Back to school shopping involves knowing what school supplies, clothes and other items to buy a student before he or she starts the school year. The goal is to provide the student with most of the materials needed so that the student will be able to hit the ground running from day one. In order to be most effective and price conscious, there are a number of things to consider when doing back to school shopping.

First, understand that at the end of August or the beginning of September, traditionally the beginning of a new school year, many people are doing back to school shopping. Supplies, at least at some stores, may be short during these months. In some cases, starting back to school shopping early, such as in June after school breaks for the summer, may be the best option.

There are basics every child will need. Pencils, erasers, ink pens for older children, notebook paper -- these are staples all students need. Getting them early can save a lot of headaches when there is mad rush just before school starts. However, there may be other items more specific to your child's class that are not known at that early time.

For those who choose to wait to do their back to school shopping, they have the opportunity to be rewarded. Some stores offer deep discounts on back to school merchandise right before school. During some promotions, some supplies may even be offered free of charge. While this does carry a risk of not finding everything your child may need, it is also a way to save a substantial amount of money. Also, most teachers understand if students do not have every single item that first week or so of school.

In most cases, schools attempt to make it easier for parents to do their back to school shopping by publishing lists of specific items that are needed for each class. If followed, these lists can save parents money by helping them avoid buying unnecessary items. Also, it can save trips back to the store to get items that were overlooked the first time.

Those using the occasion of back to school shopping to furnish their child with a new wardrobe should keep some money-saving tips in mind. First, in the United States, many states have sales tax holidays just before school begins. This can save individuals approximately 5 to 8 percent just in sales tax alone. Also, these sales tax holidays are often used at department stores, which offer further discounts. In all, it is not uncommon to save 25 percent or more for clothes during this time of the year.

Parents often take this time to buy their students a little "extra" gift during the back to school shopping season. This may be the latest iPod or some other technological gadget. While these may be fun for the kids, remember that many schools may not allow them on campus. They just provide too much of a distraction to learning. Therefore, such gifts, even if bought during your back to school shopping, may be better off left at home during the school day.