Some Major Retailers Now Offering College Gift Registries For Back-To-School Shopping
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- These days, gift registries aren't just limited to baby showers and weddings.
Future college students can also draft a wish list at some stores.
Dana Vento is shopping for her daughter Kallie's new role as college student.
"It's organization. It's making lists. It's thinking back on my day, what I used to do. Thinking bout what's efficient right now and what she has to do," Vento told CBS2's Dave Carlin.
"Simple things like desk organizers and pencil holders because you don't really think about things like that when you're thinking college. You're thinking everything bigger, the big stuff," Kallie said.
And you don't want too big of a budget either.
Dana and Kallie are shopping at stores like IKEA, Target, OfficeMax and Best Buy where there are partnerships, promotions, apps, and even college registries.
The registries work just like bridal or baby registries, allowing students an online wish list.
"You can actually get a checklist right from our website that's going to save you some time, some energy," said Best Buy Assistant Store Manager Matt Buettner.
Check out back to school sections, but don't stop there because they may not get you the most bang for your buck, Carlin reported.
"Skip that section and go to the regular bedding section, office supply section first, and take a look at what's there," said IKEA marketing specialist Jennifer Stockdale. "You can find a lot of clearance items, a lot of good deals."
Experts also say students don't need to buy everything before the first day of class. Settle in first, then make a list of what you really need and that way you won't overspend.
Another tip: try shopping in a store's children's furniture section, where prices tend to be lower.
