By Jaimi Erickson
Contributing Writer
August is back-to-school season and, as every other family with young kids does, we planned our shopping trip for school supplies. It was annoying.
This probably sounds strange or even harsh to some. Given the economic times many of us have experienced over the last two decades, buying new school supplies every school year is not seen as a major expense. These days however, the lists are longer and the prices are higher. Before our shopping trip this year, we went through our supplies from the previous year to see what could still be used.
I was raised by parents who always reused what they could and did not spend money unless it was absolutely necessary. The lessons my parents taught me about living a frugal life are now coming back in style. With the economy and inflation where they are, we are all cutting expenses and looking for cost-saving ways to go back to school for less. The good news is you can do a little DIY magic to reuse school supplies.
I’ve put together a list of ideas to help create excitement over the new school year even if your budget does not allow for buying all new supplies. These school supply DIYs will provide creative inspiration, so your kids see the fun in reusing supplies. Plus, your budget will thank you.
Budget Savings on School Supplies
Over the summer, my husband retired from the military and was searching for his next job. Our income was cut in half when his active-duty pay ended. I had to remember my childhood money lessons and lean into frugal spending decisions full force.
I realized how my experiences as a child could help me teach my children to become more mature in determining needs and wants during our retirement transition. Kids learn valuable lessons when we live a smart financial lifestyle. Your kids will thank you for the lessons, although it may not happen until they are adults.
Look for the sales tax-free days in your state and choose to buy only what your child really needs during that time. Then, make a trip to the craft store to bring new life to the supplies that are still usable from last school year.
To start, take a look at your child’s supply list. Then, go through the supplies from last year to assess what is still usable. If you have pencils leftover from last year, adjust your shopping list to only include the additional pencils you need to buy. For example, if you have 4 pencils left from last year, and you need to send 12 pencils with your child on the first day of school, you only need to buy 8 new pencils.
When schools send out the supply lists, they assume you are buying everything new. But, you can have a little fun DIY-ing with the previous year’s supplies to make them new again. This can reduce how many new supplies you need to buy this year.
Reuse Old School Supplies by Creatively Customizing
Did you make your own book covers for textbooks when you were in school? Take your kids’ old binders or notebooks that still have life in them and use fabric or contact paper to cover them. They will look customized and new.
You can create your own designs on the book covers using Sharpie® markers so that the doodles are permanent. Make it a fun activity for the kids to do one rainy day before school starts.
Decoupage the supply box to make it look uniquely artsy. Scrapbook stickers can add some color and design. Even washi tape wrapped around pens and pencils can distract from them not being perfectly new.
MilSpouses Are Experts at DIY Life
Think about it in terms of what we MilSpouses do when we plan décor for base housing. We make our own DIY backsplashes, we use wallpaper creatively to add color, and we make homes feel new even when they are not. This is a skill that saves money and teaches creativity. Pass it along to your kids.
Financial Planning FTW
The value in financial planning can never be underestimated. Plan for the future with AAFMAA’s Generation Plus life insurance. You will ensure your family has what they need to cover expenses now and into the future. Enjoy saving money this back-to-school season.
About Jaimi Erickson
Jaimi is a mom of 4, military wife, and writer. She blogs about motherhood, kids activities and homemaking tips at The Stay-at-Home Mom Survival Guide. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest.
