10 Tips for Saving Money on Back-to-School Shopping – Part Two

In our previous blog post, we gave you tips for finding school supplies at a bargain. In this post, we shift our focus to other, more expensive items you or your kids may need to head back to school, like clothes, back packs and even electronics.

6. Know Your Budget and Stick to It

It’s easy to go overboard on school clothes, especially if there’s a sale. I not only have a budget, I have a price limit set for specific items. I won’t spend more than $10 on jeans or shorts for my son, and I won’t spend more than $25 on shoes. That includes tax and even shipping if I shop online. It’s not always easy, but I’ve never spent more on those items, and my son will be eight in September. As a result, I get a lot of stuff on my small budget.

7. Buy Bigger Clothing and Shoes

This may not help you this time around, but what you buy now will save you money in the Spring. I almost always buy my son’s jeans and jean shorts a size bigger than he actually wears, with an adjustable waist. Simply pull the adjustable waist tighter and cuff the jeans if necessary. That lasts me a whole year instead of just one season. His shoes are usually a half size too big, as well.

8. Organize a Clothing Swamp With Friends

There are some private schools that do this to save parents money on school uniforms. You can do the same thing in your home or at a park. Ask a bunch of moms to bring their gently used kids clothing and then shop for free. Have everyone let you know what size clothing will be there so you can let people know a few days in advance. There’s not point in going if your size is not represented.

9. Look for Backpacks and Lunch boxes in Unconventional Places

When I think of backpacks, I think Target and Wal-mart. I don’t think Toys R Us, Kohls, Old Navy or others. All of these places sell back packs and some even sell lunch boxes. In fact, at  Toys R Us, you can get a free lunch kit with the purchase of any back pack $12.99 or higher. That’s a really good deal, and the quality is great. Shop online for even bigger selections.

10. Don’t Forget Electronics

Is your child getting more and more assignments that require computer research? Do they have assigned reading that you can’t find in the library. Now is a good time to shop for laptops and e-readers. Don’t just settle for Wal-Mart of Best Buy either. Shop around online. You may be surprised where you find the best deals. Newegg.com, Overstock.com, Home Shopping Network are just a few of the online retailers offering good deals on some of these items.

11. BONUS tip: Sign Up to Receive E-mails From Stores

I’ve received a ton of unadvertised back-to-school specials from all kinds of retailers.