Here comes another school year, and that can mean it’s time to get shopping for some nice new pencils, notebooks, backpacks, and cool clothes. But don’t expect it to come cheap: In 2024, parents of K-12 kids spent an estimated $586 per student on back-to-school shopping.
Chances are, you don’t want to go into credit card debt to get your kid outfitted for the first day of school, so here’s help. Below, you’ll find 31 back-to-school shopping tips that can save you money while getting your kids prepped for a great year ahead.
Key Points
• Establish a budget and assess current supplies before shopping.
• Utilize coupons, cash back apps, and store-specific apps for discounts.
• Purchase bulk items, opt for reusable products, and consider refurbished electronics.
• Engage in clothing swaps, explore secondhand stores, and try negotiating prices.
• Time purchases for sales, utilize tax-free days, and apply student discounts.
1. Check the Circulars
You might receive weekly circulars in the mail that include coupons to local stores that can help you save money on school supplies. If you don’t receive any circulars or you want more, using a deals website like Flipp can give you access to digital circulars and coupons you can use at the store.
2. Download Honey
The Honey browser extension can be helpful when it comes to back-to-school savings. Installing Honey on your web browser will enable the extension to automatically search for coupon codes and deals when you check out online, saving you both time and money.
💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a high-yield bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.
3. Use Online Coupons
Some websites, such as Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and Savings.com, offer online coupons. Browsing these sites may lead to savings on school supplies you need.
4. Join Target Circle
Target typically offers good deals on school supplies, including special Target Circle offers and $1 school finds. Using the Target Circle Card will get you an additional 5% off all of your back-to-school shopping. You might also investigate joining Target Circle 360 (which requires paying a monthly or annual membership fee) for more deals and perks.
5. Use Cash Back Credit Cards
Making school supply purchases with a cash back credit card is another option to save some money. Then, you can put your savings towards future purchases or use the cash back to pay a portion of your credit card bill.
6. Get Cash Back for Shopping
On sites like Rakuten and Swagbucks you can earn cash back when you shop at your favorite stores. Check these sites for cash back offers before heading out for back-to-school shopping.
7. Sign Up for Store Emails
If there are a few stores you know you’re going to be shopping at this year, then sign up for their email list ahead of time to receive coupons and find out when they are running sales. Some stores offer a percent-off coupon or a dollar amount discount for signing up for their emails or texts.
Recommended: 15 Creative Ways to Save Money
8. Download Store Apps
Along with signing up for emails, you can also download store apps to receive exclusive savings and deal alerts. You may receive a one-time coupon at the beginning and then additional deals after that.
9. Ask Friends for Their Old Supplies
If you have friends who aren’t using their old supplies anymore, they may be willing to give them to you so they don’t go to waste. This could save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to paying for college textbooks.
10. Join Parent Groups
Consider joining local parent groups on Facebook or other social media platforms to see if anyone is giving away supplies or selling them at a steep discount. Connecting with other parents before the first day of school can also be a good way to form friendships and trade back-to-school shopping tips.
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11. Look on Used Goods Marketplaces
You may also be able to find the supplies you need on used goods marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Keep safety precautions in mind when meeting strangers to complete a transaction: Consider meeting at a police station, bring someone with you, and trust your instincts if you feel the situation is unsafe.
12. Wait to Make Some of Your Purchases
Your children likely aren’t going to need all of their school supplies on the first day, or perhaps even in the first month of school. Instead, you can ask your children’s teachers what they will need right away and then wait to shop for the rest of the supplies when retailers start marking down their inventory, which typically happens in September or October.
13. Create a Budget
Before setting foot into a store, come up with a back-to-school spending budget so you know exactly how much you can spend and avoid impulse purchases. Without a plan, it can be easy to spend too much and get caught off guard when you get your credit card statement in the mail.
14. Take Inventory of What You Already Have
You may already have what you need for back to school in your home. Look around for extra pencils, art supplies, books, and other items that you thought you needed to purchase but may already own.
15. Pay With Cash
One of the old tricks for sticking to a budget and saving money is to pay with cash instead of a debit or credit card. Paying with cash may make you more mindful of your purchases because you see the cash disappear when you spend it. You might not be tempted to spend as much if you opt for good, old-fashioned dollar bills and coins.
Recommended: The Envelope Budgeting Method: What You Need to Know
16. Negotiating on a Cash Purchase
Cash is also helpful for negotiating. Though you may not be able to negotiate prices at a big box store, you might be able to at a local shop, flea market, or yard sale if that’s where you’re headed for school supplies. Let the merchant know how much you’re willing to pay, and they may just be willing to cut a deal with you.
17. Look for Price Matching
Some stores will match another store’s price if you show them that their competitor is offering a better price on the same product. Prior to going to the store, take a few minutes to compare prices online, and bring proof of the lower price when you shop. Price matching policies vary from store to store and can usually be found on a store’s website.
18. Buy in Bulk
When it comes to how to save on school supplies, you may be able to save big if you buy in bulk from wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. Some of the best things to buy in bulk for back-to-school include pens and pencils, folders, and notebooks. Bulk purchases of things like paper towels, toilet paper, and shampoo might also make good financial sense. Joining other parents to split costs on bulk purchases might just result in a new, like-minded friend group.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.
19. Buy Refurbished Electronics
If you need to pick up electronics like laptops, tablets, or phones, consider buying a refurbished version instead of a new device. Certified used models are often available directly from the manufacturer or from reputable online sellers.
20. Head to the Dollar Store
While the dollar store isn’t the ideal place for all your back-to-school shopping needs, you can find a number of inexpensive items there to save money on. These items include pencils, pens, crayons, folders, and clipboards.
21. Shop on Tax-Free Days
Some states hold annual tax-free days, usually in July or August, which can be perfect for back-to-school shopping. Check online to see if and when your state offers this money-saving option.
22. Use Your Student Discount
College students may be able to use their college ID or student email address to score discounts on electronics and other items. Check out stores around your college that offer deals to students.
23. Buy Used Textbooks
Another way to score some back-to-school savings is to purchase used textbooks. BookFinder.com searches all the bookseller websites to find the best deals on your textbooks.
24. Keep Your Receipts
If you keep your receipts and find out that items you purchased have been discounted further, then you may be able to get a price adjustment or a partial refund to make up for the price difference. Policies vary by retailer, but it doesn’t hurt to check sales after you’ve made a purchase and ask the store if they offer price adjustments.
25. Buying From Thrift Stores
Thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army often have back-to-school essentials like clothing and backpacks. Plus, buying used items can be environmentally friendly. Families who are facing financial difficulty affording school supplies may qualify for assistance through various charitable organizations, such as The Salvation Army or even their local school districts.
26. Find Brand Giveaways
By following brands on social media or contacting them directly, you may get free samples or promo codes to get discounts on goods.
27. Turn in Those Rebates
Sometimes, you won’t be able to access back-to-school savings at the time of purchase. Instead, you’ll need to send in rebates. Look for products that offer rebates and remember to keep your receipts and anything else required for the savings.
28. Invest in Quality Purchases
While you may want to buy everything at discount stores, poor quality items may not even last an entire school year. For items that get a lot of use, such as a backpack, consider paying a bit more so they last. For example, you may be able to use the same high-quality, well-made backpack for several years before it wears out.
29. Use Alternatives for Your Kids’ Favorite Characters
Your child might really want a backpack with a specific character on it, but next year’s favorite character will probably be different. Buying your child a plain backpack and then adding some keychains or stickers that feature their favorite character is an inexpensive compromise that will keep your kids happy and save you big bucks.
30. Buy Reusable Items
While plastic and paper bags may be convenient, you’ll save money (and be kinder to the environment) if you buy a reusable lunch bag and containers instead. Find a lunch bag that’s easy to clean to save time as well.
31. Hold a Clothing Swap
Kids quickly grow out of clothes, so it’s not budget-friendly to buy a lot of expensive new garments. You can invite over some friends and neighbors who have kids and swap used clothing instead. Or you might try Nextdoor and see if people in your community want to see about a trade or offloading some outgrown clothes.
💡 Quick Tip: When you overdraft your checking account, you’ll likely pay a non-sufficient fund fee of, say, $35. Look into linking a savings account to your checking account as a backup to avoid that, or shop around for a bank that doesn’t charge you for overdrafting.
The Takeaway
To save on back-to-school shopping, start by creating a budget and checking what supplies you already have at home. Other smart ways to cut costs include using coupons and cash back apps, comparing prices online before purchasing, buying in bulk, hitting up the dollar store, swapping with friends/neighbors, and waiting for some items to go on sale.
Whether you’re shopping for school supplies or something more expensive (like a new appliance or a car), it’s a good idea to estimate the cost and start saving up in advance. This can help you stay on budget and avoid credit card debt. You might even set up a separate savings account earmarked for back-to-school shopping (or any other savings goals), then automate transfers into that account to help you reach your target faster.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
How much money should I spend on school supplies?
The amount to spend on school supplies varies by grade and needs. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school spent an average of $875 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics in 2024 (for all children in the household combined). To save money, prioritize essential items and look for sales, discounts, and secondhand items. Creating a detailed list and sticking to it can help you stay within budget and avoid overspending.
What is the 30 day rule to save money?
The 30-day rule is a budgeting strategy that can help you avoid impulse purchases. How it works: If you’re considering a nonessential purchase, put it on a mental hold for 30 days. During that time, research alternative options, compare prices, and evaluate if it’s truly a need or a want. If at the end of the waiting period, you still want the item and can afford it, go ahead and buy it. You may well decide to forgo it.
What to do if you can’t afford school supplies?
If you can’t afford school supplies, explore free or low-cost options. You might start by checking with your school for assistance programs or community resources. Also look for back-to-school sales and discounts, and consider buying used or secondhand supplies from online marketplaces or local groups. Many organizations and charities also offer school supply drives and giveaways. Friends and family may also be willing to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
About the author
Kylie Ora Lobell
Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/TARIK KIZILKAYA
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