Even though it’s the kids that are going back to school, it’s mom and dad who are actually doing a lot of the work. If you’ve ever glanced at a student’s school supply list, you know what I’m talking about. Is it crazy to suggest that you get custom school gear Is getting custom school gear a crazy idea to suggest? No, it’s not crazy. Smart shoppers for school supplies know they can get great custom stuff at great prices. Personalized pencils? Check. Pencil cases with child’s name? Check.

However, there’s always the expense factor. Isn’t getting ready for the school year expensive? Not necessarily. Here are four tips for getting great gear at the best price.

Buy in bulk.

There’s a reason why Costco and Sam’s Club are so popular. You can get a lot of great stuff at prices you can’t get anywhere else. When you buy something in bulk, you get it for less. When it comes to school supplies, the same principle holds true. You don’t have to purchase a pallet of paper, but you can buy a set of 24 pencils instead of purchasing them one at time. You know the pencils are going to get used so go ahead and get them. While you’re at it, get personalized pencils and save your mazuma.

Buy online.

No offense to the brick-and-mortar stores of this world, but buying online is the way to go when it comes to purchasing custom school gear. To customize a pack of pencils, for example, all you need to do is type in a few letters as you’re completing your purchase. It’s fast, easy, convenient, and — best of all — a lot cheaper when you do it online.

Buy from the right sources.

Not just any online retailer is going to give you the best prices. Those in the know will spend a little time shopping around for the best price and the same idea applies when shopping online. Amazon.com may be the biggest online retailer, but they don’t have a corner on the market when it comes to personalized school supplies. Pick out boutique retailers to purchase custom school supplies. Niche companies have industry cachet, specificity, loads of experience, and a lineup of school products that are perfectly priced.

Buy personalized pencils.

If you’re in some serious penny-pinching conditions, don’t worry. Getting custom school gear doesn’t have to be a pain at all. Personalized pencils are cheap, cheap, cheap. If you’re looking to buy a Gucci backpack that’s been monogrammed, that’ll cost more than a few bucks but the most practical purchase will be the personalized pencils.

Going back to school may be a parental headache, but it’s a really exciting time for your kids. Boost that excitement by picking up personalized school gear for them. It doesn’t have to break the bank, but it sure does help the back-to-school transition!