11 Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies - Money Nuggets (2024)

It’s almost time for the children to return to school, and we all know how expensive (and stressful!) back-to-school shopping can be, especially if it’s a last-minute dash around W.H.Smith!

Instead, read this handy list before you start shopping and to help you save money on back-to-school supplies. You can thank us later!

11 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies

1. Look Around the House Before You Leave

Ladies, it’s time to delve inside the junk drawer! As scary a prospect as this may be, there is a good chance you’ll be surprised at what you discover inside that can save you spending so much on back-to-school supplies.

Pencils, rubbers, notepads, pencil sharpeners … have a look through and see what you can come up with. This step can be a real money saver.

2. Don’t Throw Things Away – Pass Them Down To Younger Siblings

Glue sticks that are 3/4 full, pencils that are barely used, compasses that look good as new… all these can be handed down to younger siblings once your older child is done with them.

Just let your younger child pick out a fancy new pencil case and they won’t care so much about what is inside.

3. Spend More on Certain Items

If you really want to save money on back-to-school supplies, you should consider spending more on certain items. There are some items that you shouldn’t skimp on, especially if you intend to pass these items down to younger siblings.

Things like school bags, coats and school shoes – items that regularly take a beating – are worth spending more on.

4. Give Poundland A Go!

There is a lot of tat in Poundland, it’s true, but there are some real bargains to be found if you are willing to look for them, and a real possibility to save money on back-to-school supplies.

Things like glue sticks, pens, pencils… if you find ones you like, stock up. Avoid anything that looks too flimsy.

5. Buy Online In Bulk

You can save a lot of money by buying back-to-school supplies online and in bulk. Websites such as Amazon, and theworks.co.uk are good ones to try.

6. Share Your Bulk Buy Finds With Friends

Another brilliant way to save money on back-to-school supplies is to buy in bulk with friends. If you do bag some bargains online but don’t want 50 ringed binders and 10 boxes of notepads taking up room in your garage, share your loot – and the discount – with your mum friends.

7. Make A List and Stick To It!

Only buy what is on your list. Easy to say, but not so easy to do once your child starts nagging you for that extra set of erasers because they’re shaped like cute baby animals, or that amazing expensive set of smelly pens.

This step works best if you leave the kids at home and shop alone!

8. Don’t Wait until the Last Minute

Avoid last-minute panic buying at all costs. Give yourself plenty of time to search for the best bargains.

9. Wait Until School Has Started

A risky move, perhaps, but often school supplies are heavily discounted once school has started. So send your child to school with the basics and get the rest at a discount in the first week of school.

10. Let Your Child Jazz Up Their School Supplies

Buy some inexpensive notepads and ring binders, then give your child a variety of stickers and labels and let decorate them.

This step not only saves you money on back to school supplies, it also encourages your child’s creativity!

11. Buy Generic Uniform Items In Supermarkets

Places like Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys are great places to stock up on white shirts, grey or black trousers/ skirts at a great price.

Just shop early so you can be sure to get the sizes you need; supermarkets sell out of these items fast.

Now It’s Your Turn…

How do yousave money on schoolsupplies? Do you have any top tips to save onback-to-school supplies? Please leave your comments below. We’d love’d to hear from you!