Let's Celebrate: Back to School Savings

Sales = Savings = Celebration.  It's back-to-school time again and the sales on school supplies are plentiful during these weeks before school starts. Combine this with Florida’s upcoming Tax Free Holiday and it is definitely a reason to celebrate in “That Creative Mom’s” book. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Plan ahead

Before you shop, do your homework. Go find the supply list that the school gave you at the end of last year. Can’t find it, go to the school’s website and download it there. Next, create your own list of the items you need including clothes, backpacks and other essentials. Make sure and leave space next to these items. To keep your savings on track, you’ll write in the store name where you plan to make your purchase(s).

Shop The Stores

Scan through your newspaper’s Sunday circulars. Your local Walgreens, Target and others are now offering drastically reduced prices on their back to school items – but only on certain ones at each store. Depending on the item and packaging, some may be priced at 10 cents or even less!  It sounds irresistible, right? It is all part of the retailers' strategy to get you into their store. They hope you'll come in and do your shopping all in one fell swoop. Don't fall for it. The key is to start early. Time and patience is on your side right now. Be selective, buy the loss leaders. You can go back next week and pick up the other items you need. And after that, head to the dollar store for deals on whatever is left on your list

Here are some sample savings from this past Sunday’s newspaper circulars. Most deals are good through Saturday. Start that list now:

5" scissors  - 29 cents with coupon from Sunday 8/7 Tampa Tribune
2 pack Elmer's Glue Sticks  - 29 cents  with coupon from Sunday 8/7 Tampa Tribune
Elmer's School Glue  - 29 cents  with coupon from Sunday 8/7 Tampa Tribune
Composition books  - 49 cents  with coupon from Sunday 8/7 Tampa Tribune
Filler paper 130 sheets  - 2 for $1
No. 2 pencils, 10 pack  - 19 cents
Crayola Crayons, 24 pack - $1 (and get a $1 reward)
2-pocket folder - 9 cents
Pink erasers, 2 pack - 39 cents
Crayola Markers, 10 pack  - 99 cents


Post its, 90 count - $1
Yellow highlighters, 3 pack - $1
Spiral notebook - $1
Pink erasers, 2 pack  - 20 cents
Rose Art washable school glue - 20 cents
Free 24-ct Rose Art crayons with purchase of one RoseArt 10-ct markers or 12-ct colored pencils
No. 2 pencils, 24 pack - 90 cents
Kid scissors, 2-ct  - 90 cents

Composition books - Buy one, get one free, with CVS card
Elmer's School Glue, Expo dry erase markers, all Crayola - Buy one, get one 50 percent off, with CVS card

Shop Online

Online coupons can make your shopping sweeter. You may not even need to leave the house. Check out sites like Edeals.com and DealTaker.com that offer coupon codes for your back to school savings. Get social with Facebook and Foursquare. Many stores and manufacturers are offering special discounts for those who ”fan” or “like” them and at the very least you are sure to find deals with free shipping.

Buy in Bulk

Don’t forget to check out your local BJs or Sams Club. Buying office supplies like paper or pens in large quantities can save you money over the school year. An advantage to shopping at BJs, is that in addition to their already low prices, they accept manufacturer’s coupons. Don’t forget that you can use multiple coupons if you are purchasing a multipack.

Rebates

This is the time to watch for rebates. Many national drug store chains offer rebates in addition to their low prices.  If you shop at CVS, this can result in getting some items virtually free with your “Extra Care Bucks.”

Tax Free Weekend 2011

As mentioned above, Florida’s Sales Tax Holiday runs August 12-14. Eligible items include school supplies less than $15 and clothing, shoes etc. under $75. This is a great time to buy school clothes and uniforms. For more information check out the State of Florida’s website at: http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/        

So don’t wait for the last minute to pick up your supplies. You’ll be on the losing end. Shop smart, shop early and celebrate your savings!