MESA, Ariz. — As Valley families scan stores for the best back to school savings, retailers are getting competitive with deals. Target has new savings this year for students who are heading back to the classroom.
The deals range from the retailer's 20 for $20 list. This is the first time Target said they're sharing a list of 20 must-have school supplies that add up to less than $20. Some of the supplies include colored pencils, glue and notebooks. There’s also a backpack for only five dollars. The store says that’s the lowest-priced backpack they’ve offered in 10 years.
Using the Target Circle app will also help. On top of the added deals, there’s a limited time offer for teachers. Teachers can sign up for an annual subscription for Target Circle 360 and get benefits like same-day delivery on orders at a discounted price for the first year, said store director, Berto Gonzalez.
“We actually have up to 20 items that add up to $20," Gonzalez said. "We're looking at paper, we're looking at folders. We have 15 cent folders which is pretty cool, in all ranges of colors. We have a lot of pens, basically every need all the way from pre-kinder to college."
The Cook family said they were thankful to find some good prices this year. “We probably should’ve set up a budget," Cook said. "But yeah, we need it we get it. It's nice to find that there's some good deals here.”
Target said they're also bringing back the 20% off for teachers until August. There’s also a one-time use 20% off deal for college students.
Families with children in elementary to high school plan to spend about $875 dollars on clothes, shoes and supplies this year. That’s about $15 less than last year’s record of $890 dollars, according to the National Retail Federation. To help Valley families save, Deal News is breaking down the top sales at leading retailers.
In addition to shopping sales, experts like Michael Klinkner, a licensed clinical social worker, recommended families involve their kids in the budgeting process. It gives them power in making buying decisions and helps prioritize spending.
Other tips include taking a look at what supplies you already have. Have your kids take inventory from previous years and make a list of needs. Finally, have your kids research back to school shopping prices and look for sales. This can not only turn into a fun game for them, but also teaches them the value of pricing, money and shopping around from store to store to save.
Klinkner said you can also turn the shopping and budgeting into a game with incentives.
“Within the budget, if there’s money left over that kid gets to spend it on something special," Klinkner said. "You get to go out and get ice cream, or they get a special treat, or they get to spend the money that way they want to if they come in under budget. It’s a game. If you come in under budget, that’s your money. You get to spend it whatever way you want to.”
Experts said if you start the budgeting early with your kids, you’re building a financial planning skillset they take with them the rest of their lives.
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