As a mom, back-to-school is a bittersweet time. Although I’m so ready for the kids to go back, it can be a bit stressful. With the rising prices of everything, it feels like the back-to-school budget gets smaller every year. This year, my daughter starts kindergarten, and my son is going to a whole new school. This time around, I’m saying no to going over budget, no to overconsumption, and no to being stressed out & overwhelmed!
I’m taking my game plan from MelissaWelch on Instagram. She had a reel about this topic with great, quick tips and reminders I wanted to expand upon.
- Take inventory of what you already have. My husband had to remind me of this when I wanted to buy my daughter a new pink backpack. However, the hand-me-down bookbag from her big brother is still in good condition. You can always give them a good cleaning to make it look fresh or add a fun new key chain or bag charm.
- Reuse last year’s supplies. I also made sure to check last year supplies that went unused or are still in good condition. Melissa had a great tip about how to remove Sharpie from a plastic folder or binder. Use rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or color over it with an Expo marker and wipe it all off. I tried rubbing alcohol on my son’s old pencil box with a Q-tip, and it came right off. Now his little sister can use it. If you have a paper folder, get a label sticker to cover the old writing.
- Check what you have at home first and purchase only what you need. I had a ruler, so many scissors, some folders, and a few glue sticks already checked off my list
- Clothes are the area of back to school that I stress the most. Have your kids try on their pants and long sleeves and see what all still fits. Ask your kids if there is any clothes that they want or need before school starts.
- Outgrown clothes, shop second-hand first. Go thrifting at your favorite Goodwill Akron location. You can also check the goodwill bins or com.
I scored the perfect, basically brand new pink lunch bag for my daughter at the Goodwill Akron Twinsburg location. My daughter absolutely loves it. I loved that I spent less than $5.
- If your kids are close to outgrowing current shoes, thrift for the next size up. Thrifting online can be a great source to find the exact size and brand that you’re looking for.
- If your child’s shoes still fit, give them a good clean-up before school starts. You can throw them in the wash and even refresh the laces, or grab a new pair if they are destroyed like my sons are. My favorite shoe cleaner is Jason Markk. They have a kit that comes with their foam cleanser and a brush. Trust me, it works wonders. Also, a magic eraser will have the soles of their shoes looking scuff-free and white.
- Embrace the hand-downs from older siblings, cousins, or family friends. I had many mom friends give me their sons’ outgrown clothes, and it has definitely helped me to buy less. Also, check out Facebook buy nothing groups. They are a great source for kids’ clothes, shoes, lunch bags, and bookbags.
So, remember, look in your home first and use what you already have. Shop second-hand first. Buy only what you need. Not only is it sustainable, but it’s also budget friendly. Plus, it’s a great example to teach your kids. Hope this helps you all survive and thrive this back-to-school season.
~ Taylor S.