How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping with Coupons

Back-to-school shopping can be a significant expense, but using coupons strategically can help you save a lot on supplies, clothing, and even electronics. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Start with a Plan:

• Make a Detailed List: Get the official school supply lists from your children’s schools. This is your foundation.
• Check What You Already Have: Before buying anything new, take inventory of what you have from previous years. You might have more usable items than you think.
• Organize Your List by Category: Group items into categories like “paper,” “writing utensils,” “clothing,” “electronics,” etc. This will make it easier to find relevant coupons and compare prices.

2. Where to Find Back-to-School Coupons:

• Sunday Newspaper Inserts: These are still a good source for manufacturer coupons, especially for popular school supply brands.
• Printable Coupon Websites: Websites like Coupons.com, [invalid URL removed], and Save.com offer printable coupons for various school supplies and other back-to-school items.
• Store Websites and Apps: Check the websites and apps of stores like Target, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot/OfficeMax, and drugstores. They often have digital coupons, promo codes, and back-to-school deals.
• Manufacturer Websites: Visit the websites of brands like Crayola, Paper Mate, Sharpie, and Five Star for potential coupons or special offers.
• Retailer Back-to-School Catalogs and Flyers: Many retailers release special back-to-school catalogs or flyers that include coupons and discounts.

3. Maximize Savings by Combining Strategies:

• Combine Coupons with Sales: The biggest savings come from using coupons on items that are already on sale. Check weekly store ads and match your coupons to the sale items.
• Stack Coupons: “Stacking” means using more than one coupon on a single item. This usually involves combining a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon. Check each store’s coupon policy to see if stacking is allowed.
• Use Cashback Apps: Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Checkout 51 offer rebates on specific products after you purchase them. This is like getting an extra discount on top of coupons.
• Price Matching: Many stores offer price matching, meaning they’ll match a competitor’s advertised price on the same item. This can be a great way to save, especially on electronics.

4. Saving on Specific Categories:

• School Supplies:
  • Focus on essential items like paper, notebooks, pens, and pencils. These are often heavily discounted during back-to-school sales.
  • Consider buying in bulk, especially for items like loose-leaf paper, filler paper, and pencils.
  • Use coupons for name-brand items that you or your children prefer.
• Clothing:
  • Shop for basics like t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers during back-to-school sales.
  • Use coupons for department stores, clothing retailers, and shoe stores.
  • Consider shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online secondhand marketplaces for gently used clothing at significantly lower prices.
• Electronics:
  • Look for deals on laptops, tablets, calculators, and other electronics during back-to-school sales. Many retailers offer student discounts as well.
  • Use coupons for electronics retailers or online marketplaces.
  • Consider buying refurbished electronics to save money.

5. Additional Tips for Saving:

• Shop Early (But Not Too Early): Starting your back-to-school shopping early can give you a better selection, but waiting for the peak of the back-to-school sales (usually in late July and August) will often yield the best prices.
• Shop Online: Comparing prices online is essential. Many online retailers offer free shipping or in-store pickup options.
• Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends: Many states offer tax-free weekends for back-to-school shopping. Check your state’s tax-free holiday dates and eligible items.
• Consider Dollar Stores: Dollar stores can be a good source for basic school supplies like folders, notebooks, and crayons, especially if you have coupons that can be used there.

By combining these couponing strategies with smart shopping habits, you can significantly reduce your back-to-school spending and prepare your children for the new school year without breaking the bank.