Here are some great Last Minute School Supply Savings Tips for you to get your kids just what they need for class this year. Some schools wait until late to put out their supply list. Other times your finances mean you need to wait a bit longer to shop. These tips will help you to grab what you need at the last minute without breaking the bank. So, wether you are homeschooling or not this list is for you!
Last Minute School Supply Savings Tips
- Shop in the office supply section instead of back to school area. We often focus just on the back to school aisles when it is time to grabbing kids supplies. Don’t forget about the actual school or office supply area that may have more supplies that work great for your needs. Most items on your kids school list will be available year round. Often the basic items are much cheaper and only found in this area of the store.
- Shop at the office supply store. Office supply stores have some of the best deals on back to school supplies year round. Since that is their main focus, they often have the same great deals you find in back to school events happening year round. If you are buying later in the season, or just at the last minute this is a great option. Sign up for their in-store rewards programs for even larger savings on already great prices. From notebook paper to pens and pencils a dedicated office supply store an easily be a great choice for last minute school supply savings.
- Skip fancy folders and notebooks, go basic then allow your kids to embellish. Kids will be drawn to the character items, but it is best to skip these and focus on the basics instead. This can save a ton of money, and make sure that teachers are okay with what you have purchased. Many schools now only allow specific colors of folders, pens, and notebooks in the classroom. Go basic and if the teacher and school allow, you can let your kids upgrade with stickers, paint or glitter on their own.
- Make lists of everything needed for all kids. One mistake is to shop by individual kids lists. Grab the supply lists ahead of time and sort out how many of each item you will need. If each kid needs 3 glue sticks you can put 12 glue sticks on your list. Instead of buying 4 packs of 3 glue sticks, you may find a better price when you buy the larger package. Compare prices to make sure you are spending the least amount for what you need. There are many multi-packs for everything from pens and pencils to glue sticks and index cards that are far cheaper when purchased in bulk than in individual packages fore each child.
These last minute school supply savings tips are perfect for stretching your budget on those last minute items. Whether you are buying supplies late because the list wasn’t updated, or time just got away from you these tips will help you to get what your kids need on a budget.
Check out Classroom Direct for great prices on back to school items. Read more on how easy it is to use their website and how we loaded up on homeschooling supplies with Classroom Direct. Plus, everything came directly to my door.
Are you finished with school shopping?
Emma says
We did the go-with-the-plain notebooks and decorate them ourselves this year. Those character school supplies cost so much more! Thanks for the tips!
abccreativelearning says
Yes, they are! It’s what the kids want, but definitely not necessary and so much more fun when you decorate them yourselves 🙂