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Back-to-school shopping is getting pricier, too.

Are there unused pencils on your own desk?

Girl with glasses carrying pink backpack

Is that insulated lunch bag in good enough shape to last another year?

A clean coffee can makes a perfect pencil holder with a little redecorating.

Google “DIY desk organizer,” and you’ll findplenty of ideas.

Colorful school supplies

But in some cases, splurging a little now can save you money in the long run.

The other advantage to shopping from home is that you don’t have to involve your children.

Not only is it more convenient, but most likely, you’ll save money as well.

Black couple smiling buying online

Better still, suggestsWPTV, join forces with friends or fellow school parents and buy bulk supplies together.

For instance,Amazonsells 50-count cases of one-subject spiral notebooks for $65.

Five parents could each contribute $13 toward the order and get 10 notebooks apiece.

Assorted colorful binders

Working together, you could all stock up for school for a fraction of what you would spend individually.

you could save even more at a dollar store by looking for store brands.

For back-to-school clothes, don’t forget to check out thrift shops.

Dollar bills fanned out

Late summer and early fall are good times to check out local garage sales.

Or organize a swap of gently used clothing with other families in your kids' school.

Family holding colorful shopping bags