Seven back to school shopping tips to save you moola

The holiday season is almost over and with schools opening early this year (January 9) parents need to gear up for back-to-school even earlier.

A lot of our spending might have been splurged over the Christmas holidays with little or no thought for back-to-school.

While kids might be excited about heading back to school, this might be a stressful time for parents who have little left for school necessities. 

Here are 7 ways to help you get through back-to-school shopping:

1.Plan ahead

Shop for school uniforms such as long sleeve shirts and tracksuits in summer, when most shops have summer sales and discounts on winter clothing. 

2. Make a plan and stick to it

Stick to the stationery list given at school and don’t waste money on unnecessary items, always look out for the most affordable range and don’t buy extra supplies no matter how cute your kid may find them to be.

3. Make them work for it

Are you kids still driving you insane begging for the latest Paw Patrol school bag? If they really want it, let them work for it. Assign chores or help them to put themselves up for hire in your neighbourhood mowing the lawn or selling cookies. Working for something they want will help them understand the value of money.

4. Look for good deals

Head to supermarkets for basic supplies such as great deals on pens and other school stationery. This will also be convenient while you are doing your grocery shopping. Keep your eye out for savings on the big ticket items as this will save you more overall.

5. Employ cheap labour

Get your kids involved in covering their school books, you don’t have to buy the most expensive school branded exercise covers. Instead buy the brown school cover and get your children to personalize their books by cutting out beautiful photos from the magazines and stick them on as decorations for their books.

6. Label everything!

It might sound like a hack but its well worth not having to replace lost erasers and pencils that land in other children’s pencil cases. 

7. Eat up buddy

Lastly, as a parent you are in charge of what your child eats at school, avoid the tuck shop and plan their weekly lunch to save money and you also get your child to eat a variety of sandwiches and fruits.