Back To School Savings #tips #tricks #BTS
It’s the Most Wonderful time of the Year! No, it’s not Christmas but if you ask any parent that’s (lovingly) been home with their kids all summer long…you guessed it. It’s back to school! It’s the time when you might find me skipping down the isles of the office/school supply store to the sounds of my kids dragging their feet through the aisles. Somewhere in the near distance you’d hear sounds of “Can we buy this, but Lisa has one and I’ve always wanted one!”
I have vivid memories of my parents shopping for back to school with flyers, and lists. Running from one store to another to save maybe $5 total.
The following are some expert tips I’ve gathered over the years to save A LOT of money at the most wonderful and equally pricey time of the year.
Ask any parent, we all know that back to school shopping does not stop at books and school supplies alone. There are the requisite indoor and outdoor shoes, new clothes (because face it the kids grow like weeds). The pants you bought at a bargain at the beginning of the summer have morphed into capris, the shirts into 3/4 length tops and the shorts just look plain innnapropriate.
TIPS:
Clothing retailers host some amazing back to school sales. Many of them offering free shipping (when buying online). A little bit of planning ahead can save some big bucks. Many of these sales will feature an end of season section where you can buy beautiful dresses, tops, pants, and accessories for as little as $1, $2 and $3. You then estimate your child’s sizes in a few months time and buy ahead. I personally keep a couple of drawers for items the kids will be growing into. When they outgrow the clothes they currently have, I simply pull out from that drawer. Over the years it really adds up in savings.
SHOES:
It’s so important to have well fitting shoes and sandals. You don’t want your children walking around cramming their feet into tight fitting shoes when they go back to school. The best thing to do is keep an eye out for when your favourite shoe retailer offers their buy one get one free promos, no taxe sales or 50% off. Again, you think ahead and depending on your child’s age you should have a pretty good idea of their growth curve. Children in elementary and high school tend to go through clothes and shoes a lot quicker than kids in cégep (college) or university.
CLOTHING SWAPS:
Get creative. Do you have a friend who might have an older daughter (than yours) or a younger son? If/when possible see if your friends might be interested in a clothing swap. Once your child has outgrown their clothes (that are in good condition of course) pass them along to your friend and vice/versa. The understanding has to be there of course that only clothes in good condition will be shared. If done properly this can help you save a TON of money. It’s especially great if you can partner with a buddy who has one child older than yours and another younger. It’s a win/win situation. The alternative of course is to donate the clothes to charity or a second hand store that will sell your clothes and donate the proceeds to charity. It’s all about helping those less fortunate.
I was recently interviewed by CBC Montreal Radio Noon about some of the costs associated with back to school. You can listen to my interview here:
These are some of the awesome tips I use to save money at an otherwise pricey time of year, what are some of your tips?
Nice job! I think we can go overboard and I know I am definitely conscious of my budget. I won’t buy it if we don’t need it.
Clothing swaps are a great idea. I usually pass all our clothes on to my younger nephews, but because my boys are the oldest in the family, we rarely get any hand-me-downs.
Such a hectic, but great time of the year, LOL. We did our fair share of shopping, but I am happy to say I scored some deals this time around! Whoo Hoo!
Back to school time can be pretty hectic, especially with needing to buy new clothes and supplies.
I agree … parents seem to go overboard on everything now! Like you, I do believe in a good quality pair of shoes for kids on their feet all day. Other than that, whatever good sales I can find 🙂
I love shopping the Mom to Mom sales for clothes – a great way save on clothing for kids.
When it’s time for back to school things can be crazy, always good to plan ahead and get everything done early.
Back to school always seems such a hectic time, I was in a shop yesterday and it was so busy with uniform collection. x
Clothing swaps are great. We used to get my sister-in-laws friends hand-me-downs and they were perfect for my oldest son. We just bought shoes last week. I am so glad we actually went to a real shoe store and had their feet measured. They both went up in size too!
A clothing swap is a great idea to save money. I need to host one of my own!
These are some great tips. Buying back to school items can get really expensive. It’s nice to be able to save a little money.
Back to school time can certainly be hectic. These are great tips.
Great tips! I try to cut back but there are some areas with BTS that makes it difficult.
Clothes swapping is a great idea. I do this with my friends, it really helps save money, and sometimes you can get some really great finds!
I have heard of clothing swaps. I need to check and see if there is one in my area. Great idea!
Thanks! If there isn’t already one going on, team up with a girlfriend or two and have a great Girls Night In 🙂
Great tips! The clothing swap is so smart because what’s old to one person is new and interesting to someone else!
Great tips! I will share this with my fellow moms.
I had never thought about a cloth swap. should definitively look into it. thanks for tips
You’re welcome!
Clothing swap is a genius idea. Great tips! 🙂
Thank you for these great back-to-school tips and tricks! I know as a busy mom, its nice to have help with the little things.
My pleasure 🙂
Great tips! I have never thought about clothes swaps either. I am not a fan of buying second hand clothing for the kids honestly. I just look for great sales and discounts
I used to spend so much money come September, since there is so much to buy before the kids start school (clothes, school supplies, school payments, ect). Clothes swapping is a great idea and surprisingly enough, my kids actually love it!
Really great interview. I laughed when he made you spell out your blog name. Great tips too.
Thanks Margarita!
My daughter and her friends clothes swap all the time. They have been doing this for years, with regular clothing and prom dresses. All on their own. Smart seniors I tell ya!
I always saved my kids’ clothes for their younger cousins. I know that was very much appreciated.
I try to stock up when they have sales too. I usually get my son’s clothes a little big to start with, so he can grow into them over the school year. But not so big that they look ridiculous on him now.
We actually did a clothing swap during the summer so that we had enough to get through until we went school shopping. That & saving some gift cards allowed me to get so much more this year.
I love the idea of a clothing swap with 5 children it gets really costly during back to school time.
You really can get some great online deals. You’re right about shoes, ill fitting shoes throw the whole day off.
these are really good tips for saving moving on back to school shopping. I like the swap idea if you have kids in your area that are into the same fashion as your kids.
Great tips for back to school, it gets so chaotic!
Personally the most I spent on was the school supplies and the clothes. My son went from shoe size 2 to size 4 (don’t ask me how). Don’t even get me started on the clothes. School books is a big joke! I remember buying my school books back in 2005 and I use them for one semester and paid over 300$ and when I tried to sale them back they weren’t worth anything at all.
Btw, I’m in Montreal too! How cool =)
Awesome Marielle! Let’s connect.
These are all really great tips for anyone. We homeschool – so we can even use these tips.
Going over board use to be a big thing here. Hubby and I had to sit down and really look at what was needed against what was wanted or in style for that year. I am happy to say we have cut it down and spend not very much for BTS. Thanks for your great tips.
Clothing swaps look like a good idea. It gets you a new set of clothes without spending more money.
thanks for sharing all these tips – that’s also a great talk.
Clothing swaps are a great idea. We usually give away but don’t get anything for kiddo in return because he is older and also an athlete so his build is different than most family members and friends. We try to shop ahead a bit also, it definitely helps.