Back to school sales are already starting and typically run through most of August. I know you’re probably in full-summer mode and the LAST thing you want to think about are the back to school sales; BUT you don’t want to miss out and it is time to plan ahead.

Even as a homeschooler, who schools year-round, I get very excited about these sales. I do some serious back to school stockpiling during these the sales and you should too! Regardless of your choice of education for your child, stockpiling supplies is essential. Most public, private, charter schools and even homeschooling require the same items for each student.

Stocking Up on School Supplies Just Makes Sense

Many of the items that stores put out for the back to school sales are, what they call, loss leaders. That means they are typically losing money or not making money on those items to get you into their store; in hopes that you’ll buy other full-priced. Typically, consumers buy more than one item at any trip to a retail store. During back to school season, supplies are so in-demand that the average amount of money spent on items for their child is over $600. Can you imagine how much it would be if no discounts were offered?

I have a few tips to share with you on shopping back to school sales as well as what to you need to stockpile during them. Over the years I have been able to do a year’s worth of school shopping for our homeschool in one day! And with most public and private schools needing students to bring their own supplies, you need to know how to make the most of the back to school sales. Here are some ways to save you some moo-lah!

Back to School Sales – What You Need to Stockpile

Everyone loves back to school sales! Despite the idea that most kids don’t enjoy this time of year, they can learn to love the process of back to school shopping too. Bring them along and allow them to choose a few of their own supplies should they be in your budget.

Here are a few suggested items categorized by age groups:

Back to School Sales Stockpile Preschool and Kindergarten Supplies

• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Washable paints
• Washable markers
• Glue sticks
• Blunt-tipped scissors
• Pencil box
• Assorted construction paper
• Plastic folders
• Primary handwriting paper and/or notebooks
• Lunchbox or bag
• Ice packs for lunch bag

Back to School Sales Stockpile Elementary School Supplies 

• 2 pencils
• Colored pencils 
• Ballpoint pens
• Pencil sharpener
• Erasers
• Pencil box or bag
• Rulers
• Index cards in various sizes
• Calculators
• Assorted notebooks (make sure to find out if they need wide-ruled or college-ruled)
• Three-ring binders
• Loose-leaf paper
• Lunchbox or bag
• Ice packs for lunch bag

Back to School Sales Stockpile Middle School/High School Supplies

• Kindles or other tablets (Amazon may have a HUGE sale on these for Prime Day on 7/16)
• 2 pencils
• Ballpoint pens
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters
• Permanent markers
• White-out
• Calculators, especially graphing calculator that can be very pricey normally
• Combination lock
• Rulers
• Post-It Notes
• Glue
• Scissors
• Index cards (lined and plain in a variety of sizes, lots of uses)
• Personal calendar / organizer
• Stapler
• Loose-leaf paper
• Assorted notebooks
• Graph paper
• Three-ring binders
• Three-hole punch
• Paper binders and folders to organize larger binders
• Pencil pouch
• Lunchbox / Cooler
• Ice packs for lunch bag
• Backpack or bag

Tips for Back to School Sales Stockpiling

Stockpiling School Supplies – Big Stuff

Don’t forget the big ticket items that often go on sale during the back to school time. Things like desks, computers, tablets, bookshelves and more will also be on sale during this time. Maybe your student needs these, but your office might too.

Stockpiling School Supplies – Make a List

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made, in the past, was heading to the back to school sales without a list. Check your current supplies, make a list of what you think you’ll need and if your teacher has given you a list then bring that too. Many of the stores will have local school lists available or you can check your school’s website for classroom needs.

Stockpiling School Supplies – Make a Budget

The next thing that can cause trouble is not having a budget. You can go overboard really fast when you see 5 cent sales! So make sure you have a budget in mind and keep track of your spending as you’re adding things to your cart. A great way to stick to your budget is by searching prices of supplies online ahead of time. Additionally, consider making a list that a lots a certain amount of money for each category (you can’t really over-prepare).

When you are stocking up on school supplies go with a stock-up price list like this one from The Krazy Coupon Lady.

Stockpiling School Supplies – Consider Shopping Online

Many of the big stores, including Amazon, will have amazing online sales that match those in the stores. Shopping online can keep you from making too many impulse buys, as you shop your list from the comfort of your recliner (just me?). And if you can get free shipping, then why fight the crowds and heat? If you don’t want to buy online you can still use the sites to check prices and you may even find unadvertised coupons!

Other stores that offer great discounts online for back to school items include Walmart, Target, K-Mart and Officemax.