Summer shopping for the start of term

Parents dread the start of the new school term as much as their children. There’s so much to buy and not enough time to get everything done, the last week of the summer holidays passes by in a blur.

Be prepared this year as the summer holidays fly by, have a battle plan in place for the start of the new term and when September finally arrives, it won’t be such a shock. 

Chip away at what you need to buy over the summer and it doesn’t feel as bad, use our tips and it’ll be less stressful in general.

Tip 1: Re-use anything you can...

Go through everything your children used last term. Can anything be recycled or reused again?

First place to start is their uniform. Is it worn, can be it be repaired, have they outgrown it and do you need to buy new items? Check at the start of the summer holidays and perform another size test a couple of weeks before the end of the summer holidays just in case there has been a growth spurt.

Next go through their stationery. Are they okay for pens, pencils protractors and rulers, is that calculator still working, will it need new batteries?

Have a chat with your child about the new term, discuss what can be used next term and ask for their feedback about new items they might require.

Tip 2: Shop around for clothing...

Visit the official school sites for clothing and you’ll notice it’s rather expensive. This isn’t your only alternative though.

Plenty of supermarkets and retail stores stock cheaper versions of clothing, don’t buy clothes at the first shop your visit, take a look around and try to find low cost deals.

Tip 3: Don’t leave it to the last minute...

Know the worst time to go shopping for back to school items? The last weekend before the new term starts!

Why do people leave it this late? Give yourself a break this year. Go shopping for school stuff the last weekend of the summer holiday and don’t be too surprised if there is nothing left in your kid’s size.

We’d advise a steady campaign of buying right over the summer holidays, buy as early as you dare and stock up in plenty of time for September.

Good luck!

Article Posted: 28/07/2014 08:41:35