Back to School Shopping

Yes... time certainly goes quickly. Didn't we just celebrate the new year? Well, have you started purchasing the uniforms, book bags, stationery, pens, pencils, crayons, lunch containers and other good stuff for your little angels? Or are you a college student preparing to go back to school? In short, have you started your back to school shopping as yet? What.... you haven't? Remember time flies. Anyway, I have not started as yet.It's like Christmas...I think that if I delay shopping, I may not need to do it after all. Is there any other parent out there that dreads this time of the year like I do, or am I the only one? Yes, I see some of you gloating, because you know your worries are over, either your children are now grown, and they can now shop for themselves, or you have already checked everything on your to-do-list for the month of August which includes this task.

Well, for those of you who are like me still trying to get it together, let's discuss how we can best accomplish this task.

Tips for back-to-school shopping.

Do you have a list? My experience taught me that the greatest disaster is to go shopping without a list, especially for school, even worse if you are taking the children with you as well. Why is it a disaster you ask? Simply put, the lack of a list is inviting chaos. There is no guideline to determine what to purchase, so it is inevitable that many items purchased will be totally unnecessary or even cost you more. If you have no intention of spending wisely, go ahead, leave that list at home, it's a bother to keep checking items on the list as you find them anyway.

Do you have a budget? What's that you said? It's a way of not spending more than you can afford. Those little darlings love to choose the more expensive items to impress their classmates when they return to school, but is it really necessary to purchase that brand name, when you can get the same item for much, much less? Isn't it a great way to teach your children the importance of a budget, when you explain buying the one with the higher price tag is not really very smart. In addition, take only the amount of cash that you intend to spend, if you are visiting the store. Leave your cards and checkbook at home. In that way you will not yield to the temptation to go over the budget. Children are masters at convincing parents to overspend.

Have you decided where you will be shopping? With the advent of the internet, it is so much easier to touch a few buttons, and have the goods delivered to your home. I do not suggest internet shopping for items like uniforms and shoes, since they are best fitted and purchased in the store. This reduces the need to return them, because they do not fit.

Why shop online? Well, you save on gas and time. In addition, you have a better control on how much you spend. You can take things out of your cart, for whatever reason, without being embarrassed. Have you done this in the store, and be very self-conscious about your decision? Worse, have you been told that your card is declined while others are in line waiting their turn? With the internet, you can compare prices, get great deals (such as buy one get one free), or discounts. Internet shopping is much easier on your feet and your nerves. It is best that you be prepared by having your credit or debit card handy.

If funds are limited, purchase only the basics ... then the rest later. If your children are like mine, they want to get everything on the list (and more) all at once. But is it necessary? I have found over the years, that my children only used the basic material within the first four weeks. I would budget for the uniforms, shoes, book bags, books, binders, paper, crayons, pens and pencils. Other material was used later on, or never get used at all. I try to be wise, so I get the most vital things first, then I get the others when I can afford it. If my budget allows it, I will get everything at the same time, however, so that I can get the great deals before time runs out.

Speak to other parents who may have tips or advice. This has helped me over the years to get some good deals, and to even discover stores that I did not even know existed. I had a hard time getting uniforms of a particular size for one of my children one year, by asking store clerks and other parents I was able to discover other stores that stocked up on the size I needed to buy. In addition, it is never a good idea to purchase clothes or shoes that fit too close, since the child will not be able to wear them for the entire school year. It will turn out to be a waste of money.

Make sure you have an authenticated list from the school your child attends instead of only a recommended list from the store. Many times I have purchased things that are not even required by my child's school, and yes, you guessed right, that money will never be refunded because my child used the stuff anyway. Children enjoy what they consider to be freebies.

Seek coupons and ads for free, or discounted stuff. This helps you to buy in bulk, and buying in bulk is great. This reduces the need to keep purchasing the same items throughout the year. Just do not give your child all the items at once. Give him/her only what is needed initially, and keep the rest under lock and key. This way they surface only as the need arises.

The bad news is the recession has affected shopping significantly, but the good news is that some stores are trying to make it easier for consumers who are preparing for back to school shopping. With a little research, we can educate ourselves on which stores are offering freebies, 30% to 50% off their items being sold, and other perks for shoppers. I have shopped at Staples religiously every year for my children, but this year I might add one of the dollar stores.  It is wise to compare.

Whatever you decide to do, it is important that you do not procrastinate. Surely you know that procrastination is the thief of time. The sooner you start shopping, the more likely you are to get great deals and increase your chances to be finished before school starts. Have fun shopping!!!

Feel free to check out these links for more tips on back to school shopping. This is also a convenient way to get coupons. You'll be glad you did.