As the summer starts to wind down, that familiar back to school excitement starts to build. New teachers, new classes… It’s a whole new beginning for kids heading back to the classroom. Along with it comes the challenge of back to school shopping. It can be hard enough to find everything your child needs (and in colors and styles they approve of), but in addition to that, you probably need to keep it within a certain budget. Here are some tricks and tactics to help you keep costs down and still send your child back to school in style.

1. Plan ahead

Start by making a list of everything your child needs for the upcoming school year. Divide this list into categories like clothing, school supplies, and technology (check out our list here). Prioritize the things that are essential, and note which ones can wait until later in the year —because prices may be better then.

2. Set a budget

Figure out the total amount you can afford to spend and divide it among the categories on your list. That way you’ll stay focused and avoid impulse buys so you don’t overspend. Letting your child participate in this budgeting process can also be a great way to teach them about managing money and spending responsibly.

3. Shop what you’ve got

Before you hit the stores, browse through what you already have at home. You might be able to reuse some of last year’s supplies; leftover notebooks, backpacks, and gently used clothing can significantly reduce the number of items you need to buy and the amount you’ll have to spend. It’s also a great time to declutter and donate or sell items that you’re not using.

4. Look for sales and discounts

Stores often have back-to-school sales, with big discounts on essential items. Keep an eye out for advertisements, both in-store and online. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite stores to make sure you always know about sales or special deals. Apps that track sales or let you earn cash back on purchases can also be useful.

5. Buy in bulk

For items that your child will use all year, like pens, pencils, and notebooks, it might make sense to buy in bulk. Warehouse stores and online retailers often offer discounts when you buy a larger quantity at once. You can even partner with other parents to buy more and maximize your savings.

6. Go thrifting

Everything old is new again… and usually cooler than buying new stuff! Thrift stores and consignment shops often have gently used clothing, backpacks, and even some school supplies at a fraction of the cost of new items. They’re also great for finding unique pieces that can help your child express their personal style.

7. Go DIY with personalizing supplies

Get creative with do-it-yourself school supplies. Decorating and personalizing plain notebooks, pencil cases, and binders can be a fun and cost-effective way to make them unique. Craft stores often have sales on basic supplies that you can use to customize your child’s gear.

8. Get prices matched

Lots of stores have policies where they’ll match a competitor’s price on the same item. Check to see if your favorite stores do this, and bring proof of the lower prices with you. That way, you can get the best deals without the hassle of going to multiple stores.

9. Shop tax-free weekends

Many states offer tax-free weekends during the back-to-school shopping season. During these times, you can buy certain school-related items without paying sales tax, which is basically like getting a pretty solid discount. If your state offers this program, be sure to plan your shopping around the dates it’s available.

10. Shop online

You can find some great deals online, especially with promo codes and cashback offers. Compare prices across different websites and look for free shipping. (That’s important because shipping costs can cancel out your savings!) Shopping online can also help you avoid the impulse buys that are more likely to tempt you in physical stores.

11. Focus on quality over quantity

While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest options, investing in good-quality items can be more cost-effective in the long run. Durable backpacks, sturdy shoes, and well-made clothing will last longer and withstand the wear and tear of the school year, so you only have to buy them once.

12. Reuse and recycle

Encourage your child to take care of their stuff to help make everything last longer. Repairing items instead of replacing them can also help stretch your budget (plus, it’s more sustainable!). Teaching your child to be mindful of their possessions can foster a sense of responsibility.