Back to School Countdown -14 days to go: Stress Free Shopping

 

      Just the words Back to School can cause stress. As parents we immediately start thinking of everything we need to buy; clothes, shoes, supplies, lunch stuff, etc. not to mention, all the money that is spent at this time of year. I heard on the local news, that statistics predicted $636.00 will be spent, per child, on back to school items. For some of us parents on a budget were thankful if we spend half of that and get everything they need. Lucky for us, the schools here in our area are uniform schools and they supply all the supplies for the students. The only thing they ask for are paper towels, Kleenex, Purell antibacterial hand sanitizer, and sandwich bags, and that's all the elementary school needs. The middle school here (which starts at 4th grade, I know what your thinking, 4th grade really?) does not ask for anything but a 20.00 school fee. This really helps out and allows us to get the kids some regular clothes for the fall/winter season and not just uniforms.

    As we do every year, we went back to school shopping during Tax Free weekend, anything to save some money! The kids are getting older and really aren't into shopping unless its shopping for toys or video games, so I was a little worried about how the day was going to go from store to store. I wanted to make the trip as stress free as possible; get in there, get what we need, get out, and save money. Generally if a list is made, you know what you need to get, and can focus on just getting those things, especially, since the kids are there to keep from getting sidetracked on that cute shirt and amazing sale going on. Here are some tips to help you have a stress free back to school shopping trip with the kids.


- Go through what the kids already have, Clothes, Shoes, under ware, and socks. Make a list of exactly what is needed. (ex:3 shorts, 2 shirts) Also include all school supplies requested by the school, stuff for the house for homework area, and/or any extras (new toothbrushes, shampoo, hair accessories {visit Raised Southern for all you hair bow needs! We also make custom bows to match all school colors!}
 
- Compare the sale ads and any coupons you might have. Also have a plan of what stores you are going to and check out the stores websites to see what coupons they have to offer. Also be frugal. If you need to make two purchases because the coupons say one per person, absolutely do it. Anything to save money is important and should be done.

- Get your kids involved! Even though you are getting the kids involved you are still going to have the issues of wanting other things and touching every thing, but honestly, i much rather have that going on then crying, whining, and tantrums while we are trying to pick out the color of the five notebooks needed.  The kids do however look forward to picking out their school supplies and getting just the right thing for them so this can be an exciting outing for the whole family if done right.

    



     Shopping with the kids, no matter what you're getting can be stressful, however If you follow these 3 simple tips you can be in and out of the store, with everything you need, in 30 minutes, and with everyone still having smiles on their faces!

     

     Have you and your kids done your back to school shopping yet? How did it go? What tips do you have for other moms on how to have a stress free shopping trip? If you have not went back to school shopping yet, try these tips out and let us know how it works out for you. This time we had a good shopping day & got all of their supplies, plus a couple extras.