Families in the West will spend $409 back-to-school shopping this year, up from $381 last year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation. Nationally, shoppers will fork out an estimated $13.3 billion on school-age children, compared to $14.7 billion last year.
The federation attributes the overall drop to a cooling-off in what in recent years has been record-breaking sales of electronics.
As parents get ready to dip into their wallets for new clothes, supplies and tech gear, here are a few budgeting tips.
Stock up on school supplies while they're heavily discounted. Kids inevitably need more paper, markers and pencils as the year goes on.
No, kids shouldn't be slaves to fashion. But buying a few "cool" items may be worth the social boost — even if it's just a matter of helping them feel more confident. Instead of entire outfits, let them pick out a few trendy items to mix into their existing wardrobe.
Do a detailed inventory of what your child really needs (not wants). If they've gotten taller, pants might not fit but some shirts still do. Determine the budget for replacements. If teens just have to have that extra outfit or pair of shoes, it comes out of their funds.
Some parents set a limit of how much they'll pay for, say, a regular pair of jeans and then kids have to make up the difference if they want a more expensive brand.
Give teens control of the money you've budgeted. If they know they can buy more by bargain hunting, chances are they'll cut corners where they can. (Now they understand the appeal of thrift shops.) Some parents give teens a larger allowance but require them to buy (and budget for) their own clothes. The caveat: Do not bail them out if they run out of money and still haven't bought, say, socks.
Try outlet stores or resale stores if name brands are important to kids and discounts are essential to you.
For younger kids who don't mind hand-me-downs (hey, it's "used" after they've worn it once anyway), set up clothing exchanges with friends or family.
Buy a first-day-of-school outfit but wait until after the first week for the remaining wardrobe. This gives students a chance to see what other kids are wearing (and not wearing) so money isn't wasted on clothes that they now can't be seen in.
Let an aunt or trusted adult friend take preteens/teens shopping. Will this save money? Maybe, by eliminating power struggles between you and kids who don't understand why you won't buy this (and this and this). Will it save your sanity? Definitely.
— Stephanie Dunnewind, Seattle Times staff reporter
