Things I Can't Say

Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom

How to Do Back to School Shopping Like a Boss

I made a huge mistake last summer.

I waited until the week before school started to do my back to school shopping. The aisles were packed with parents frantically trying to grab the last orange plastic three pronged folders and other mythical shopping finds that are required on the school supply list.

Not only that, but I was convinced that I needed to go to multiple stores to find the best prices. It was not a fun experience.

This year, I wised up. And, don’t hate me for this, but I did all of my school supply shopping last night, in one trip, at one store. My school’s list was in a back to school at Walmart display and the aisles were clear, so I took advantage. It was super easy, and now I can relax!

back-to-school-at-Walmart
As a former teacher and a now-veteran mom of the elementary school scene(my oldest is in his final year of elementary school), there are certain items that I know teachers need extra of at the beginning of the year and that they’ll run out of at the mid-point of the year. I like to stock up and send some of these items in at the beginning of the year and then store the others for when they are needed(but having stocked up when they were at the discounted back to school shopping price).

If you can, stock up on extra glue sticks, loose leaf paper, crayons, colored pencils, Kleenex, pencils, and erasers. Also, if there is any item that you thought was hard to find and you are concerned your child might need another later in the year, grab an extra; for my family, that was the graph-lined composition notebooks, since there was only one small stack of them and I’d rather get them now than do a frantic search later in the school year.

Box Tops for Back to School

While I’m doing my back to school shopping, I do like to look for products with Box Tops, since those help out our school. Right now, at Walmart, you can find Kleenex, Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, and Viva Paper Towels with bonus Box Tops that you can send into your child’s school. Might as well stock up on these while you’re stocking up on your school supplies!

back-to-school-at-Walmart

Do you stock up on any extra school supplies during your back to school shopping?

Comments

  1. I actually went to Staples.com this year and got everything and it was delivered free the next day! compared to Amazon, the cost was $30 cheaper. And I didn’t have to go through the madness of dealing with live human beings. LOL

  2. We collect box tops for our school, too! We make tons of money from them.

  4. I always stock up on extra supplies! My husband used to work in the classroom and I know how valuable many of the items are.

  5. We always stock up on extra supplies during the back to school sales. In fact, we now have a stockpile.

  7. I think stocking up for later in the year is always a good idea. Kids always seem to need more supplies before the end of the year or I can donate them.

  8. I like to buy extra and donate to other children who need it whenever I can. Taking advantage of school sales is a great way to do that!

  9. I need to start getting supplies. I should probably pick up the school list first. I usually get my items at Target.

  12. It looks like you got the kids some great things for school! We always go to Walmart for our school shopping.

  13. We stock up all through the year. When I see something on sale that will be perfect for school, I grab it and put it in my closet. It makes those last few weeks of Summer a little easier.

  15. Back to school shopping commences this week in our house. I was sad at first to see it go into the stores because I don’t want summer to end. But you can’t miss out on those hot deals!

  16. We still have a ways to go, School doesn’t start until September 8th here, but I am already looking for deals and ideas for when its time to start my shopping! Great ideas!

  18. Me too!! I printed the lists earlier on Monday and am spending Saturday getting them all bought and ready.
    It’s so much easier than waiting until August. 🙂

    You’re awesome.

  19. I am still in denial that it is time to do back to school shopping…. will have to hit the stores soon though before we miss out on the deals.

  20. I hit places like walmart when they do their 18, 24, 88 and 99 cent sales. Then, I gather the rest of the items from dollar stores. I keep things stocked that I know kiddo will run out of later in the year and we always get two backpacks because one always breaks right before Christmas!

  23. Like a Boss! lol I wonder where that saying originated from. ha. 🙂 Can you believe it’s almost school time already?

  25. I am about to go back to school shopping like a boss too, so many great supplies and the double box tops are awesome!

  26. I love back to school shopping! There is just something so fun about notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks (I’m such a nerd) I always do my shopping at Walmart too!