How to Save Money School Supply Shopping with 3 Kids

Office Depot sponsored this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Would you believe this is how I looked shopping for school supplies? Keep reading to see how I shopped for most of the kids’ supplies with a few clicks!

When August rolls around so do all the backpacks, school supplies, and back to school sales. I’ve always loved back to school shopping, like since I was little. My mom made it so special for me. And now as a parent, I understand completely why she made it such a big deal for me. It was to get me excited about school, and not too bummed about the end of summer break. And to be honest, that’s probably why I always loved back to school time.

Well this school year, we have 3 little ones going! RJ is off to first grade, Elias is in VPK (voluntary pre-k) and Joel is in Pre-K 2’s. So, imagine how much money we are going to spend between now and the end of August? NOT A LOT! That’s right, I said not a lot. My husband and I are super frugal, and (not to toot our horns, but TOOT) wise when it comes to shopping, whether it’s for home decor, cars, and of course school supplies.

I was talking to one of my friends recently about back to school supply shopping, and she told me she spent over $300 on it so far and it took her forever to complete.Her kids are thesame ages of mine. And I was shocked because for supplies (not counting backpacks) we’ve never spent over $80 on all three and we’re finished in under an hour. I think last year we spent 60 something.So I’m going to share with you how to save money when school supply shopping, even when you have 3 little ones going back to school.

HOW TO SAVE WHILE SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING

1. Check out what you already have: I’m someone who always buys things on sale, and if it’s a really good deal, like 3 for $.99 crayons (Office Depot has this deal!!), I’ll buy a ton because it’s something the kids use at home, or I can save for the following school year. So before you buy more supplies, dig through what you have at home. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find
2. Plan to do your shopping during tax free weekend if your state has it. You will definitely see a lot of savings if you’re buying some pricier items for your child, like a backpack, calculator, headphones,etc. So if you don’t mind shopping with lots of crowds, then head out during tax free weekend.
3. Order supplies online with School List with a Click: Office Depot does all the hard work down to finding your child’s school supply list, picking the items for you-which you can interchange or add/remove items from your cart if you don’t need to buy everything. Then adding it to the shopping cart. All YOU have to do is pay. You can either pick up in store, or have it delivered. By ordering supplies this way, you actually save money because if you have a super indecisive child, or one who WANTS IT ALL, shopping this way gives them feweroptions (however they can still get the super glittery folder and cool pencil case). What’sgreat is that it saves time too! Being a mom to 4 kids, and 3 of which need school supplies, shopping for school supplies is a hassle. Getting all 4 dressed, loading them in and out of the car, fighting my 2-year-oldto sit in a shopping cart that way we can peacefully shop. It’s a lot of work, so ordering all of their school supplies through “School List With a Click” automatically pulls up the kids’ school supply list (which I already lost) and does all the shopping for me. Another great feature that Office Depot has are “School Supply Kits.” It’s literally a box that has everything your child needs, and it’s one set price. So you know exactly how much you’re going to spend. I highly recommend trying this out as well if you’re on a tight budget or pressed for time!
4. Utilize coupons:If there are coupons, use them! Even if it’s saving you barely a dollar, that’s money in your pocket! Office Depot almost always has coupons for 20% off a single item, which can really come in handy
5. Set a budget and stick with it: Of course try to stay to the list as much as possible, but setting a budget will be key. My husband and I guesstimate how much supplies will cost by looking at the supply list ahead of time, and we throw in some wiggle room, usually $30 more, for a few extra items. Something my mom did with me was allow me to pick up some extra items to get me excited about school and give me the confidence and self-esteem to take on a brand new school year! But sticking to the budget is key; if you don’t make a set budget, you may find yourself going overboard with random knick knacks.

So those are my 5 tips for saving time and money this back to school season. I know back to school is probably the 2nd most stressful time of year, after Christmas. But it doesn’t have to be.Utilize awesome features that stores offer, like School List With A Clickfrom Office Depot, and you’ll definitely be saving time AND money!

Why we love shopping at Office Depot for school supplies:

Office Depot and OfficeMax are offering weekly doorbusters on everyday essentials, and school supplies for up to 80% off! Also, all summer long they’re offering a great selection of top-brand school supplies, exclusive fashion accessories like backpacks, stickers and charms (for all the fashionistas), as well as electronicsand educational learning tools.If you’re looking to get your kids excited and ready for school with a fun video, show themthis!!

If you’re looking to get your kids excited and ready for school with a fun video, show them this!!!

If you’re a seasoned parent that has done this a time or six times, and have some other tips I should include, leave a comment below. I’d love to read it!

Office Depot sponsored this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.