The Only Things You Need for Back to School

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Back to school time tends to bring out the desire to shop. Yes, there is a need to buy some things but with all the sales and all the pressure to buy, it can make you actually want to shop. Sometimes it’s hard to know what you actually need and what is just something you want to buy. Back to school shopping time can bring this out especially between the sales and a bit of a desire to “keep up with the Joneses.” Even without realizing it, we can often feel like we need our children to have the best binder or a lot of new clothes for school. We have this thinking that we need that for a status symbol.

In reality, you probably don’t really need a lot for back to school for your children. In reality, trying to achieve a status symbol never really works out well. Your kids probably only need a few things. Before you start shopping, consider the only things you need for back to school.

Some school supplies

Before you go buy all new notebooks, pencils, binders, etc., take stock of what you might still have from last year. More than likely, you have a fair amount left. Your kids will probably need a few new pencils and notebooks. They may need a few new pencils or lunch box or binder if their previous ones are no longer usable. They may have even out grown their backpack or maybe it is falling apart. The trick here is to figure out what they actually need and not just go buy new of everything for school supplies.

What they will use

The character themed pencil box might greatly appeal to your child. They may beg and beg for that particular one. But take a look at it. Is it a style that you know will be a challenge for your kid and they will end up not using it? Then don’t buy it. Buy the item in the style they will actually use.

Maybe your school suggests regular pencils on their school supply list but you know your child prefers mechanical pencils. It would make more sense economically to just purchase the mechanical ones as you know your child will use them.

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Some clothes if needed

Your child may or may not need new clothes for back to school time. If you are good at shopping clearance a year ahead or do thrift/consignment sales, they may already be all set. Or maybe your child is older and no longer going through the major growth spurts so there’s no need for new clothes. Take stock of your child’s closet. Decide what they actually will need and buy only those items. There can be excellent sales on clothing at back to school time as well as clearance on summer clothing. If they need something, go ahead and buy it.

If they don’t need any new clothing, try not to buy any. If you really feel like you need to buy something, buy a first day of school outfit but that’s it. No more. Use that money for other things like an extracurricular activity.

 

The only things you need for back to school are…the things you need! It really is as simple as that. There is no need to drop a lot of money on supplies and clothing, especially if your child does not need it. For more back to school shopping tips, be sure to check out my post, Saving on Back to School Shopping.

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