5 Bits of Back to School Kit You Don’t Really Need to Buy

There are lots of little ways that we economize in daily life. We search for the best free bingo sites, we buy own brand instead of the “fancy stuff” but, when it comes around to “back to school” time, it’s hard to cut back. We all want to give our kids the best possible start to the school year (let alone life!), but kitting them out for the start of September can be a costly business.

Yet there’s an awful lot of kit which kids don’t really need. If you’re keen to save money on back to school stuff, discover the non-essential bits and bobs your youngsters can do without and how to make up the “shortfall”…

1. Fancy Pens & Pencils

Sparkly, scented, fancy, noisy, feathery – kids in stationary aisles are just like, well, kids in a candy store. If you’re bringing your youngsters along for this bit – STOP. Instead, buy cheap, generic stationary online and, to cushion the blow, pick up some cheap bits and pieces (like stick-on gems) so they can customize them themselves. We guarantee you’ll save a bomb – and creating personalized stationary can be really fun!

2. Pencil Sharpeners

If your child doesn’t have one, their best friend or the classroom will. If you want to make extra sure, get them to sharpen pencils when they come home. Sharpeners always get lost anyway, so save your pennies!

3. Pretty Pencil Cases

By the end of the year they’ll be holey and scrawled with graffiti anyway,  so don’t invest in a super lovely (pricy) pencil case. Again, pick up something plain and affordable (preferably in bulk so you don’t have to spend a penny for the rest of their academic life!) then let your youngster customise it however they like! If you’re a crafty mum or dad, why not make your own?

4. Electronics

Don’t be sucked in by pocket dictionaries and their ilk, they’re a big waste of money. The only piece of electronic kit your kids will need is going to be a calculator. Don’t splash out on tablets and laptops unless you’re 100% certain they’re necessary (ask the teacher!) – your child’s school should have the resources they need to keep kids connected.

5. The Latest Toy

In my day it was pogs, yoyos and pokemon cards, today loom bands are everywhere. But don’t be tempted to buy your little ones gizmos just because their friends have them. They’ll appreciate their treats much more when they’ve earned them through good behaviour, helping out at home or by saving up pocket money. Also, taking toys to school is a recipe for disaster, they’ll get lost, get stolen and cause distractions. So don’t be tempted, no matter how much your youngster begs and pleads!

What back to school kit have you found that your kids just don’t need or use? Share your money saving back to school tips and experiences with our readers below or by tweeting @TwoLittleFleas.