Scorgie says parents should keep an eye on sales throughout the year, so that back-to-school time is less stressful and costly. In particular, she suggests buying school supplies around June.

“End of school is the best time to shop for back-to-school,” she said, explaining that’s when most basic school items go on sale.

For clothes, she suggested that parents buy things as they go on sale, which often happens at the end of seasons. She noted that it’s important parents buy clothes proactively, knowing that children’s clothing sizes change quickly.

But Toronto-based writer and mom-of-three, Emma Waverman, says shopping right after school ends may be smart in theory, but it’s difficult.