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'Hack To School' tips and tricks on how to shop S.M.A.R.T

2:53
Lunch hacks for back-to-school
MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
ByGMA Team
September 02, 2022, 11:12 AM

Going back to school doesn't just mean putting on an outfit and walking out the door -- there's a lot that goes into it.

There's shopping for school supplies and clothes, organizing your new schedule, finishing up summer reading, preparing lunches, planning after-school activities and much more.

Since the school year is already underway (or about to be!) across the country, we're "GMA" lifestyle contributor Lori Bergamotto is helping you shop for all of the items you need and sharing hacks that will make your back-to-school transition a little smoother.

Check them out below!

Sign up for our new "GMA" Shop newsletter to get the latest deals delivered to your inbox and discover more products to help you live your best life.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication.

How to shop S.M.A.R.T.:

S - Shop on certain days

Bergamotto suggests Wednesdays are the best days for inventory and sales.

M - Map out markdowns

"Mark your calendars for your favorite store markdowns," Bergamotto added. For example, Old Navy will be offering up to 50% off select kids and baby items starting September 10.

A - Aggregate prices to find the best deals

"There are lots of apps that help you to find the best deals, one of my favorites, and easiest (and free) is Google Shopping -- it aggregates prices for you," Bergamotto said.

R - Rethink shopping

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      T- Take advantage of off-season deals

      "Specifically in the off-season, take advantage of deals," Bergamotto said. "Don’t be afraid to buy clothing that you know your kids will need later on and up in a few sizes."

      More products to shop for "hack-to-school":

      Best overall bento box:

      "If you want to get your kids excited for lunch, get them a bento box! The easy compartments keep food fresh, portion out food properly, and let's face it, make lunch a little bit more fun," Bergamotto said.

      Walmart

      Bentgo Leak-Proof 5-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box

      • $19.98
      • Walmart
      Shop Now

      Best capacity bento box:

      PBK

      No Kid Hungry All-in-One Bento Box

      • $15 to $22.50
      • Pottery Barn Kids
      Shop Now

      Best vaule bento box:

      Bed Bath & Beyond

      Progressive Snaplock 4-Cup Bento-To-Go Container in Grey

      • $8.99
      • Bed Bath & Beyond
      Shop Now

      Best bottle for elementary school students:

      "Snacks and fruits are not the only lunchbox items that leak -- it’s also those pesky water bottles! There’s nothing worse than opening up your kids backpack to find their homework completely soaked," Bergamotto said.

      Walmart

      Thermos Kids Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated bottle

      • $13.48
      • Walmart
      Shop Now

      Best bottle for middle and high school students:

      Yeti

      RAMBLER 18 OZ WATER BOTTLE

      • $30
      • Yeti
      Shop Now

      Best on-the-go car organizer:

      "Half the battle in the morning is just getting the kids in the car. With this car-seat snack organizer, once they are in, put them to work."

      Bed Bath & Beyond

      Diono stow 'n Go X-Large Backseat Car Organizer in Grey

      • $19.99
      • Bed Bath & Beyond
      Shop Now

      Bergamotto suggests playing a song every morning to challenge your kids to complete their morning tasks.

      Best Buy

      Nest Mini (2nd Generation) with Google Assistant - Chalk

      • $29.99
      • Best Buy
      Shop Now

      Take the guesswork out of getting dressed by arranging a week's worth of outfits in a hanging organizer, Bergamotto says.

      Amazon

      Household Essentials 3312-1 Cotton Canvas Hanging Closet Sweater Organizer | 6-Shelf

      • $32.52
      • Amazon
      Shop Now

      Use a bathroom caddy and a printed checklist to help create a morning bathroom routine for your kids, Bergamotto says.

      Bed Bath & Beyond

      mDesign Plastic Bathroom Storage Organizer Caddy Tote, Small

      • $16.49
      • Bed Bath & Beyond
      Shop Now

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