08/18/2025
Back to school shopping tips:
1. Check What You Already Have:
• Don’t assume you need everything new. Pens, pencils, half-used notebooks, backpacks, lunchboxes, dig them out. Saves money and time.
2. Stick to the Teacher’s List:
• Schools often give very specific supply lists. Don’t improvise or overbuy.
3. Don’t Chase the Perfect Backpack:
• If the “cool” one is sold out, buy a durable plain one and let your kid customize it with patches, pins, or keychains. Cheaper and often sturdier.
4. Prioritize Shoes & Clothes:
• Supplies are easy to grab in a rush, but shoes and clothes (especially sneakers) sell out in common sizes first. Lock those in right away.
5. Shop Off-Hours:
• If you can, go early in the morning or late evening. Stores are quieter, stock is better organized, and you won’t stand in lines for 40 minutes.
6. Don’t Forget Online Pickup:
• Big box stores (Target, Walmart, Staples) let you do “order online, pickup same day.” Even if stock is low in person, the system might pull what’s hiding in the back.
7. Focus on Week One, Not the Whole Year:
• Your kid doesn’t need every binder color or extra art supplies on day one. Get the essentials, and circle back later for the rest when sales calm down.
