Readers Respond: How Do You Save Money on Your Kids' Back to School Shopping Needs?

Responses: 36

By Jennifer Wolf, About.com Guide

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(Continued from Page 1)

During tax-free weekend, I use coupons, and I also look for sale items and reduced merchandise.
—Guest Ann

For things like backpacks or lunch boxes, spend a little extra for the better items. I've had my backpack for almost five years and its still in a great condition! Sometimes it pays to spend a little more.
—Guest Student

I get a lot of almost new hand me downs from my sister who almost only shops at Children's Place (an outlet store in our area). Her son is about 2 years older than my oldest, and then two years to my middle son. She over-shops so much that I will still have clothes for my middle son almost four years after she buys them. She also has a daughter who is 2 years older than my daughter, so I am really lucky she over shops and gets really nice clothes, coats, shoes, little extras like hair things or ties, dress shoes - you name it, and then just gives them to me. The MAJOR issue is that I have a very, very small house with five of us in it, and when my daughter was born I already had clothes for her to wear until she was 2 years old! LOL. I love second hand stores, Walmart, clearance, and off season sales. Knowing what size you kid will be next season is very helpful. I also like shopping after Thanksgiving sales. The lack of sleep is worth it for me to get the deals that rock. I hope this helps someone with some ideas;)
—Guest Missouri Mom

Most of the school supply lists are generic. Wait until registration day to ask your child's teacher what do they really need.
—Guest Elementary Teacher

I have found that Children's Place online usually has great sales on uniforms. You can also go to retailmenot.com for promo codes. I got my kids' shorts for around $7 each, and the $5 shipping was cheaper than gas. Also, they have adjustable waistbands, so I usually buy a tad bigger and use again the next year.
—Guest Beth

I begin back to school clothes shopping at second-hand shops. I check out the boys' closets and get an idea of what they need. Whatever they need that I cannot get in great condition second-hand, I buy at Wal-mart, Kmart, or Target. I learned my lesson last year. Glue sticks were constantly needed in the classroom, so I will buy extra this year. Don't forget a rain coat and boots!
—Guest Mom in FL

I usually go to the internet to compare prices and I've found that Walmart has the uniforms cheaper online. Shirts are $4.50, versus $6.00 at the store, and the shirts are of good quality. I also shop at Rainbow for the skirts. Since we don't have the tax free holiday this year (in my state), I am looking for bargains now, and I pick items up when there are sales. Like a previous reader stated, I go through all the items she brings home at the end of the school year and save the items needed for next year and put them aside, so she won't use them. You just have to shop whenever there are sales and don't wait to do it all at once.
—CSTS

I can not believe our legislature could not find the time to pass this for Georgia!! Well, I guess I will be shopping in Florida this year for back to school items. I think a lot of people will be doing this. It's not good for Georgia's economy, but you have to do what you have to do.
—Guest Guest TL

I shop for school uniforms at Academy Sports and Outdoors. They have a great color selection and plenty of inventory to stock-up on uniforms. The only draw back is that they only carry them for a limited time.
—Guest Shop Convenience

I save on school supplies by buying more than enough items while they're on sale throughout the year and stock piling the items. This way, I don't have to buy school supplies for the following school year, and I can avoid the crowds!
—Guest Shunta

Especially in this day and age, I cant believe they wouldn't give (my state) a tax free week. I agree with a reader that Walmart does have good things at a low price. Right now they have their school uniform shorts and skirts on sale for $10. They also have a pack of 2 school uniform shirts for $10. The shirts are in blue and white and the shorts are in khaki, but if your school requires different colors they have them for $6 each. I also work there, but it's still a good price.
—Guest amy

my middle school daughter loves brand name clothes and I find a lot of them on Ebay. I also sell the clothes that don't fit her or the ones she does not want anymore. I believe that it's good for the wallet, but at the same time I put my grain of sand in the recyling process. I also look for sales all year round, and by the time back to school comes we are fully prepared.
—Guest cb

I go through all the items that come home at the end of the school year, and I take out and save anything that can be reused the next year, and put those items somewhere where I can remember where they are and where they won't get used during the summer. This way, I'm not buying things like scissors or rulers every year!
—Guest Guest

Please be careful about buying the off-brand names of things like glue, pencils, and crayons. They really don't hold up well at all. Go for the old standbys!
—Guest Kteacher

Some of the major chain stores, such as Belk, have 25-50% off sales at least two to three weeks prior to the tax free weekend, and I buy all of my daughter's school clothes then. I don't mind paying the tax if I feel like I'm getting a good percentage off of the regular prices. Sometimes I even find stuff for 75% off!
—dar.nah0526

Jennifer Wolf
Single Parents Guide