Whether you’re like Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, approaching the fall with fantasies about “bouquets of newly-sharpened pencils,” or you dread the pleading for the priciest backpack, locker shelf, lunchbox, and every other available item in the aisle, there’s no denying that the time for school shopping has arrived.

From ten-cent paper deals to overly-bright character backpacks, everyone’s got some kind of sale going on. The question is, who has the best—and how can we save the most? Here are some tips for making the most out of your back-to-school buck.

Re-use all that you can. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that everything has to be new. If last year’s backpack, locker gear, or other supplies are still good, they are still useable.

Use tax-free shopping dates. To see if your state has them and to find out when, click here. (Hurry—some are quickly approaching.)

Only buy what’s on the list. If your child’s teacher doesn’t have a three-ring High School Musical 3 binder on the list, it’s likely not needed! Just buy the folders and loose leaf paper listed instead.

Buy in bulk. If you can afford it, buy a year’s worth of supplies right now. It will come in handy throughout the year.

Buy used items. From thrift stores to resale shops, there’s bound to be clothes—and maybe even supplies—that your child needs. To make the clothes special, let your child pick out a few patches or buttons to add to his or her wardrobe. Remember making your own “bellbottom” pants? Use your creativity to help your child create a personal, unique look for less money.

Let your child purchase special items with his own money. This doesn’t mean to make him pay for all of his supplies, but if he wants an expensive backpack or a Twilight lunchbox, offer to pay the amount you’d pay for the cheaper version and have him add in the rest as a compromise.

Make other deals. If money is tight right now and he really wants a new backpack, let him work it off in chores to earn one. Or, see if he can start the year with his old backpack and when the prices plummet once school’s been in session for a few weeks, buy a new one then.

Save all of your receipts. I remember kicking myself when I needed to return an expensive textbook that I hadn’t kept the receipt for. You may end up getting some money back down the road, so hold onto those.