MAIN Home Life Shopping Back to School

Whether you're looking for back to school sales on backpacks and school supplies, planning ahead makes it easy to find what you need at at prices that should fit your budget.

Stay a step ahead of the game by signing up for consumer newsletters for alerts on when major retailers feature sales blowouts that start as early as July.

If you're in the market for school supplies, laptops or printers, you're best bet is in late August and September during back to school Labor Day sales;

For added savings, keep a watch in August for popular back-to-school tax-free days throughout he 50 states.

Throughout the summer, also be sure to check out kids' clothing clearance sales online at major department stores.

For school supplies, shop off the beaten path at dollar stores, supermarkets, or the big chain pharmacies to find cheap pens, pencils, markers, crayons, and other items for back to school.

Just be sure to look for brand names you recognize since you'll only end up buying more of the cheap stuff when pens inevitably leak or scissors break too easily.

Back-to-School checklist

As the old saying goes, timing is everything. To ease your way into a new school year, here are some general tips for a back-to-school plan that works for every stage from K-12.

Before planning a back-to-school shopping trip make an inventory of clothes and supplies you already have on hand.

A basic grade school supply list includes notebooks, plastic folders, pens, no. 2 pencils, backpack, and, often a calculator and laptop. For grade school, include washable markers, ruler, erasers, pencil case, pencil sharpener, scissors, glue stick, construction paper, and lunchbox.

PRO TIP: Nowadays, a back-to-school checklist wouldn't be complete without COVID masks and
disinfectant wipes, along with pain relievers and decongestants for the next cold & flu season.

Schedule doctor's appointments for immunizations or prescription medicines.

Check out the school calendar for important dates such as registration, special events, and holiday schedules.

Get familiar with school bus routes and schedules, or plan alternative transportation for dropping kids off in the morning and picking them up after school.

To avoid the usual morning rush, have clothes laid out, and lunches and snacks prepared the night before, along with a meal plan all set for a quick breakfast on the way out the door.

also see -> Buying a Kids Digital Camera

School clothing clearance sales

More about buying school supplies around the web:

10 clever ways to save on school supplies - Check out advice on when and where to shop, ideas for a "supply swap" with neighborhood parents, bargains to be had at thrift stores and more.

Tips to Save Money on Back to School Supplies & Shopping List - A checklist of ideas for saving money including a stop at the dollar store, buying in bulk, purchasing refurbished computers, and more helpful suggestions for saving money at checkout or online.