It’s hard to believe that school begins in only a couple of weeks for our family. Even more difficult to believe is the fact that we’ll be doing our traditional back to school shopping in the middle of a pandemic. Some schools are choosing to begin the year online. Others will head back to a modified traditional classroom. And some families may make the choice to homeschool for the very first time. One thing remains the same – you will probably need a few school supplies to begin the year. Here are a few Pandemic Back to School Money Saving Tips to guide your spending.
Masks
If your student is heading back into a building this fall, they’ll need more than one mask. Your school might provide a couple but laundry and losing it means you’ll need a few more to add to your child’s wardrobe. Even if you’re homeschooling or remote learning, masking up has become common and even required in some spaces.
We’ve been trying out a wide variety of masks from a number of vendors and here are the ones I like best:
- Everyday Non Medical Masks from Atleta: 5 for $30 – these have a nose piece and adjustable ear pieces. While it’s a women athletic site, they can easily be used for girls or boys because the colors are black, blue, camo, tan, and mauve. They come in both adult and child sizes. They’re triple layer breathable fabric. It took me a while to bite the bullet and buy these but I’m so glad I did! They also wash really well. The fabric doesn’t get wrinkly.
- Variety Triple Layer Cloth Masks from Old Navy: 10 for $25 – so the price point is awesome and I love that they are triple layer but I found myself steam ironing these because they wadded up in the dryer. Boo. I hate ironing. They have cute fabrics though so that’s a bonus. Just know you won’t necessarily be able to wash and wear without a little extra work.
- 100 Disposable Masks from Amazon: $41.99 – these one time use masks are handy. I keep a few in a plastic bag in my car just in case I’m caught off guard. They’re meant to be used and then thrown away though so it’s not a good daily plan. Also note that many of these masks take awhile to ship. So don’t expect them on your doorstep the next day.
- Local Seamstress friends: We’ve purchased a few masks from friends who sew, too. Check your social media network to see if anyone you know is making masks right now.
Technology
Some school corporations are offering laptop rental as a part of this year’s educational experience. You also have the opportunity to purchase your own device. Know the terms before you sign the dotted line. Will you cover repairs? Will the school? Are you paying by the month or the year? If you do decide to purchase, here are my favorite money saving strategies:
- Apple Educational Discount: Apple offers a decent discount each year along with a promotional deal for those who are purchasing laptops and iPads for educational purchases. This year you also get 20% off of AppleCare+ and AirPods to sweeten the deal.
- Costco and Sam’s Club: Both warehouses feature competitive prices on technology. In fact, the price might be sweet enough to necessitate a membership if you don’t already have one depending on what you need to purchase.
- Best Buy: Be sure you use the rewards program when shopping Best Buy.
- Rakuten & Mr. Rebates: Apple, Sam’s Club, Best Buy also participate in cash back portals, too. So if you’re shopping online, take advantage of one of these platforms to save even more. By the way, it’s smart to check both of these sites to see who offers the greater percentage of cash back.
Clothes
Every year, I preach that it’s smarter to start out the school year in clothes your kids already have. This year, it may prove doubly wise to do so. If you’re looking for uniform pieces right now Old Navy, the Children’s Place, and Amazon have good deals. For shoes, be watching Jack Rabbit’s Flash Deals. I was able to score some great athletic shoes during the summer for $29.97. I like some of the prices I’m seeing right now on quality running shoes for kids and anticipate more deals in the weeks to come.
Don’t forget to check your school’s dress code. There’s nothing worse than purchasing something that’s not allowed. And keep in mind, it will be hot when they begin. No need for jeans and sweaters yet.
School Supplies
Odds are good you will need to invest in a decent backpack this year. A lot of middle and high school students will be encouraged to avoid their lockers so they’ll be carrying more of their books, school supplies, and technology with them. I always love the deals on backpacks at Sam’s Club and Costco. If you watch the ads closely, you’ll also find great buys at Office Depot and Staples.
For the smaller items, start at home. We finished the traditional school year a little early. That may mean your kids have plenty of leftovers stashed at home. Before you head to the store or your favorite online store, double check what you already have. This especially plays true for items like scissors, rulers, calculators, and colored pencils. You may need to pick up new folders and notebooks, but if you can spare yourself the headache and expense of buying items, shop your own house.
It’s going to be an unusual start to the school year. Be prepared to make changes and shift plans. Spread kindness and try to keep your chin up in the midst of the unknown. Your children will be looking to you for guidance, support, and encouragement. Let’s begin the year well and hope for brighter days ahead.
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My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
