The first day of school is coming up soon, and for many, it may feel like it is too soon for that first bell to start ringing. If you’ve been soaking up every moment of summer break and living it up like the season will never end, you are likely to have put off preparing for the new school year until the last minute. If you’ve just realized that there are school supplies to be bought, new clothes needing to be purchased and after-school activities that must be scheduled, don’t panic. There is enough time left to get prepared and even save a little money in the process.
We’ve put together some tips on how to get the best deals on back to school supplies, clothes and after-school programs below.
A little money goes a long way at the local thrift store. Second-hand shops are great for buying back to school clothing, shoes, backpacks and even back to school supplies. If you live in the Portland area and have younger children, head to Beanstalk where you’ll find clothing sizes that range from infant all of the way up to 14! The clothing options are only “gently used” and in great condition. You can clothe all of the kids for a reasonable price, and there are two locations to choose from.
Photo via Main Street Alliance
Seattle area families can find what they need to look their sharpest at Sugar Lump where the motto is “from bump to big”. This cute little shop carries clothing from size zero all of the way up to 12. Along with super cute clothes, you are likely to find book bags, shoes, toys and more.
If you need to clothe your trendy teen but can’t afford the big name brands they love so much, head to Plato’s Closet in Portland, Tukwila, Belleview or Spokane. Your fashionistas will go wild for the clothes and the prices, and filling their closets won’t break the bank.
The good news is that the closer you get to the first day of school, the more likely you are to stumble upon big sales at the big box stores. The biggest problem you’ll face when you hit Target, Fred Meyers or other similar shops is that they may be out of some of the most important items on your list. If this happens, don’t panic. We’ve still got some tricks up our sleeves.
If you don’t have an Amazon account, now is a good time to get one. If you are a Prime member, you are in luck. Amazon likely carries everything on your list at a variety of prices. Prime members often get free shipping, keeping the overall price tag low. If shopping online isn’t your thing, head to your local dollar stores. You will find plenty of basics there and a pocket full of ones will get you a long way!
After running wild all summer, spending the better part of the day stuck at a desk can be challenging for your young student. Sign them up for an after-school activity that will allow them to burn off their extra energy. Tennis offers kids of all ages a great outlet for stress and a way to stay fit and healthy while having fun. RecTennis’s Tennis Afterschool Zone teaches students how to hit a basic forehand, rally and score while playing fun and engaging games. You don’t have to run out and buy your young athlete a bunch of equipment either. RecTennis provides everything they need. Best of all, the pricing is super affordable at just $8/session or $64/program.
For more ideas on how to keep the kids active and having fun after school, click here!
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