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This is a sponsored post on behalf of BIC and DonorsChoose.org through The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

Have you started your back-to-school shopping?

 

Back to school shopping is one of my most favorite times of year. Can it be stressful…..? Absolutely! But back to school shopping for us has always been a special event, it gives a sense of a new start and fresh beginnings. This new school year will bring new friends, fun subjects, and a new teacher. With as many kids as I have, I had always taken this opportunity to have a “special day” with each child alone, which is sometimes a rare thing.  During that day, we would get new clothes, new school supplies, a hair cut and lunch. Yes this can get very spendy but with thinking ahead you can make back to school shopping special and on budget.

7 Unique Shopping Tips To Save You Money This Back To School Season

 

Shop BIC For School Supplies

When looking for pencils, pens and highlighters on you back to school supply list, look for BIC Stationary products!  Right now for a limited time, when you purchase over $10 worth of pencils, pens, markers and more from the BIC stationary line, you could receive a $10 donation code to give back to the public school project of your choice at DonorsChoose.org!

DonorsChoose.org is donating $100,000 to schools, a crowdfunding site for public school teachers. What better way to support your kids, teachers and school, than simply shopping for what you need and giving back… it has never been so easy!

 

HOW TO DONATE TO DONORSCHOOSE.ORG WITH BIC

1. Buy $10 or more of BIC ® stationery products (before taxes or coupons) at any major retailer.

2. Snap a photo of your receipt and submit it on BICBucksforTeachers.com to apply for a $10 BIC Bucks donation code,

while supplies last.

3. Use your DonorsChoose.org donation code to contribute to your classroom project of choice on DonorsChoose.org/bicbucksforteachers.

 

 

Look for Stores with “Bucks” Programs

I have learned over the years that you do not need to get your kids their winter sweaters in September when they first come out. I have cut my shopping list down to a few basics that will look nice for the first 6 weeks and then come back to redeem any bucks or rewards for a second round of cold weather clothes. I truly try and stay within budget…. If the promotions is Spend $40 and get $20 in “rewards…. then try to stay as close as you can to that $40 mark.

Shop Gift Cards at a Store that Offers Gas Points. 

If you or your child has a favorite store that you know you will be doing a bulk of their shopping at, then I thing it would be safe to buy a gift card to earn gas points. Many stores in my area offer 4-10x gas points on gift cards…. that can really add up. If you buy a $100 gift card with 4x points – that equals $.40 off per gallon, if you get 25 gallons of gas, that is a savings of $10.

Get a friend to buy lost leaders

As the saying goes…. it takes a village!

Partner up with a few friends to tackle those smokin’ lost leader deals at different stores around town…. you know, the $.01 rulers 😉
Then meet up for coffee and split up your treasure without running around town.

Shop the clearance rack

If you are really wanting to save money on clothes, then shop the clearance racks. With retails seasons moving SO quick, items that you would be buying for back to school, especially for warm Septembers, may already be marked down for some hefty savings. Don’t forget to look for clearance shoes too!

FREE Hair Cuts

Many places offer free hair cuts at a back to school service or round up, please look at your towns events.
Also look into beauty schools for cheap and deep discounts on cuts and colors. You can also look for “live” classes where they are looking for volunteers at many salons.

Save your receipts

Have a save location or even snap a photo of your receipts for price adjustments on sale or clearance items, usually within 30 days (your store policy may vary).