Why Finding Deals on School Supplies Matters
As the new school year approaches, parents and students are gearing up to shop for essential school supplies. With the rising costs of education, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to save money on these necessities. Shopping for deals on school supplies can help families stay within their budgets and allocate resources more efficiently. By taking advantage of discounts and promotions, parents can provide their children with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to shop for deals on school supplies, including popular brands like Crayola, Elmer’s, and Five Star.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average American family spends around $700 on back-to-school supplies each year. This can be a significant burden for many families, especially those with multiple children. By shopping for deals on school supplies, parents can reduce this financial strain and make the most of their budget. Whether you’re looking for discounts on backpacks, lunchboxes, or calculators, there are many ways to save money on the school supplies your child needs.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the world of school supply deals, exploring the best places to shop, how to use coupons and promo codes, and the benefits of shopping during sales tax holidays. We’ll also provide tips on comparing prices, stocking up on non-perishable supplies, and scoring the best deals on school supplies. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies you need to shop smart and save big on school supplies.
Top School Supply Deals to Look Out For
When it comes to shopping for school supplies, there are certain items that are commonly discounted. Backpacks, lunchboxes, and calculators are just a few examples of school supplies that can often be found at a lower price. By knowing what to look for, parents can score big savings on these essential items.
Last year, for example, Walmart offered a 20% discount on all backpacks from popular brands like JanSport and The North Face. Similarly, Target offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on lunchboxes from brands like Thermos and Rubbermaid. By taking advantage of these deals, parents can save money on the school supplies their children need.
Calculators are another school supply that can often be found at a discounted price. During the back-to-school season, many retailers offer discounts on calculators from brands like Texas Instruments and Casio. For example, Staples offered a $10 discount on all calculators from Texas Instruments last year, bringing the price down to just $20.
By keeping an eye out for these types of deals, parents can save money on the school supplies their children need. Whether you’re shopping for a backpack, lunchbox, or calculator, there are many ways to shop deals on school supplies and stay within your budget.
Where to Shop for Discounted School Supplies
When it comes to shopping for school supplies, there are many retailers that offer discounts and deals. Online marketplaces like Amazon, big-box stores like Walmart and Target, and specialty stores like Staples and Office Depot are just a few examples of places where you can find discounted school supplies.
Amazon is a great place to shop for school supplies, as it offers a wide selection of products from various brands, including Crayola, Elmer’s, and Five Star. Additionally, Amazon often offers discounts and promotions on school supplies, especially during the back-to-school season. For example, last year Amazon offered a 20% discount on all school supplies from Crayola.
Walmart and Target are also great places to shop for discounted school supplies. Both retailers offer a wide selection of products at affordable prices, and they often have sales and promotions on school supplies during the back-to-school season. For example, last year Walmart offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on all school supplies from Five Star.
Specialty stores like Staples and Office Depot are also great places to shop for discounted school supplies. These stores often carry a wide selection of products from various brands, and they may offer discounts and promotions on school supplies. For example, last year Staples offered a 15% discount on all school supplies from Elmer’s.
By shopping at these retailers, parents can find discounted school supplies and save money on the items their children need. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, there are many ways to shop deals on school supplies and stay within your budget.
How to Use Coupons and Promo Codes for Extra Savings
Coupons and promo codes can be a great way to save even more money on school supplies. Many retailers offer coupons and promo codes that can be used online or in-store, and they can be found through a variety of sources.
One way to find coupons and promo codes is to sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers. Many retailers offer exclusive coupons and promo codes to their newsletter subscribers, and they can be a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions.
Another way to find coupons and promo codes is to follow your favorite retailers on social media. Many retailers offer special promotions and discounts to their social media followers, and they can be a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions.
Coupon aggregator websites are also a great resource for finding coupons and promo codes. These websites collect coupons and promo codes from a variety of sources and make them available in one place. Some popular coupon aggregator websites include RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and CouponCabin.
When using coupons and promo codes, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some coupons and promo codes may have restrictions or limitations, and they may not be valid on certain items or during certain times.
By using coupons and promo codes, parents can save even more money on school supplies and stay within their budget. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, coupons and promo codes can be a great way to shop deals on school supplies and get the best value for your money.
Shopping During Sales Tax Holidays for Even More Savings
Sales tax holidays can be a great way to score even more savings when shopping for school supplies. These events, which typically take place in July or August, offer a temporary exemption from state sales tax on certain items, including school supplies. By shopping during a sales tax holiday, families can save even more money on the items they need to get their kids ready for the new school year.
Currently, 17 states offer sales tax holidays, with the specific dates and details varying by state. Some states, like Texas and Florida, offer a broad exemption on all school supplies, while others, like Illinois and Michigan, limit the exemption to specific items like clothing and shoes. It’s essential to check with your state’s department of revenue to confirm the details of their sales tax holiday.
Shopping during a sales tax holiday can be a great way to save money on big-ticket items like laptops, tablets, and calculators. Additionally, many retailers offer special deals and discounts during these events, which can be combined with the sales tax exemption for even deeper savings. To make the most of a sales tax holiday, it’s a good idea to plan ahead, make a list of the items you need, and shop during the designated period.
Some popular items to shop for during a sales tax holiday include:
- Backpacks and lunchboxes
- Calculators and laptops
- Clothing and shoes
- Pens, pencils, and paper
- Notebooks and binders
By shopping during a sales tax holiday, families can save money on these essential items and get their kids ready for the new school year without breaking the bank. Remember to check your state’s sales tax holiday schedule and plan your shopping trip accordingly to make the most of this opportunity to shop deals on school supplies.
Comparing Prices and Finding the Best Deals
When it comes to shopping for school supplies, comparing prices is crucial to finding the best deals. With so many retailers offering discounts and promotions, it can be overwhelming to determine which option is the most cost-effective. To make the process easier, consider using price comparison tools and apps that allow you to scan barcodes or search for specific products to compare prices across different retailers.
Some popular price comparison tools include:
- CamelCamelCamel: A price tracking tool that allows you to track price history and receive alerts when prices drop.
- PriceGrabber: A price comparison engine that allows you to compare prices across different retailers.
- ShopSavvy: A mobile app that allows you to scan barcodes and compare prices in-store.
In addition to using price comparison tools, it’s essential to consider factors beyond price when shopping for school supplies. Quality and durability are crucial considerations, especially for items that will be used frequently throughout the school year. Look for products from reputable brands like Crayola, Elmer’s, and Five Star, which offer high-quality products that are designed to last.
When comparing prices, also consider the following factors:
- Quantity: Buying in bulk can often lead to significant savings, especially for non-perishable items like pens, pencils, and paper.
- Brand: While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper, generic brands, consider the quality and durability of the product before making a purchase.
- Warranty: Look for products that offer a warranty or guarantee, which can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
By taking the time to compare prices and consider factors beyond price, you can find the best deals on school supplies and shop deals on school supplies with confidence. Remember to stay flexible and be open to different brands and products, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the deal isn’t right. With a little patience and persistence, you can score big savings on the school supplies your kids need to succeed.
Stocking Up on Non-Perishable School Supplies
Stocking up on non-perishable school supplies is a great way to save money in the long run. By purchasing items like pens, pencils, paper, and glue in bulk, you can ensure that your kids have the supplies they need throughout the school year. Additionally, stocking up on non-perishable supplies can help you avoid last-minute trips to the store, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Some popular non-perishable school supplies to stock up on include:
- Pens and pencils
- Markers and crayons
- Paper and notebooks
- Glue and scissors
- Rulers and calculators
When stocking up on non-perishable school supplies, it’s essential to consider the quality and durability of the products. Look for brands like Crayola, Elmer’s, and Five Star, which offer high-quality products that are designed to last. Additionally, consider the storage and organization of your supplies, as this can help keep them fresh and prevent waste.
Here are some tips for storing and organizing your non-perishable school supplies:
- Use a designated storage bin or container to keep supplies organized and out of the way.
- Label each supply with its contents and the date it was purchased.
- Store supplies in a cool, dry place to prevent damage and deterioration.
- Consider using a supply caddy or cart to keep supplies mobile and easily accessible.
By stocking up on non-perishable school supplies and storing them properly, you can save money and ensure that your kids have the supplies they need to succeed. Remember to shop deals on school supplies and take advantage of discounts and promotions to get the most value for your money.
Final Tips for Scoring the Best Deals on School Supplies
As you prepare to shop deals on school supplies, keep in mind that flexibility and patience are key. Being open to different brands and products can help you find the best deals, and shopping during off-peak seasons can lead to even deeper discounts. Additionally, consider shopping during sales tax holidays, which can offer additional savings on school supplies.
Some final tips to keep in mind:
- Be flexible with brands: Consider shopping for generic or store-brand school supplies, which can often be significantly cheaper than name-brand products.
- Shop during off-peak seasons: Shopping for school supplies during the off-season can lead to deeper discounts and a wider selection of products.
- Use cashback apps: Cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten offer rebates on certain school supplies, which can help you save even more money.
- Take advantage of price matching: Many retailers offer price matching, which can help you get the best deal on school supplies.
By following these tips and staying informed about the best deals on school supplies, you can score big savings and ensure that your kids have the supplies they need to succeed. Remember to shop deals on school supplies and take advantage of discounts and promotions to get the most value for your money.
In summary, finding the best deals on school supplies requires a combination of research, flexibility, and patience. By knowing where to shop, how to use coupons and promo codes, and how to compare prices, you can save money and ensure that your kids have the supplies they need to succeed. Happy shopping!