10 Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping

Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping

1. Shop Your House First

Before buying a single notebook or pack of pencils, see what you already have. Check desks, closets, backpacks, craft supplies, and last year’s school gear for items that are still usable.

You may already have unopened notebooks, folders, pencils, rulers, glue sticks, and other basics tucked away. Backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and water bottles may only need a good cleaning to make it through another school year. Make your school shopping list only after taking inventory so you aren’t buying duplicates.

2. Stick to the School Supply List

Those colorful back-to-school displays make it easy to toss extras into your cart. Start with the items your child’s teacher or school actually requires.

You can always pick up additional supplies after school starts if they’re needed. This is especially helpful for older students, whose teachers may have specific requirements for calculators, binders, notebooks, or other classroom supplies.

3. Compare Prices Before You Shop

Don’t assume one retailer has the lowest price on everything. Back-to-school sales often rotate throughout the summer, with different stores discounting different items each week. Check prices on your most expensive purchases before buying, particularly backpacks, shoes, clothing, calculators, and electronics.

For inexpensive basics, however, driving to several stores to save a few cents may not be worth the extra time and gas. Concentrate your comparison shopping on purchases where the savings can make a noticeable difference.

4. Don’t Buy Everything at Once

Your kids don’t necessarily need an entire year’s worth of clothing and school supplies before the first day.

Buy the necessities first and wait on things that can be purchased later. Clothing is a good example. Kids may need a few new outfits for the start of school, but there’s little reason to stock up on sweaters and other cold-weather clothing while it’s still hot outside. Waiting also gives you a chance to see what your child actually uses once school begins.

5. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping

If your state offers a sales tax holiday, check which back-to-school purchases qualify. Clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers, and other items may be eligible depending on where you live.

Pay attention to spending limits and exclusions before shopping. A tax-free weekend can be particularly helpful when combined with store sales or other discounts.

5 More Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping!

Here are five more simple ways to save on back to school shopping. Add these bonus tips to the first five to help keep even more money in your budget!

6. Consider Store Brands

Your child probably doesn’t need a name-brand version of every item on the supply list. Compare store-brand notebooks, folders, pencils, markers, tissues, hand sanitizer, and other basics with their name-brand counterparts. Saving a little on several individual items can make a meaningful difference by the time you reach the checkout.

There are some supplies where quality may be worth paying more for, so choose where you save rather than automatically buying the cheapest version of everything.

7. Buy in Bulk, But Only When It Makes Sense

Multipacks can save money on supplies kids will use throughout the year, such as pencils, pens, glue sticks, tissues, and paper. If you don’t need 20 of something, consider splitting a bulk package with another family.

Avoid buying large quantities simply because the unit price is lower. It’s only a bargain if your family will actually use it.

8. Shop Secondhand for Clothing and Gear

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean everything is brand new. Consignment shops, thrift stores, resale apps, and local buy/sell groups can be great places to find children’s clothing, jackets, sports gear, backpacks, and other school necessities. This can be particularly useful with younger kids who often outgrow clothes before they wear them out – a great way to save on back to school!

9. Get the Kids Involved in the Budget

Getting kids involved in ways to save on back to school shopping is a good opportunity to teach them the difference between needs and wants. Set a budget before shopping and let older kids help make some decisions. If the basic backpack costs $30 but they want the trendy $60 version, show them what that extra $30 means for the rest of the shopping budget.

Giving kids some input can make sticking to a budget feel less restrictive while teaching them to make money choices.

10. Save Supplies for Next Year

Your back-to-school savings don’t have to end when school starts. Keep a designated bin or shelf for unused school supplies throughout the year. When folders, notebooks, pencils, and other basics come home at the end of the school year, save anything that’s still in good condition. When next year’s school supply list arrives, you’ll already have a head start.

A Little Planning Can Make a Big Difference

A little planning can make a big difference when you’re trying to save on back to school shopping. Start by using what you already have, sticking to a budget, and comparing prices for the most expensive items. Even a few small changes can help reduce the total cost of getting everyone ready for the new school year. You may be surprised by how much you can trim from your back-to-school bill!

Let’s Chat: What are some ways you save on back to school shopping?

Updated August 2026 with new tips and current back-to-school savings ideas.