Heading back to school is an exciting and anxious time, and back to school shopping for clothing and supplies can be a tad overwhelming! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you streamline your efforts and create an enjoyable shopping experience:
Clothing:
Stores such as Old Navy and The Children’s Place often run $5 polo sales in the weeks before school begins. Find a coupon code for free shipping or additional cost off? Great! Shirts arrive at your doorstep and the sizing is off? Simply return them to the store in your town to avoid re-shipping costs.
Don’t want to spend top dollar on pricey school clothes that kids will inevitably stain or tear on the playground? Don’t forget to check out secondhand stores such as Once Upon a Child or online secondhand boutiques such as Dessie Kids. Many times these stores have beautiful brand name clothing for a fraction of the cost.
Love the hunt of consignment? Knoxville is your place for fall and spring consignment events! Upcoming consignment events include The Picky Chick (August 27-29), Duck Duck Goose (September 30th-October 3rd), and area churches also hold large yard sales with gently used items to raise money for a good cause. Seeking soccer cleats, dance wear, or winter coats? These locations are perfect for items that your children will use for a season and grow out of quickly.
School Supplies:
Having trouble keeping all of those school supply lists together while balancing busy shopping with kids? Take a screen shot of each child’s list so you can easily scan them on your phone and avoid that paper trail that accompanies those lengthy school supply lists.
Don’t be afraid to price match! Pick up flyers from stores like Staples and OfficeMax and price compare at stores that offer price matching, like Walmart. Keep in mind as well that if there are specific items you are seeking (i.e that character backpack you cannot find anywhere else!) use the online “site to store” option. Many times specialty items that cannot be found in store are online, and you can have them shipped to the store at no cost to you.
Many school districts and sheriff’s offices hold back to school giveaways for school supplies for those families that may not be able to afford what they need. If you or a family that you know could benefit from free school supplies, give your local school board a call for more information.
