📚 8 Back-to-School Shopping Tips Every Budget-Conscious Parent Needs

Back-to-school season can sneak up fast — and so can the costs! But with a little planning, you can get everything your kids need without blowing your budget. Whether your child is in a uniform school like Bishop Guilfoyle Academy or not, these tips can help you save money and reduce stress as the new year begins.

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1. 🧾 Start with a Budget

Before you shop, set a realistic budget — and stick to it. Break it down by child and category: supplies, uniforms, shoes, and extras. Having a clear plan helps prevent those impulse buys and keeps things manageable.

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2. 📅 Shop Strategically (Not All at Once!)

Stretch your shopping over a few weeks instead of doing it all in one day. Many stores offer rotating deals through July and August. If you’re buying non-uniform items like shoes or backpacks, timing your purchases can make a big difference.

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3. 🛒 Check What You Already Have

Take inventory before you buy. You might be surprised by how many supplies are still usable from last year — like scissors, rulers, or even barely-used notebooks. Reusing what you already own is the easiest way to save!

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4. 💰 Use Store Loyalty Apps

Apps like Target Circle, Kohl’s Rewards, and Walgreens Cash offer great ways to stack coupons, earn points, and even score cash back. Many stores also offer school-specific discounts or teacher appreciation weeks — so keep an eye out!

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5. 👔 Uniform Tip: Shop Early

At Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, students wear uniforms that can be purchased locally at The Ravine or ordered online. For full details and uniform guidelines, visit:
👉 BG Uniform Information

It’s smart to shop early, especially for popular sizes. And don’t forget to check with other families — many are open to swapping or passing along gently used items!

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6. 🌐 Use a Deal Tracker

One of our favorite resources is the Back-to-School Sales roundup from Passionate Penny Pincher. She updates deals across major retailers and organizes them in one easy-to-browse page. It’s a lifesaver!
👉 Passionate Penny Pincher

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7. 🧠 Involve Your Kids

Even with uniforms, kids can help choose their school supplies, backpacks, and lunchboxes. Giving them a small part of the budget to manage helps teach responsibility — and gets them excited for the year ahead!

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💡 Final Thought:

Back-to-school doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can check off everything on your list — and maybe even celebrate with a treat after the first day! 🍎✂️🎒