How to get the best deals on 'back to school' supplies

As school begins again you’ll want to be sure to grab the best deals on back to school supplies. There’s no better way to beat the rush of back to school shopping than going in with a game plan. At The Adventure Challenge, we hope to help you craft the best plan you can for your upcoming school shopping. Below we’ve listed our best tips when it comes to getting the best bargains on back to school supplies. Let’s get started!

#1 - Shop on Sunday and Monday for the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

With the craze of back to school shopping starting up again, you can save yourself the hassle of the crowds by hitting the stores on either Sunday or Monday.

​​How to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies. Close-up photo of shopping cart in a department store.

These are the two days stores are least frequented. Going on Sunday and Monday also gives the stores a chance to restock, as plenty of shopping would have been done throughout the week. The best weekly deals on back to school supplies usually start on Sunday. All the more reason to start shopping then!

#2 - Look for Coupons to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

In order to help you get the first pick at back to school supplies, look for coupons on the back of merchandise or near office supply items. Typically store coupons or manufacturer coupons can be found in magazines, online as printable coupons, newspapers, weekly store ads or on products within the store itself. Use these coupons to get the best bargain on back to school supplies!

#3 - Visit Your Local Dollar Store for the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

If you’re looking to save some extra money on back to school supplies, visit your local dollar store for more affordable options. You can get most everything you need for back to school supplies, and awesome deals, at your dollar store. School items such as calculators, pens, notebooks, and more are all available for you to purchase, with a guarantee in savings!

#4 - Utilize Store’s Apps Before Shopping to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

Check to see if the stores you’re visiting for back to school supplies have an app that you can use to save on deals!

​​How to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies. Close-up photo of girl wearing a green jacket using her phone next to gray railings.

Most apps offer exclusive discounts and deals on certain departments of the store. Don’t miss out on savings by forgetting to use a store’s app! Checking in on a store’s app will save you time and money when it comes to shopping for back to school supplies.

#5 - Shop Tax-Free to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

If you’re looking to save money on back to school supplies, look for states that offer tax-free shopping in certain stores for a limited time. Even if your state doesn’t participate in tax-free back to school shopping, you can always travel to the nearest state that offers tax-free deals for school.

To help you get the most benefits when it comes to purchasing back to school supplies, we’ve included this list of states that participate in tax-free back to school shopping!

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut 
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Iowa
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico 
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas 
  • Virginia 

Be sure to check the dates that each state offers for back to school shopping so you know when to go!

Collection of typical school supplies needed for school such as tapes, scissors, papers, exacto knife and a cutter, and sticky notes.

#6 - Compare Prices to Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies 

Be sure to take the time to compare item prices from various stores to ensure you’re getting the best deals when it comes to back to school shopping. Compare clothing prices, toiletry prices, school supply prices, and accessory prices to see which store has the better bargain for you. Price matching stores are a great way to save money on back to school shopping.

#7 - Sign Up for Text Coupons to Stay Updated on the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies

Never underestimate the power of virtual coupons, especially if you’re looking to buy school supplies online. Providing your phone number is an easy way to stay up to date on the latest deals and bargains, without the hassle of searching for deals yourself. 

Be sure to check out these sites and consider signing up for their coupon text thread!

  • Old Navy 
  • H & M
  • Gap
  • Kohl’s
  • Macy’s

#8 - Opt for Online Shopping to Get the Best Deals on Back to School Supplies 

When it comes to mastering the rules of saving, online shopping is the hidden secret to just about any back to school shopping season.

Girl shopping online for school supplies on her Macbook while she sits in bed

Most online stores offer great discounts on normal store bought items. If you can, opt to shop for most of your school supplies online to get the top deals for your back to school supplies. It's common that items such as backpacks, shoes, notebooks go on sale online faster and cheaper than in store items. Don’t miss out on saving a little extra by virtual shopping for your basic back to school needs. 

#9 - Use Your Drugstore Rewards on School Items for the Best Back to School Supplies 

You know those ‘rewards’ you get on the receipts of your local drugstore purchases? Turns out these ‘rewards’ can come in handy when school begins to start back up again. Use these coupons and loyalty points to spend on school supplies at your local CVS or Walgreens. 

Back to School Deals 

Now that you’ve read our best tips for back to school shopping, we hope you’ll be able to save plenty on back to school supplies. If you want to add to the excitement of heading back to school - be sure to get our Friends Edition Camera Set so your kids can capture their first day of school memories and have plenty of adventures to try throughout the year! 

Before school begins, be sure to enjoy the last few days of summer, together with your friends and family. Read our blog, 10 Things to Do Before School Starts (For Families) for some exciting ideas to get you started!

And once school begins - spend your weekend getaways with some fun ideas the whole family can enjoy. Read our blog, How to Plan The Best After School Activities for Kids for more! 

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