Joanna Marie O. Santos
August 7, 2023

As we slowly move into the middle of August, many parents are beginning to prepare their kids for the upcoming school year. Apart from enrolling their kids into their desired school and buying the necessary items like uniforms and books, purchasing school supplies is most likely the one thing your kid is looking forward to doing. However, parents must be prepared to not get swayed by buying the latest popular thing, while still allowing the preferences of the kid to influence each purchase. 

Buying school supplies can be a pretty exciting experience for both the kid and the parent, but it is important to make sure that the budget is kept in check and that everything is brought in the best possible value. Parents should make sure that each necessary purchase is made without making the process stressful for themselves or their kids. In this article, we will discuss some of the best tips and tricks parents can follow when buying school supplies for this upcoming school year.

1. Refer To Your Kid’s School Supplies List 

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Before heading to the school supplies store, it is important to make sure that you have a complete list of all the items needed to be purchased, Usually, a child’s school will provide parents with a complete list of all the supplies needed for the school year, and it is important to use this information in making your kid’s checklist. The list provided by the school will always have all the items your child will need to complete tasks scheduled for the programs they have been enrolled in. That’s why it is necessary to consider the items included in this list. 

2. Check Your Existing Supplies

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Another list to consider before heading to the supplies store is the existing school supplies that you already have at home. This will not only be beneficial in maintaining your budget, but it will prevent overstocking inside the home, which can take more space than allotted in your home's storage space. However, when checking for old school supplies, it is still important to see if the item can still be used or if it is better disposed of - always remember that your child’s comfort comes first.

3. Make Sure To Consider Your Kid’s Opinions

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Parents should also consider their child’s opinions and preferences when buying school supplies. After finalizing a master list of everything that needs to be purchased, make sure to include what your child prefers and what they want to include in the list. For parents, this is an important method of showing their children that their opinions matter and that their preferences are valid when it comes to making important decisions. This also allows parents to realize the students that the school’s supplies list has overlooked may need. 

4. Consider Your Budget But Don’t Skimp On The Good Stuff

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Sometimes, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest item to save a few pesos, but this can hurt your budget and affect your kid’s comfort in the long run. Consider saving up and purchasing high-quality items when it comes to things that need to be used daily, like backpacks, shoes, and lunch boxes. This will ensure that you will no longer have to constantly buy a new one after purchasing a cheap but low-quality item. It will also be beneficial for your child since they can be comfortable with high-quality items that do not break down often.

5. Consider Buying All The Necessities In Bulk 

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When it comes to the majority of your kid’s school supplies, restocking happens often. School items like bond paper, pencils, erasers, and even intermediate paper run out with daily use and it is important to always have a new one to prevent your child from having to ask for handouts from their classmates. With items like these, parents can consider buying them in bulk to always have an existing supply in case they run out. This will also save you time and effort from buying these items again and again once the items run out in the future. 

The Meticulous Mom’s Way Of Buying School Supplies 

Buying school supplies is often a yearly task for parents and kids. As the first day of school comes closer, parents should begin to prepare the school supplies list that needs to be purchased beforehand. By completing the task in a timely and meticulous manner, parents can have a fun and productive shopping day with their kids.