Back to School Shopping List: Best Tips for Planning

The back-to-school shopping list is a daunting task. You want to make sure you have everything, but don’t know where to start. This back-to-school shopping guide will help you get started on the right track by giving you the best tips for back-to-school shopping.

The best part? It’s all about how much money can be saved!

1) Early Bird Catches The Worm

One of the most important back-to-school shopping tips is to start early. Early shoppers are more likely to find discounts and deals on backpacks, binders, pencils, pens, and other necessary items like textbooks. Check out stores like Office Depot where there are always coupons available for students so you can save money when buying backpacks and paper goods at the same time!

2) Plan Back to School Shopping Around Backpacks 

When looking for backpacks make sure they have a sturdy handle that will last a long time. Backpacks are usually the most expensive item on your back-to-school list and will be used for many years of schooling – make sure you buy a quality backpack that won’t break!

3) Buy Back-to-School Supplies in Bulk 

Try to buy in bulk some items like notebooks or paper books for each subject, so you don’t have to go back and forth with bulky binders. This shopping tip will save money and time. During the year, many school projects will require a lot of supplies. Try to estimate and even exaggerate a little bit  -if needed- to find bulk products with the cheapest price.  

4) Prepare a Full List and Go Over It

The checklist below is a great starting point when doing back-to-school shopping:

• Backpack (should last all four years!)
• Binder(s)
• Notebooks
• Pens/Pencils/Highlighters -Bonus points if you buy back-to-school supplies in bulk!
• Backpack Supplies – backpack straps, water bottle holder, etc.
• Clothes/Shoes for the first week back at school (if necessary)
• School clothes and shoes throughout the year
• Textbooks with a list of books your student will need for this semester
• Face Masks – New normal includes new safety rules

5) Books are Essential for Shopping

Get your student’s list of required textbooks as soon as possible! This will help you avoid running around town looking for books at the last minute and missing out on discounts. You can purchase books either in physical stores or you can order them online and they will arrive at your door. If your child is struggling with reading small text, you can try large print books which allow for much easier reading.

6) Catch Summer Discounts for Clothes While Still Available

Purchase clothes and shoes before the first week start if necessary – this way they’ll have everything they need without having to wear what they wore all summer long. Check out Staples’s back-to-school deals on new clothing items like t-shirts, leggings, shorts, etc. from brands that students love now, so there’s no wondering which sizes your student is going to want. School uniforms for everyone should be ready before the new semester.

7) Make Your Kids Work for Their Supplies

One back-to-school shopping tip is to have your kids work for their backpacks and supplies. Whether it’s doing yard work, making lunches for the week, or doing your grocery shopping, back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity to teach kids responsibility. This way they’ll appreciate back-to-school shopping more and maybe even save up to buy a backpack or some supplies on their own!

8) Compare Prices and Take Notes

When back-to-school shopping, compare prices and take notes on what items are cheaper. This is a great shopping tip that will save you time in the long run when shopping again next year.

9) Be Ready to Visit Many Stores Before Buying

Find back-to-school deals at many stores before buying – this is a nice tip that will save you time and money. Just take your shopping list and visit different stores to find better deals. Take your notes to find the best price for each item on your list.

If you take your child and give him a printed shopping list, he/she can help with your price research. Additionally, engaging with the school materials will prepare him/her psychologically for a better school year.

10) Establish Your Back-to-School Budget Beforehand

Before going shopping, establish your back-to-school budget and stick with it. On the other hand, try not to pinch pennies too much either – quality supplies can make a big difference for student success. And this shopping will be worth the investment if it helps kids have a great school year.

11) Tax-Free Weekends Will Save Dollars

Consider back-to-school shopping during tax-free weekends. Some states (like Florida) have a special weekend when you do not have to pay taxes. The current tax rate is about $0.06/dollar, which means shopping during the tax-free weekend will save you at least six dollars!

12) Beat the Rush and Shop Online

Beating the back-to-school rush is an important shopping tip that will help you get your child’s supplies earlier in the process – especially if they have specific things they want. If you prefer online shopping, Staples will send your order to the store nearest you for free – just pick it up when it’s ready!

13) Assistive Technology for Reading

One back-to-school shopping tip is to visit the store for assistive technology. If your child needs help with reading, there are a number of tools available that will make his/her time in school easier. Reading pens, or reading assistive devices became more essential not just for people with dyslexia, but also for everyone. Putting in your back-to-school list, a reading device will elevate your child’s learning and help for a much more efficient education.

OrCam Read for Students with Reading Difficulties

OrCam is a handheld device that assists with reading difficulties and helps students to read books, screens, and other materials. It’s an innovative assistive technology for a back-to-school shopping list you must have.

OrCam Read has the Smart Reading Feature which allows you to command your OrCam with vocal commands. Advanced AI recognizes columns, titles, numbers, and dates and you can choose what you prefer to listen to. Additionally, you can command to start reading from a specific word and not be required to wait until the sentence you want to start.

Learn more about how OrCam Read helps students with reading difficulties and dyslexia.