As summer winds down and the school year approaches, the excitement of new beginnings can quickly become the stress of back-to-school shopping.
For many parents, the cost of school supplies, clothing, and other essentials adds up fast. I've been through this journey with both of my daughters, who are now young adults, so I know the challenges (and tricks!) of staying on budget.
Whether you're shopping early or doing things last minute, these 12 back-to-school shopping tips will help you save big, without sacrificing quality, convenience, or your sanity.
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1. Create a Back-to-School Shopping List
Start by making a detailed shopping list of what your child actually needs, from notebooks and pens to shoes and backpacks.
- Check if your child's school provides a supply list.
- Inventory what you already have at home to avoid duplicates.
- Ask your child what they need and use frequently.
Pro Tip: A list keeps you focused, avoids impulse buys, and ensures nothing gets missed.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Once your list is ready, create a budget and stick to it.
- Break it down by category: clothes, supplies, electronics, etc.
- Don't forget to account for reusable items from last year.
- Knowing your limits helps prioritize needs vs. wants and makes price comparisons much easier.
3. Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons
Back-to-school sales are everywhere in July, August, and early September.
- Follow your favorite stores on social media
- Sign up for email alerts and loyalty programs
- Use coupon websites like RetailMeNot, Swagbucks, or Coupons.com
Bonus: Stack store coupons with cashback apps (like Rakuten or Fetch Rewards) for double the savings.
4. Use Price Comparison Tools
Don't overpay! Use price comparison websites and browser extensions like:
- Google Shopping
- Honey (automatically applies coupon codes)
- Capital One Shopping
These tools help you find the best deals instantly and alert you when prices drop.
5. Shop Secondhand or Thrift Stores
Thrift stores and secondhand marketplaces are goldmines for back-to-school gear:
- Clothes
- Books
- Backpacks and lunchboxes
Sites like ThredUP, Facebook Marketplace, and local thrift shops offer amazing quality for a fraction of the cost—and they're eco-friendly, too!
6. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk during seasonal sales can save you a lot of money over the school year on frequently used items like pens, paper, and glue sticks.
Just avoid bulk-buying trendy items your child might not need or use later.
7. Check Online Marketplaces
You can try eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp for gently used or even new school items at discounted prices.
- Look for reviews or seller ratings
- Ask questions about the product's condition
- Meet locally in safe public areas
8. Time Your Purchases Wisely
Strategic timing is key:
- Watch for tax-free weekends (if offered in your state)
- Shop during Labor Day sales or back-to-school clearance events
- Avoid peak shopping days if possible to snag better deals
9. Choose Generic Brands
Not all school supplies need to be name-brand. Many generic or store-brand options are just as effective and often half the price.
- Compare quality and reviews
- Stick to trusted generics for basics like folders, glue, or notebooks
10. Use Cashback and Reward Programs
Apps and platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashBack, and credit card rewards can give you cash back or points on school purchases.
Some cards or retailers even offer bonus percentages during back-to-school season!
11. Organize a Back-to-School Swap
Gather your parent friends and host a school supply or clothing swap. Kids grow fast and often outgrow gently used gear.
- Trade clothes, lunchboxes, backpacks, and books
- Make it a fun event to get kids involved
It's free, fun, and sustainable!
12. Explore Local Community Resources
Don't overlook what your community offers:
- Nonprofits and churches often host free backpack drives
- Schools may provide supply kits or voucher programs
- Local Facebook groups sometimes post free item alerts
Final Thoughts: Back-to-School Shopping Can Be Stress-Free
Back-to-school doesn't have to drain your wallet.
With some planning, smart shopping strategies, and the tips above, you can save money, reduce stress, and still ensure your child has everything they need for a successful school year.
- Be resourceful
- Shop smart
- Involve your child to make it a learning experience
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