make a List—and Stick to It!
Back-to-school displays are designed to catch your attention: colourful new pens, trendy accessories, backpacks featuring the latest popular characters… It’s easy to get carried away.
The problem? A few little extras here and there can quickly push you over budget.
Once you’ve taken inventory, make a detailed list of what you actually need. Then, focus your budget on the essentials and take advantage of deals only when they match something on your list.
Compare Prices Before You Buy
Back-to-school prices and promotions can vary significantly from one retailer to another.
One store may have notebooks at an unbeatable price, while another offers better deals on pencils, binders or lunch boxes.
Take a few minutes to compare flyers and online promotions before making your purchases.
And don’t forget to check allsales.ca to discover current sales, clearance events and great deals.
Even saving a few dollars in each category can make a noticeable difference once you’ve purchased everything on your school supply list.
Start Early, but Don’t Buy Everything Right Away
Shopping early while waiting to buy certain items might sound contradictory, but that’s exactly the strategy.
Buy the essentials you know you’ll need when you find them at a good price, especially popular items that could sell out.
For everything else, be patient.
Teachers may add or change certain requirements once the school year begins. Waiting can help you avoid purchasing supplies your child won’t actually need.
Plus, some back-to-school merchandise may go on clearance once the busiest shopping period is over.
Think About Long-Term Value
The cheapest product isn’t always the one that will save you the most money.
For items used every day—such as backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, thermoses and binders—it may be worth spending a little more on something durable.
A good-quality backpack that lasts two or three school years can ultimately cost less than a cheaper one that needs to be replaced every year.
Before buying, ask yourself: Will we still be able to use this next year?
Buy Certain Essentials in Bulk
Pencils, erasers, glue sticks, paper, tissues and other basic supplies are often cheaper per unit when purchased in larger quantities.
But buying 30 glue sticks isn’t really a bargain if you only use four!
One solution is to split bulk packages with another family, friends or relatives.
That way, you can take advantage of a lower price per item without unnecessarily stocking up on supplies.
Give Second-Hand Shopping a Chance
Not everything has to be brand new to start the school year off right.
Thrift stores, resale platforms and local buy-and-sell groups can be great places to find clothing, shoes, backpacks and other items in excellent condition.
Second-hand shopping can be especially worthwhile for children’s clothing, since kids can outgrow things incredibly quickly.
As a bonus, you’ll save money while giving perfectly usable items a second life.
Shop Online to Avoid Impulse Purchases
Online shopping can be a great way to stay within your budget.
You can quickly compare prices, see your total before checking out and easily remove items that aren’t really necessary.
It can also be much easier to stick to your shopping list when you don’t have to walk through aisles filled with tempting new products.
Just remember to watch out for shipping fees. Whenever possible, choose free shipping or in-store pickup.
Don’t Forget About Clothing
Back-to-school expenses obviously aren’t limited to pencils and notebooks.
Clothing and shoes can represent a significant portion of your budget.
Once again, there’s no need to replace your child’s entire wardrobe in August. Start by checking what still fits and replace only what’s actually needed.
End-of-season sales can also be a great opportunity to pick up clothing at a better price.
Start Planning for Next Year
This tip might not lower this year’s bill, but your wallet will thank you next year.
Instead of absorbing all your back-to-school expenses within a few weeks, consider setting aside a small amount every month.
Even $20 a month adds up to $240 over a year.
You can also take advantage of post-back-to-school clearance sales to stock up on basic items you know your children will need next year.
A Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Season Starts With Smart Habits
You don’t need to visit five different stores just to save a few cents on every pencil.
The real secret to saving money on back-to-school shopping is to plan your purchases, reuse what you already have and know when to wait for the right deal.
Take inventory, make your list, compare prices and keep an eye out for sales before you buy.
Your wallet will thank you!
And before you start shopping, visit allsales.ca to discover current sales, clearance events, promotions and great back-to-school deals.
FAQ – How to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping
When should I start back-to-school shopping?
You can start watching for deals several weeks before school begins. Buy essential items when you find them at a good price, but wait before purchasing anything you’re not sure your child will actually need.
How can I save money on school supplies?
Start by reusing supplies from the previous school year, then compare promotions before buying anything new. Bulk packages, clearance sales and second-hand shopping can also help significantly reduce your costs.
Is buying school supplies in bulk really cheaper?
Yes, as long as you’ll actually use the quantity you purchase. To avoid waste, consider splitting larger packages with another family.
How can I save money on back-to-school clothing?
Avoid replacing the entire wardrobe at once. Check which clothes still fit, shop sales and consider thrift stores and second-hand marketplaces.
Where can I find the best back-to-school deals?
Compare flyers and promotions from different retailers, and check allsales.ca to discover current sales, discounts, clearance events and deals available across Canada.