Save Money while School Supply Shopping

School supply shopping is in full swing! States are having their annual tax-free weekends and the smell of school starting is in the air.

One thing I’ve noticed this year is how news sources say that the average American will spend over $800 on school supplies. As a 5th grade teacher, I have never asked families to spend more than $30 (of necessities, I realize things like Clorox wipes and tissues cost more when added with their school supplies). So, to me this $800 is extreme, and honestly almost feels like an attack on teachers. However, I can say that no teacher in public k-12 education is asking for your family to spend $800 on school supplies.

Instead, we’re asking that your child have the necessities they need to be successful in and out of the classroom.

I made a video about setting up my classroom, and when I kept seeing things on the news. This gave me the idea to film back to school shopping of actual school supplies. I went into a local Staples, but shopped online at Target and shared my order. At both places, I spent less than $25.

In recent years, my school district has been buying all of the school supplies students need. Which is really cool, but I also know this is not a possibility for every district.

Tips for Saving Money for School Supply Shopping

1. Shop sales and tax-free weekends.
2. Buy store brand notebooks (often $0.50).
3. Buy things you can split between children (buy the package of two scissors-often cheaper than buying one pair).
4. Shop at a variety of places. Target was cheaper for some things in comparison to Staples, and Staples was cheaper than Target on some things. To get the best deals, shop at different places.
5. Buy extra now. A $0.50 notebook might be $0.75 next year, might as well buy a few extras now to save for later. This is especially great if you have the storage space for them!
6. Buy quality supplies. I’ll be honest, I will say the things that you need to be brand name are Crayola coloring supplies and Elmers glue sticks (they really do last longer). Honestly, past that, you don’t really need a name brand and can go with the store brand.

What your favorite part about back to school shopping?

xx,

Lindsey