The school year is about to start and one of the most exciting things about it for many young students is shopping for school supplies. However, with the rising prices of goods in the Philippines and the rest of the world, parents can be understandably a little anxious about the cost of new school supplies—and the dent it would make in their bank accounts.

Fortunately, there are ways to save money when shopping or sourcing your children’s school items. There’s absolutely no need to break the bank, but you do have to be creative and resourceful about how you prepare for the new school year. Here are some shopping tips you can follow:

Set a Budget Plan

As a budget-conscious parent, you have to have a game plan in place when shopping for school supplies. Consider all your expenses for the month first and then find out how much money you can reasonably allocate for all the school supplies your child needs. Once the total budget for your shopping is defined, you can then earmark specific amounts for individual items. With a detailed budget, you can make conscious decisions and prioritize the most essential items.

Make an Inventory

If your child is used to having all brand-new items on the first day of school, talk to them about reusing some things they already have. Tell them that this not only saves money but is also more sustainable for the environment. The earlier they get used to this concept, the better. Also, go around the house and search for pens, notebooks, pad papers, and other supplies that are still perfectly usable. Organize, store, and list them down. Then, cross these items off your shopping list and buy only those materials and supplies that your child still lacks.

Shop Early

In the Philippines, it’s a fact that school supply prices increase in the run-up to the opening of classes. That’s why it’s important to get ahead of the crowd and shop as early as you can. Take advantage of these pre-school-year sales to snag significant discounts on everything from notebooks to backpacks.

Do you not have enough savings to do some early school supply haul? The good news is that it’s easier than ever to get a multipurpose salary bank loan for your purchases. If you are employed with a good credit history, you can opt to go this route to have some breathing room in terms of your finances.

Head Over to Divisoria and Local Markets

If you’re up for an adventure, dive into the bustling world of Divisoria. This marketplace is famous for its bargain prices and wide selection of school supplies. You’ll find everything from stationery to backpacks, often at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at mainstream stores. And as you buy more of the same items, you even get more discounts.

Do you live too far away from Divisoria? If so, you can check out provincial department stores that carry high-quality imported school supplies; there are also local markets that sell school supplies at wholesale prices. Indeed, the easiest way to save on your purchases is to avoid malls altogether.

Check Out Deals on Online Platforms

For a hassle-free shopping experience, check out the different online platforms and marketplaces for deals and promos. You can purchase from sellers that offer great discounts, as well as take advantage of regular sales and promotions. Also, to make the shipping cost worth it, opt to buy multiple items from one store instead of buying a handful of items from different stores.

Another great thing about shopping online is that it’s easy to compare prices from multiple sellers. This can help you choose the products and sellers that best suit your needs.

Be Smart About Your Splurges

While it’s important to save money, certain items are worth splurging on. For example, high-quality writing instruments will last longer and ergonomic backpacks will make it easier for your child to carry their school things. If required, laptops or tablets from reputable brands are a good purchases. Investing a bit more in these items can pay off in terms of comfort, longevity, and enhanced learning experiences.

Shop Secondhand

It’s important to remember that secondhand doesn’t mean subpar. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and local buy-and-sell groups can be treasure troves for gently used school supplies. Specifically, items like backpacks, lunchboxes, and even textbooks can be found at a fraction of the cost. Embrace the concept of sustainable shopping while saving money!

Get Creative

Tap into your creative side by personalizing school supplies through DIY projects. Have fun with your kid by designing unique book covers using old magazines or trying your hand at creating custom pencil cases from scrap fabrics. You can also decorate plain folders using leftover gift-wrapping paper. Not only will these projects save you money, but also add a touch of individuality to your child’s supplies.

Teach Your Child About Thriftiness

Use the back-to-school shopping experience as an opportunity to teach your child about smart spending and financial responsibility. For instance, involve them in crafting the budget, comparing prices, and making decisions. Ultimately, this hands-on approach will impart valuable life skills and ensure that your purchases are made with thoughtfulness.

Getting ready for another school year should be an exciting time for you and your children. Set aside your worries about not getting the best and newest school supplies for the school year. What’s more important is that your child knows that you are doing your best to provide their needs met and that you are making smart decisions for your family.