Playing during summer, and preparing for the fall. This is my motto for back to school savings. Though I would rather not think about school, the fact is back-to-school supplies sales begin Sunday, July 7, 2013.

I love the 1¢ to $1 deals that come around at this time of year, but before running out shopping, I gather my information. I request the supply list from our teachers and check the inventory we have at home, then I know what we still need to get for the start of the school year.

With my lists in hand, my favorite ways to save include the Back to School Savings Pass, comparing deals among the stores, and stocking up throughout the season.

Back to School Savings Pass

Last year, I waited for a $10 off coupon from Staples and purchased a Back to School Savings Pass ^[2] for $10. Present this pass at the time of checkout to receive an additional 15% off your back-to-school supplies. The pass can be used once per day until September 21, 2013.  Check your Sunday paper or the Staples website for the coupon for $5 off a purchase of $30 or more.

Don’t think you can spend $30 for items you need? What about purchasing 2 reams of the Staples multipurpose paper for $6.99 each + the savings pass + $6.01 in other products including 1¢ and 25¢ deals?

You will spend around $25 (the $30 minus $5 coupon). Then submit the rebates online for the 2 reams of paper and get back $13.98 in a few weeks. You will have your savings pass, 2 reams of copy paper, and $6 of other products for around $11. Not too shabby!

Comparing Back to School Deals

Among Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Target, Bi-Lo, Walmart, and the dollar store, one could spend all week shopping. Well, in using time wisely, we are not shopping for back to school each day of the week. Whew!

Last year, I concentrated on Staples since I had the Back to School Savings Pass, and Staples was located in an area I passed often throughout the week. I did pick up a few items at Walmart, Office Depot, and Target, but I concentrated on Staples.

To check the lowest prices of back to school items from last year, check out the 2013 price list from Jenny Martin at Southern Savers ^[3]. Then to see all the back to school sales for each week, search these websites using “back to school” on their home page:

• Southern Savers ^[4]
• The Krazy Coupon Lady ^[5]
• Money Saving Mom ^[6]
• Swaggrabber ^[7]
• Becentsable ^[8]

Stocking Up on Back to School Deals

Knowing what we need and stocking up when the sales are low saves a ton of money throughout the school year. From poster board to dry-erase markers, we keep a stock knowing that we will need more throughout the school year and the summer.

Our family goes through dry-erase markers so quickly. It’s not that they dry up, it is that we practice and study by using the dry-erase markers all year long. I just keep a big stash of them. I’m glad the sales are beginning as I opened our last packet about 2 weeks ago.

Other great opportunities to stock up include:

• Items for Operation Christmas Child ^[9] boxes
• Gifts for teachers
• Fun for young house guests
• Gifts for children
• Toss your old supplies and start with new

As the back to school supplies sales begin, get your lists ready. In stretching your dollars, know what you need, so you are not spending money on items you already have on hand.

I’m preparing now because the deals are coming. Get ready because the 1¢ deals are here. 😉 Happy savings!

Question: Any tips for stretching our dollars while shopping for back to school supplies?