11 Essential Tips to Save on Back-to-School Shopping This School Year

Shopping for the new school year may feel like a financial juggling act, especially as inflation continues to drive up prices on everything from books and crayons to backpacks and clothing. With the average family spending around $858 annually on K–12 back-to-school essentials¹, early and thoughtful planning can make a meaningful difference in managing your back-to-school expenses.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Planning ahead for back-to-school shopping may help you avoid last-minute price hikes, reduce stress, and make smarter spending decisions. By gathering your child’s supply list early, you can compare prices, look for tax-free weekends, and take advantage of early sales. Starting sooner also gives you time to estimate expenses, budget weekly, and stay flexible for unexpected items. With a clear plan, you're more likely to spot flash deals or clearance sales and avoid impulse buys—turning what could feel like a rush into a step-by-step process that better aligns with your financial goals.

How to Create Your Back-to-School Budget

Establishing a clear and manageable back-to-school budget is crucial, particularly as rising inflation continues to push prices upward. Whether you're preparing one child or several for the new academic year, here are practical steps to structure your back-to-school budget effectively.

Assess Your Current Financial Situation

Begin by reviewing your family's financial health. Look closely at your checking account and savings account balances. Understand exactly how much money you have available without compromising your regular monthly expenses.

Make a Detailed Shopping List

Creating a comprehensive shopping list helps you prioritize essential items like uniforms, backpacks, books, crayons, notebooks, and tech supplies. Include estimated costs for each item to gain clarity on overall anticipated expenses.

Research and Set Realistic Spending Limits

Use average back-to-school spending guidelines as a benchmark, but adjust based on your unique financial situation. Account for inflation-driven price increases, particularly for clothing, electronics, and stationery.

Allocate Funds into Categories

Divide your budget into clear spending categories such as:

• Clothing and shoes
• School supplies (stationery, crayons, books)
• Technology and electronics
• Extracurricular expenses (sports equipment, musical instruments)

This structured approach prevents overspending and helps track expenses easily.

Plan Ahead for Big-Ticket Items

If you anticipate needing higher-cost merchandise like laptops or calculators, plan ahead by saving incrementally. Consider setting aside money each month specifically for back-to-school expenses, either in your savings account or earmarked within your checking account.

Factor in Opportunities for Discounts and Savings

When creating your budget, include potential savings from:

• Tax-free days or sales-tax holidays
• Retail discounts and coupon codes
• Loyalty and reward programs or using a rewards credit card
• Cash-back apps and rebate offers
• Bulk deals from office supply stores and warehouse clubs

Regularly Track and Adjust Your Budget

After each shopping trip or purchase, update your budget. Keep receipts organized and use budgeting tools or apps to monitor your spending against your initial plan. Make adjustments as needed if you overspend in one category, balancing it out by cutting back elsewhere. Taking the time to carefully create and maintain your back-to-school budget can help ease financial stress, allowing you to shop confidently and strategically for the new school year.

Ready to shop smarter? Here are 11 practical ways to save on back-to-school shopping without hunting through every coupon site.

11 Tips to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

1. Take Advantage of Sales Tax Holidays

Many states offer tax-free days typically scheduled for late July or early August. During these designated periods, specific items, such as clothing, school supplies, books, and electronics, are exempt from state (and sometimes local) sales tax. The savings can quickly add up, particularly on larger purchases.
To make the most of tax-free days, consider the following strategies:

• Check your state's dates: Durations vary significantly, from a single weekend to a full week.
• Understand eligible items: Typically includes clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, and electronics up to $1,500.
• Stack deals: Combine tax exemptions with store promotions or coupons to maximize savings.

2. Compare Prices & Use Price-Matching Policies

Before you click “purchase,” open both the retailer’s site and a price-comparison app in separate tabs. Consider:

• Utilize price-matching: Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy often match competitor pricing within specific windows (usually 14 days).
• Apps and browser extensions: Tools like Rakuten, Honey, and CamelCamelCamel track deals, coupons, and price drops automatically.

3. Embrace Resale Shops & Community Marketplaces

Secondhand shopping frequently offers nearly-new items at substantial discounts.

• Visit thrift stores: Find uniforms, backpacks, shoes, and clothes at 50–70% off.
• Community swaps: Join local Facebook groups or buy-nothing communities to trade or acquire gently used items.
• School fundraising sales: Often managed by parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), these can be cost-effective while supporting school programs.

4. Shop Early & Take Advantage of Seasonal Promotions

Spreading out your shopping can reduce financial strain and increase savings.

• Prime Day & flash sales: Mid-summer online events often offer substantial discounts on electronics and gear.
• End-of-season clearances: Late summer often sees steep markdowns on backpacks, apparel, and shoes.
• Retailer newsletters: Early access or exclusive deals can be unlocked through retailer sign-ups.

Consider this:

Last summer, the Johnson family combined a July Prime Day promotion with resale shopping for backpacks and apparel. They spent $180 less than their original $900 budget by strategically using early sales, resale sites, and coupon stacking. 

5. Prioritize Essentials & Reuse What You Have

Before shopping, evaluate what you already have.

• Review last year's supplies: Items like binders, notebooks, and pencils often remain usable for another year.
• Choose durable products: Investing in sturdy backpacks or higher-quality apparel can yield long-term savings.
• Focus on needs first: Discuss must-haves versus nice-to-haves with your child to manage expectations and spending.

6. Leverage Coupons, Promo Codes & Cashback Rewards

One way to deepen discounts is by combining multiple incentives:

• Coupon aggregators: Platforms like Ibotta, RetailMeNot, or Honey compile current deals and cash-back opportunities.
• Credit card rewards: Some cards provide extra points or cash back on school-related purchases.
• Strategically stack deals: Layer manufacturer coupons, digital promotions, and store discounts where applicable.

7. Combine In-Store and Online Shopping

Mix shopping methods to avoid fees and access exclusive promotions.

• Free shipping thresholds: Consolidate orders to meet minimum spending requirements.
• Buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS): Access exclusive discounts and avoid delivery fees.
• Curbside and app-exclusive deals: Retailers may offer additional savings for mobile or curbside orders. 

8. Access Student & Educator Discounts

Special pricing often extends beyond traditional sales.

• Eligibility verification: Use student IDs or institutional emails for up to 10–20% discounts on technology, software, or clothing.
• College and tech bundles: Discounted packages of laptops and software typically target students.
• Educational marketplaces: Sites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer verified deals.

9. Organize Community Swaps or Share Drives

Sharing within your community can significantly lower individual costs.

• Host swap events: Encourage families to exchange gently used items.
• Create a communal supply closet: Maintain an online or physical inventory of shared items among neighbors.

10. Choose Store-Brand Alternatives

Generic or store brands frequently offer comparable quality at lower costs.

• Basic supplies: Items like pencils, paper, and notebooks typically perform well as generics.
• Bulk buying: Large packs of store-brand items can deliver significant savings over single-brand products.
• Test quality first: Purchase smaller quantities initially to assess performance before larger commitments.

11. Plan for Future Years

Forward-looking strategies can help avoid higher prices during peak seasons.

• Buy off-season: Stock up when demand drops, such as after back-to-school season or during winter holidays.
• Proper storage: Ensure items remain in good condition by storing them in cool, dry places.
• Monitor clearance sales: Post-season discounts frequently offer deep price cuts on remaining inventory

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to overwhelm your finances. By carefully budgeting, planning ahead, and taking advantage of the many savings opportunities available, you can confidently manage costs while providing everything your family needs for the new academic year. Ultimately, a proactive approach sets you up for financial success now and in future school seasons.

  Plan ahead, budget smartly, and maximize your savings this back-to-school season! Get My Free Financial Review 

Sources

1. National Retail Foundation. "Back-to-School Season Begins Early for Majority of Shoppers."  https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-to-school-season-begins-early-for-majority-of-shoppers