As a parent of a 10 (soon to be 11) year old, I’ve been tackling back to school for five years. Here are some hard learned tips to help you save money and enjoy the back to school shopping experience:

1. The most important things to buy are the supplies required by the school. Make sure you check with your school for a list of items and supplies to bring. Many of these items are required every year and you should take stock of what you already have and can reuse.

2. Plan ahead. Make a list of what each child needs before you shop and how much you can afford to spend.

3. If you can, hold off on major clothing purchases until a few weeks after school starts.

First the weather doesn’t get cooler here until mid October and they’ll be wearing summer apparel anyways. The only item you may need immediately are shoes.

Second, if your child isn’t required to wear a uniform, your child will want to see what the other kids (mini fashionistas) are wearing first. That way you won’t be spending money on clothing your kid will never wear.

Third, by mid October many back to school clothing items will be discounted and winter goods will be on the shelves.

4. Take the time to do your homework… Comparison shop. Read flyers, check websites, see what store has the best specials on what you need.

5. Get your kids involved. Of course, kids will want the newest hippest thing. Don't give into their every whim, but tell them the budget and have them select items they like and are versatile within the budget. Anything request that’s “over the top” should come out of their allowance.

6.Avoid shopping when you’re tired or you may be tempted to overspend just to get shopping out of the way. Feed your kids before you take them shopping. Cranky hungry kids will make your shopping foray miserable.

7. To really stretch your budget, start your “back to school” hunt at your local discount off price outlet type stores. Big Lots, Costco and the like. Kids resale stores like Once Upon a Child, are a good place to start the clothing hunt and small mom and pop stores like Market West (office supply outlet) are great resources to get the goods for less. Office Depot has a rewards program gives you discounts and rewards as you stock up points and many local office supply stores will give back to local schools.

8. Some items like backpacks, cool binders are easier and cheaper to find now than mid-year. Buy the best quality you can afford. Jansport makes a good quality backpack and has a lifetime guarantee. Don’t scrimp on quality on the essentials or you may be left empty handed come November.

9. In addition, school supplies usually go on sale by mid-September, so it may not be necessary to buy everything your children need before school starts. In fact, buying over time lets you take advantage of sales and specials throughout the year.

10. Lastly, connect with other parents and see what hand me downs or items you can trade that may work for your kids. Plus see what supplies you can buy together in bulk and split on at Costco and other big box discounters.

Enjoy the hunt!

Suzanne O'Connor