It’s about that time of year again. The time where kids are crying and parents are rejoicing everywhere. You know what I’m talking about. Back to school time. Soon we will get to ship the kids off to school for most of the day and either get peace and quiet or save some money on daycare. The only part I used to dread is school shopping. Here’s a list of tips to save you some money and time shopping for school supplies and clothes.

Dollar Store

The dollar store is a great place to get the basics. Who cares if you don’t have name brand pencils. Your kids most likely won’t even know the difference. You could get most of your supplies for $20 and I believe that’s a win.

Go Alone

When you are picking up notebooks, pencils, folders etc. leave the little ones at home. A lot of schools have color specific supplies required now anyway. Don’t even tell the kids you are going school shopping and grab everything but their backpack. It will save you the whining and the random things they are convinced they need that aren’t even on the list. You can take them to pick out their backpack on a separate trip.

Trent's first day of preschool
Trent's first day of preschool
Trent's first day of 2nd grade
Trent's first day of 2nd grade

Thrifting

Thrifting not only saves you a ton of money but it’s also trending right now. Kids grow like weeds and we have to replace their wardrobe way more often than is convenient. Those SUPER adorable jeans you saw at Gap? They are going to get a hole in the knee within a month anyway. Save yourself the headache by going to Goodwill or Savers. You’ll thank me later.

Last but not least, when you watch them ride away on the school bus on their first day of school pour yourself a big ol’ cup of coffee and raise your mug in celebration. You survived yet another summer. Congratulations.

<3 Bri