Photo: Roberto Caruso
New clothes, a backpack, school supplies, lunch gear… Heading back to school can be pricey?and Canadians are expected to spend 4.5 percent more than they did last year, according to Ernst & Young. But there are ways to keep your budget in check and get the most bang for your buck.
Warranties

Between running around at recess, scooting across the classroom floor during playtime and even chewing on their shirt cuffs, kids can be rough on their clothes. Thankfully, a few retailers have your back.
? Walmart guarantees that their kids? clothing and shoes won?t wear out before your kiddo outgrows them. The guarantee covers children?s clothing in sizes zero to 16, and shoes from toddler size zero to boys? youth size six and to girls? youth size four. ? Sears? Lifetime Wear Out Warranty on kids? clothing and shoes is one of the best: They?ll repair or replace the item in the same size as long as any kid in your family is wearing that size?a real bonus for larger families. If the item is no longer in stock, Sears will replace it with a similar item of equal value. The warranty covers kids? clothing up to size 18 and shoes up to senior kids? (youth) size six.
? Giant Tiger?s satisfaction-guaranteed return policy has no time limit, so if you?re dissatisfied with the wear on kids? clothing or school gear, you can return the item and get your money back.
Price matching

Cut down on multiple stops and save time standing in a series of long checkout lines d...