It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holidays and before you know it, school will be back in session! Yes, you’ve had a tough year and want to end the year well-rested, but don’t forget that preparing for the new school year is just as important.
Imagine this: It’s the week before school starts, and you’re frantically searching for a backpack that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg while your kids are crying that they need new school uniforms, they need new shoes, and are also begging for the latest gadgets. Sounds stressful, right? Instead of waiting until the last minute, why not take a breath, grab a cup of coffee, and start planning your back-to-school shopping now?
We’re here to help you get ahead of the game so you can avoid the last-minute chaos and those pesky overpriced items that pop up when you’re in a rush. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare early and make this back-to-school season smooth sailing.
1. Inventory Check: What Do You Already Have?
Before you go all in on your shopping mode, take a look at your child’s drawers and backpack. You might be surprised that you have supplies from the previous school year. Old notebooks? Unused pens? This hack could potentially save you money and help you avoid unnecessary purchases.
2. Create a Shopping List and Budget
After you have decided on what your child needs, create a detailed shopping list and budget on your note app or a piece of paper. This is going to come in handy especially if you’re an impulse buyer. You can also consider involving your child in the process to teach them valuable lessons on how you determine what to buy, budgeting and overall financial responsibility.
3. Start Shopping Early
You’re probably thinking you still have time to do your back-to-school shopping right? News flash, you don’t! January will be here in a blink of an eye and you’ll be panicking because items are overpriced and you spent most of your money during Christmas. So start shopping early and take advantage of sales and discounts that will pop out throughout December and the first week of January. Many retailers and online shops will be offering promotions during this time, so keep an eye out for deals on essential items like school uniforms, stationery, shoes, and other items your child might need.
4. Consider Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Options
Thrift shopping comes in handy especially when you don’t have a big budget. You can consider it for clothing and some school supplies like books. You can easily find quality items at a fraction of the price if you know what you’re looking for and where. There are many hawkers in the streets of Nairobi selling slightly used books. For clothing, stores like ThinkTwice could help you find secondhand clothing items and shoes.
5. Spread Out Your Shopping Trips
Back-to-school shopping is not as easy considering the movement from one shop to another looking for cheaper items. Instead of trying to do all your shopping in one go, spread out your trips over several weeks. This approach allows you to take advantage of different promotions at various stores. Plus, it reduces the stress of having to find everything at once!
6. Team Up with Other Parents
You’re not the only one who’s stressed about shopping for the new school year. You might know one or two parents near you, so consider teaming up with them or even ask them where they do their shopping. You can also consider teaming up to buy items in bulk and at wholesale prices. This way, you can split costs while ensuring everyone gets what they need.
7. Stay Informed About Sales and Discounts
Keep an eye on local ads and online promotions as the back-to-school season approaches. Signing up for newsletters from your favorite retailers can also alert you to exclusive discounts and flash sales that could save you money.
PigiaMe is no exception when it comes to sales and discounts. As an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, we’re your go-to platform to find back-to-school items at competitive prices. Whether you’re looking for gently used textbooks, school uniforms, or tech gadgets, you can browse through listings from local sellers who are eager to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.
8. Prioritize essentials first
By now, you know what your child needs most. When shopping, focus on those essentials first, like backpacks, shoes, and stationery, before moving on to non-urgent supplies. You can always pick up additional items later when they go on sale after school has started.
Conclusion
With these back-to-school shopping tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming school year without breaking the bank! Remember that planning ahead is key to avoiding the last-minute rush and inflated prices.
As you navigate this busy season, don’t forget that PigiaMe is here to help find great back-to-school deals from local sellers who are eager to support your back-to-school needs!
