How to Rock your Back to School Shopping List

zulily How to rock -your- back to school 23 shopping list back to school - BIG DEAL shopping Back to school is the second biggest seasonal event for retailers after Christmas. $75 BILLION is the amount of money Americans will spend on back to school in 2015. 52% of parents in 2014 said the cost of school supplies was one of their biggest sources of back to school stress. Fortunately, retailers offer big discounts to reduce some of this stress. TAKE INVENTORY The best place to start school shopping is at home. Go through leftover school supplies and clothes to check some of the more basic items off your list. 25% TIP: After you take inventory, rewrite your list so you don't accidentally double-up.. of back to school shoppers reuse at least some school supplies from previous years. START EARLY Starting early is key to school shopping success. You can get shopping out of the way or take time to find the best deals. TIP: Don't hesitate when you see a great deal. Some sales end quickly, and sometimes products will run out if you wait too long. 31% of parents start back to school shopping online two months before the school year starts. INVOLVE YOUR KIDS ..but not too much Get input from your kids, but shop solo. You'll save time and more easily stick to your budget, and your kids will get supplies they love. TIP: 42% make a shopping wish list with their favorite cartoons, celebrities and colors. Have your kids of moms said half of their back to school spending was influenced by their children. KNOW YOUR KIDS’ SIZES BEFORE YOU SHOP Especially for kids who don't love shopping, take note of their sizes – including shoes – so you can buy school clothes without them. TIP: Trace your younger kids' feet so 75% you can find shoes in their size without taking them into the. of back to school shoppers buy clothes in addition to school supplies. store to get measured. STICK TO THE LIST FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES It can be tempting to get everything shiny and new for your kid, but iť's best to stick to your shopping list. For example, schools might provide certain items that you won't need to buy, like construction paper. TIP: If you need clarification on whether or not your child really needs something, reach out directly to the teacher or parents of former students. 21% of parents said that all of their purchases were influenced by school-provided lists and requirements. BUT DON'T FORGET THE HOME SUPPLIES School lists don't always consider supplies that are needed for homework. You may want to purchase extra items for at-home work. TIP: Add a few basic items to your list for homework and other projects, like extra pens and 17.5 HRS average number of hours of homework per week for high school students. 2.9 HRS paper. average number of hours of homework per week for K-5 students. BUY BASICS IN BULK Pens and pencils tend to get lost and highlighters dry out. You could stock up throughout the year, but prices are often best right before school starts. Amount you can save by buying school and office supplies in bulk. 50% zulily find more inspiration at zulily.com/blog SOURCES • http://www.statista.com/statistics/319562/us-consumer-spending-by-seasonal-event/ • http://www.zulily.com/pressroom p://www.verticalresponse.com/blog/eye-opening-breakdown-back-school-spending-2014-infographic/ • http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/study/2350888/bock-to-school-2014-trends-how-search-marketers-can-get-ready-now-study • http://www.buzzmg.com/reports • http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/study/2284941/google-showcases-backtoschool-shopping-trends-and-ecommerce-opportunity • http://www.statista.com/statistics/318870/us-back-to-school-shopping-influence-of-school-requirements-on-spending/ • http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/27/students-spend-more-time-on-homework-but-teachers-say-its-worth-it • http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/10-things-you-should-always-buy-in-bulk/5 • http: