If your kids are heading to school, you might go into shock when you see their school supply list. After adding up all the expenses you’re probably wondering how to afford it all.
 

Here are 9 awesome back-to-school tips and tricks you should use when shopping for back-to-school items to avoid breaking the bank.
 

1. Take Inventory 

If you want to save, you need to first determine the items you already have on-hand.
 

You likely have a few pens, notepads and folders already lying around the house. Go through the supplies you and your kids own before you run out and buy more. Are the crayons in decent shape? Do they own a perfectly fine pencil box?
 

After taking inventory, look through the back-to-school supply list and determine what you still need to buy.
 

2. Review List & Stretch Time

The next step is to set your budget. How much can you afford this month on school supplies? If you’ve budgeted the cost of back-to-school into your savings for a few months, you might be able to purchase every item now. If not, decide what items are needed immediately, and what you might be able to purchase at a later date.

Check with the teacher to see what they suggest. Most teachers are happy to work with you on separating immediate needs from those that can wait. Once your budget is set and your list of must-buy-now items is prepared, you’re ready to start shopping.

 

3. Purchase in Bulk

Bulk buys are a great way to save money on certain items. Purchase bulk packages of snacks such as protein bars, trail mix, etc. for packed school lunches. (And hey, warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club even offer clothes, shoes and other items your kids might need for school.)
 

Stock up on paper bags and lunch sacks as well. Buy big quantities of nonperishable foods like dried fruit and nuts, and repackage them into smaller quantities. You can even repackage dipping sauces like ranch and hummus into smaller containers. This will help you avoid buying those expensive “snack packs” that are already conveniently packaged. Consider buying drinks, office supplies and more at bulk stores.

 

4. Save by Brown Bagging 

Pack lunches for your kids to take to school and really save money! School lunch programs are often expensive. Plus, it’s always questionable if your kids will like the food. Rest assured your kids will feel full and enjoy a great school day if you send them with a healthy lunch and snacks for fuel.

 

5. Thrift or Swap

Check out thrift stores for awesome deals on gently-used kids clothing. Kids often grow out of their clothes so quickly it's not worth investing in high-end jeans, shoes, etc. Wardrobe staples like jeans, jackets and even shoes are a great deal at your local thrift store. Also look for uniforms. The material in polo shirts, khaki pants, and standard uniform-wear is made to hold up!
 

If you aren’t having luck with thrift stores, swap with your fellow parents on Facebook or get a group of friends together to do a clothing exchange. Include items like backpacks, which might get outgrown when your kids move on from favorite characters like Paw Patrol or Spiderman.

6. Customize Items

If your kids still own binders, backpacks, lunchboxes or pencil cases from last year in good condition, extend their life with a little creativity. Use pretty paper, fabric paint, stickers and even patches to dress up last year’s items for this year.
 

Kids will enjoy getting creative and putting their own personality into their items. It’s much cheaper to give a facelift to an item on hand than to buy new. Not only are supplies cuter than a cookie-cutter store purchase, but since they’re unique your kids will easily identify their supplies and keep track of them. Decorate pens, pencils, notebooks, and folders.
 

7. Don’t Forget Your Local Grocery Store

One of our favorite back-to-school tips and tricks? A place often forgotten for back-to-school supplies is the humble grocery store. Many grocery stores offer an office/school supply aisle and during back-to-school, they offer super cheap deals on supplies. You’ll save time because you won’t run all over town to buy basics and the prices are usually competitive.
 

Check the discount aisle at the grocery store as well. Find unique items like ice packs for lunches, bags and other accessories at deep discounts. Stores like Aldi offer special back-to-school deals at this time of year on many items you’ll need.
 

8. Dollar Store Steals 

Another one of our favorite discount spots, your local dollar store sells all sorts of school supplies—containers, paper, stickers, pens, markers, crayons…the list goes on and on. Now, obviously, some stores are offering deals for less than $1 on certain items (so buy the .19 box of Crayola Crayons at the other store) but for most of the basics, $1 can’t be beaten!
 

Check the $1 bins at Target and the dollar section at other discount stores as well. At this time of year, there are usually great deals on certain supplies we’re all in the market for. Avoid getting wooed by the decorative items you don’t need. Those dollar bins are very tempting!
 

The dollar store offers unbeatable back-to-school savings on many items, so don’t forget to check out your local dollar shop!
 

9. Subscribe to Store Emails

Back-to-school is a good time to subscribe to department store emails. Being on their subscription list guarantees you will be one of the first to know of sales and special deals. Unsubscribe later when you’ve finished your back-to-school shopping. Bonus—many stores will offer you a special discount for signing up for their sale alerts and emails.

Typically, you will find deals and get coupon codes for 10-15% off when you sign up. Check sites like RetailMeNot to take full advantage of any online specials being offered. Online retailers might offer better deals than brick-and-mortar stores. Be sure to do your research.
 

It’s easy to save on back-to-school without throwing your budget out the window. Using these back-to-school tips and tricks, and with a little planning, you’ll save plenty of money while still providing your kids with everything they will need for a great school year.

 

Read the full article via the Busy Budgeter.