For some parents, back-to-school season is one that tugs the heartstrings and has them wiping away tears. For others, it’s a time to finally relax and take some time for themselves after a busy summer entertaining kids. But if there’s one thing that every parent knows about the new school year, it’s that it can be expensive! From school supplies to new fall fashions, I know I’m not the only mom that’s digging deep into her purse come September!
This year, RetailMeNot.ca has some great ideas to help make back-to-school more economical without compromising on the fun. If you want to save more this autumn, check out these five useful tips to help you save!
Hold Off On Trendier Gear
Thirty-four per cent of Canadian parents feel the pressure to purchase trendy items to help their child fit in at school. The problem is, trends come and go – and often very quickly! Kids may love a certain lunch box or pencil case they find in August, but once school starts and they see that their friends are all using another kind they’ll beg you to upgrade. Hold off on the more trendy purchases until school starts rather than spending double… it will pay to wait!
Cheapest Isn’t Always Best
When it comes to items your kids will use all year round, like backpacks, it pays to invest in quality. Think about price for longevity and factor that into your cost comparison. However, don’t forget that you can still find a great deal on a high quality backpack for about $40, especially if you stack your savings. Doing a quick search on sites like RetailMeNot.ca will help you find promo codes for some of your favourite retailers and brands, saving you a few dollars on that backpack.
Go For Reusable Lunch Supplies
Don’t waste money on plastic utensils and paper napkins that get thrown out after only one use. If you throw away bags and bottles, you’re basically throwing your money in the garbage. Instead, use cloth napkins, real flatware and reusable containers for food and snacks. It pays to invest in products like LunchSkins which are BPA- and phthalate-free reusable snack and sandwich bags that can go in the dishwasher. It’s a small investment, but they last forever.
Deals Aren’t Just For the Kids
Despite 43 per cent Canadians feeling back-to-school can be a financial burden, the shopping season can also bring a ton of sales! While you’re stocking your kids up for the school year, don’t forget to take advantage of the lowest prices of the year on computers and other office equipment. If you’re in the market, now is the time to save on that new laptop you’ve been eyeing from top retailers like Best Buy.
Share Your Shopping
Forty-four per cent of Canadian parents agree back-to-school shopping is stressful, so why not share the stress and costs? You can save money by buying school supplies in bulk especially if you split the cost with another parent. Compare shopping lists with friends and neighbours to see what you both need. By buying in bulk at stores like Costco and splitting the cost, you can save money for the more expensive items.
To help you tackle your own back-to-school shopping list, RetailMeNot.ca is offering a very special giveaway. One lucky Mommy Kat and Kids reader is going to win a $100 Visa gift card for a September shopping spree! To enter to win, just leave a blog comment about your favourite website to shop online for back-to-school gear.
Personally, my own favourite savings tip is to wait until kids are all back at school and then hit the clearance aisles for a head-start on next year’s supplies. I know my boys will always need pencils, pens, erasers and glue sticks, so buying them at half price or even less and stashing them away means less money out of my pocket next year! But no matter how you save on your back-to-school shopping, visiting RetailMeNot.ca to check for coupon codes at your favourite retailers is a fun and easy way to save even more. And after the bustle of September shopping is done, don’t forget to treat yourself to something nice with all that extra money!
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