A Blogger's Guide to Shopping for School Supplies

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Every parent, student, or aspiring student is familiar with the daunting task of securing school supplies before a new term begins. It can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure exactly what you need or where to start. Walk into any shop, and you're bombarded with aisles of supplies, from notebooks to sketch pads, from erasers to mathematical sets; but the key question is, are all these items what you truly need? We've put together a comprehensive guide to ensure you shop wisely, efficiently and get the best value for your money.

Walking by store windows, it's easy to get enticed by the colorful displays of school supplies. But first things first, always start with a list. Most schools provide a list of supplies your child will need, which includes textbooks, stationery, art, and sport supplies, and sometimes even electronics, like calculators or tabs. Even if you're a university student or an adult learner, it's prudent to have a list of what you'll need for your course.

The window display of a store is usually a depiction of their best-selling or most popular items. It's often these attractive, neatly arranged supplies that draw us in. But remember, shopping for school supplies isn't about getting the trendiest items on the market. You can strike a balance between having a few fun items and everything you need for school. Let's dive into smart shopping tips:

1. Shop early\

The wisdom in shopping early cannot be overstated. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Shopping early allows you to beat the rush and have the first pick of everything.

2. Stick to your list\

Impulse buying can be tempting. However, with a list in hand, you can keep your focus on what you need, not what you want. You don't need every new school gadget or every mechanical pencil brand on the market.

3. Compare prices\

It helps to compare prices from a few stores before making purchases. You'd be surprised how you can save a few bucks just shopping around a few stores.

4. Buying in bulk\

Items like pencils, pens, notebooks, filing supplies, and paper are usually cheaper when bought in bulk. Can't afford to buy in bulk alone, consider clubbing with a few parents and split the cost.

5. Reuse and recycle\

Look around your home for items that can be reused before buying new supplies. Often, students underutilise items from the previous year that can be utilised in the new term.

6. Invest in quality\

Quality items can carry a student through the year and beyond. At times, it is more beneficial to spend a little more on an item that will last instead of spending less expensive items that will not last long.

Shopping for school supplies doesn't have to be as daunting as it initially seems. It can be a fun adventure, a hunt for the items you or your child will need throughout the school term, all while juggling between catching the best deals and buying the coolest items. Remember, you don't need to break the bank for school supplies. Happy shopping and have a great new term.

In the next post, we'll be talking about setting up a conducive learning environment at home. Don't miss it!