Everyone knows that back to school time can reek havoc on the pocketbooks of all parents. Two of the biggest culprits are gear and school supplies. Here are ways you can make the most of seasonal sales on supplies and ideas for DIY backpacks, pencil cases and lunch bags.
If your teen is showing signs of wanting to branch out with individuality as they head back to school, consider letting them attempt making their own backpack this school year. The following projects are suitable for boys and girls alike, from intermediate grades through high school.
Personalized pencil cases are fun and provide tons of room for individuality. They are also a necessary item for student organization. Loose pencils, pens and erasers floating around the desk, locker and backpack can cause a number of problems with student productivity. Try working with the kids at home to make their own as a fun activity to wind up the summer and get ready for school.
Going eco is so chic these days, why not ditch the plastic lunch boxes and try making your own washable, reusable lunch bags?
Use these supply sales as a time to get prepared for needs throughout the coming year. You'll be surprised how much money you can save if you use these sales for more than just back to school.
Recommended Reading: Teaching Tools for the Floating Educator and Stocking Your Classroom at Dollar Tree.
Related readings:
Got another great idea for back to school savings? Share your tips below.
This post was included in the Carnival of pen, paper, and pencil.
Before you go too crazy on buying notebooks, remember to check ones that may be hidden away on a bookshelf or in a closet. You probably had some that you started using and stopped for some reason, or you just used it once, as I often do. Tear out the used pages and reuse the rest.
Same thing with pocket folders--you probably have some that are in perfect condition but stuffed with old papers you don't need, maybe even from last year! Recycle those papers and reuse the folder.
what about younger kids who cant make their own stuff? or what if the kids dont want to? any other tips?
Hi Stephanie,
Well, for younger kids having them clean up last year's pencil case and adding stickers is one way to go. Also, if the kids are too young for sewing, a thrift store backpack can be dressed up with patches. If as a parent you don't feel craftily ambitious with the sewing on of patches, you could try some iron on patches.
Check out my various projects and services at Itinerant Tightwad. I also have a monthly education newsletter.
I love this post! Also, OfficeMax and Staples sometimes sells school supplies at cut-rate prices right before the school year begins ($.20 notebooks? $.1 pens? Sign me up!).
Hi Kate, glad you liked the piece. Hope you find some of the project links helpful.
Check out my various projects and services at Itinerant Tightwad. I also have a monthly education newsletter.
Loading up on school supplies in......downtown Los Angeles' Little Toyko! Japan has always been the ultimate in school supplies with everything you can think of and a whole punch of inexplicable things you never thought of. Check out your local big city's Japanese district. There might be a $1.50 store (or a yakku yen) and they always have some great and interesting cheap supplies. Haven't had to go to a big retail chain store in years.
Margaret Garcia-Couoh
Good one, Margaret! That's a great shopping hack. I don't think we have one in Tampa, but I'll check.
Check out my various projects and services at Itinerant Tightwad. I also have a monthly education newsletter.
Totes as backpacks are becoming more and more popular - well, for girls at least- and what makes a more sturdy tote than the ever-popular "green" grocery sacks sold everywhere for only around $1. They are made to withstand heavy groceries (and to make it a little more sturdy, you can put a piece of cardboard at the bottom.
Then take your scissors and crazy glue and collage the heck out of it!
It's cheap, it's fun, and can be easily done again and again. This makes a great project for groups of girls too, like girl scout troops, clubs, etc. To personalize them, you just print out (you an even use the iron-on material) a central logo or phrase and then let them personalize it all around the central theme.
I plan on blogging more on this topic in the near future, so be sure to check it too for my results!
Decorating the totes is a fantastic idea! Thanks for stopping by to share it. Looking forward to your follow up work.
Check out my various projects and services at Itinerant Tightwad. I also have a monthly education newsletter.
