COVID-19 has caused a major shift in how consumers are thinking about back-to-school shopping. Parents are in limbo due to uncertainty over reopening and a potential part-time schedule, but whether students will be attending school online or IRL in the fall, they still need the right supplies and tools for the year ahead. Here are my tips for how parents can prepare and shop smart.

 

How to keep kids motivated for remote learning

What’s fun about going Back to School is the newness – and we’re all sick of looking at the same four walls by now! To get your kids motivated for remote learning, invite them to spruce up their workspace with some cheerful items, like colorful pen holders, succulent plants, a wall hanging. Local shops are great for those unique pieces and small businesses really need our help. I’m collaborating with American Express* to encourage people Shop Small. When you enroll your eligible American Express Card, you can receive $5 back after you spend $10 or more at an eligible U.S. small business. This can be online, curbside or in-store, up to 10 times through September 20. You can learn more and enroll at ShopSmall.com.

 

Living in tight quarters

Make sure everyone has a place to work and some peace and quiet. If you’re in an apartment, this may mean lap desks and noise-cancelling headphones! I found this cute portable lap desk for kids that folds up, has storage and is available in different colors. It’s about $22 on Amazon.com. And for noise-cancelling headphones, these StudioANC wireless ones from JLAB are highly-rated on Amazon and only $19.99.

 

How to save on school supplies

I always recommend looking for a way to save before buying. One of my favorite deal sites, CouponCabin.com, has lots of offers where there is a discount combined with cash back.  Here are a couple favorites:

  • Discount School Supply is offering $20 off purchases of $150 or more with code A20SAVE, plus you can earn 7% cash back.
  • Staples is offering up to 85% off office supplies and home organization items, plus you can earn 3% cash back.

 

*American Express is a paid partner.

We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. In addition to a handful of affiliate networks, TrueTrae.com/TraeBodge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.