As schools reopen, many parents begin the yearly ritual of shopping for school supplies for their children. While it is thrilling for children to get fresh clothing, backpacks, and clothing items, it can also be an overwhelming and costly experience for parents. Here are some school shopping suggestions for parents to make the process easier.

1 Make a plan and follow it

Create a list of all the supplies your kid will require for the coming academic year before you decide to shop in an establishment or online. Clothing, shoes, education supplies, and electronics are examples. You can prevent impulsive buying and spending by having a solid understanding of what you require. 

2 Make a schedule

Back-to-school purchases can quickly add up, so make a budget and adhere to it. Consider the total amount you can spend and divide it among the various categories on the list. This will assist you in prioritising your purchases and preventing overpaying.  

PHOTO | COURTESY back to school shpping

3 Use coupons and shop for deals

During the summer, many stores give back-to-school sales and discounts. Watch for promotions and ads in your local daily, online, or through loyalty programmes. Promo codes and offers can be found on social media, email bulletins, and coupon websites. 

4 Consider excellence over quantity

Although it may be enticing to save money by purchasing lower-quality goods, doing so may end up paying you a lot more. Invest in long-lasting, high-quality items to see you through the academic year and beyond. This may cost a little bit more upfront, but it will save you cash in the future since you won't be replacing things as frequently.

PHOTO | COURTESY back to school shpping

5 Purchase in quantity

Try shopping at storage facilities like jumia or Sam's Club if you have many kids or need bulk purchases. These stores sell huge quantities of goods at low prices, such as paper, pens, and notebooks. Furthermore, you can split the cost of big purchases with other households in your neighbourhood.