Big W's bargain back-to-school buys from just $3

Big W has unveiled a range of bargain back-to-school buys with most starting from just $3.

Although school isn't back until early February for most students, now is the time to stock up ahead of the usual mad rush in the days before students return to class.

The range at Big W is expansive, particularly at their Penrith store in Sydney's west where I was able to check it out.

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It was the variety that got my attention.

Back-to-school shopping isn't just about stationery, either.

It's about school bags and shoes and socks and hair ties, not to mention headphones for use in class and scientific calculators, all of which you can find at Big W – saving you from having to traipse around too many stores.

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The Big W range of pens, glue, notebooks were all priced at around $3, meaning parents can stock up not just for the start of the school year, but for the all-important mid-year replenishment.

It's also a great chance to stock up on items you need for your home office!

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, it pays to plan ahead, especially when you are about to face the variety Big W has in stores.

Leave it too late, and you'll find yourself caught up in a mad rush at the last minute which is when we tend to spend too much and give in to our children's requests for the latest trendy items.

Trendy items are fine, as long as they are within your planned back-to-school budget.

Here are the steps I follow each year ahead of school returning.

Step 1: Do an inventory stationery, shoes, bags, socks

Just because it is the beginning of the school year, doesn't mean you have to replace everything.

Your children's school shoes may last another few months, they may have plenty of pens and pencils and just need a new pencil case or school bag.

School bags and pencil cases can be lightly washed in the washing machine and air dried.

Step 2: Make use of loyalty programs

Hopefully you've tallied up some loyalty points at major outlets for use on school supplies. That's always a nice perk after Christmas shopping as well as Boxing and New Years sales.

Make sure to see what you have accumulated and use them up if possible during back-to-school shopping.

Step 3: Do some research online

Before heading to your local store, have a look online to make sure you are getting the lowest prices possible.

I found Big W to be the lowest but it is a competitive market so look out for prices being lowered and price matching.

Step 4: Head to the shops, without your kids

You need to get most of this shopping done on your own without your children coming along with you asking for every shiny new thing they see.

They can join your for one back-to-school outing, for shoe fittings and hair cuts.

Step 5: One trendy item per child only

Tell your kids they can choose one trendy item only, whether that be a new Frank Green water bottle accessory or a sparkly pencil case from Smiggle. But only one.

Step 6: Stock up for a mid-year replenishment

And don't forget to buy extra pens, pencils erasers and sharpeners as well as sock and hair ties to replenish your supplies mid-year.

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