by Buckytat

Created on: July 15, 2010

As summer vacation ends, school shopping begins.  Although you may be glad to have you kids back in school you might not be so excited about the strain that back to school shopping will put on your budget.  Even when they don’t want their summer to end, most children look forward to this time of shopping for a new wardrobe.  This can be an enjoyable time for you as well if you shop wisely!  Some pointers to help you save money while keeping your kids happy:

Shop now

Summer clearances are starting to emerge if not already in full swing.  Take advantage of this!  If you live in an area that doesn’t have harsh winters, chances are that your child can wear t-shirts, capris and sandals well into the school year.  Even if local fall weather calls for warmer clothing you can jumpstart next year’s summer wardrobe for your child-just remember to shop a size or two up from where they are now.

Take advantage but be cautious of ‘Back to School’ sales

Often, ‘Back to School’ sales that are advertised or highly publicized are not the best time to save money.  They are great if you need sweaters, pants and tights right now.  However, when you don’t need a lot of these items just browse for a couple of pieces to freshen up your child’s selection for about the first month of school.  In a few weeks or so those jeans that were originally $49.50 but $10 off at the ‘Back to School’ sale will be marked down to something like $15.99.  Snag them at this price and you have truly saved some money.

Check into gently used clothing and thrift stores

You may or may not like this idea and may not even have quality second hand stores in your area.  Do take some time to peruse the Goodwill or consignment stores near high end neighborhoods in your town.  These are great places to find name brand clothing or backpacks-some with the original tags still on them-for excellent prices.  Your child may not agree with this concept but that is okay.  Take a day and shop solo.  When you come home with a stylish name brand outfit that is in excellent condition, chances are your child will be satisfied and only you will know how much it cost and where it came from.

Discount and outlet stores

Shopping at outlet stores or discount stores if often a hit and miss mission.  Albeit, now is a good time to find at these stores quality backpacks and clothing for less than full price.  Dollar stores are the best place to buy school supplies such as folders, pencils and notebooks.  These will withstand parts of the school year either way- but at dollar stores for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.

Remember while back to school shopping that style, quality and brand for low prices is what you want; not  cheaply manufactured for cheap.  Good luck to all and Happy School Year!

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