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

Video Transcript

Are you ready to send your kids back to school—without breaking the bank? The average U.S. family spends around $858 every year on K–12 clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics . But what if you could cut that down with some simple, smart strategies? In this video, we’ll walk you through how to build a budget, when to shop, and 11 practical tips to save more on everything from backpacks to tech gear.

If you're trying to save during back-to-school season, timing is everything. Planning ahead gives you more time to compare prices, use tax-free shopping days, take advantage of early-bird sales, and avoid last-minute, full-price buys. Plus, starting early lets you budget in smaller chunks instead of absorbing all the costs in one paycheck.

Many states offer tax-free weekends. That means no state sales tax on essentials like clothing, school supplies, and electronics. Stack these with store promos and coupon codes, and you’ve got a winning combo.

Don’t settle for the first price you see. Check if stores will match a competitor’s lower price. Many offer a price-match window of up to 14 days after purchase.

Gently used doesn’t mean second-rate. Thrift stores, resale shops, and social media groups are great for finding backpacks, shoes, uniforms, and calculators. You could save 50%–70% off retail.

The earlier you shop, the more options you'll have and the better the deals. Major savings often pop up during mid-summer clearance events and surprise flash sales from your favorite retailers. To stay ahead of these deals, sign up for store newsletters and enable sale alerts so you never miss a markdown.

Before you head to the store, start by taking inventory at home. You might already have items like binders, pencils, or scissors tucked away in drawers or backpacks from last year. Focus on investing in durable items that can last beyond just one school year. And be sure to talk with your child about what they truly need versus what’s simply nice to have—this can help set expectations and keep your spending in check.

There’s really no reason to pay full price when there are so many savings tools available. Start with apps that help you find current deals and digital coupons. Look for manufacturer coupons and take advantage of store rewards programs that offer points or discounts. If you have a cashback credit card, consider using it for school purchases to earn some money back.

Mixing online and in-store shopping can give you the best of both worlds. Try using “buy online, pick up in-store” to skip shipping fees and save time. If you're ordering online, bundle items together to meet free-shipping minimums. And don’t forget to check for app-only deals or curbside exclusives that you might otherwise miss.

Your child’s school ID could be the key to some serious savings. Many tech brands offer exclusive student pricing on laptops and accessories. Clothing stores and software companies also frequently offer discounts—sometimes up to 20% off. To access these deals, use a .edu email address or verification platforms like that confirm student or educator status.

One of the most effective ways to save is by teaming up with your community. Consider hosting a supply or uniform swap with neighbors, friends, or local parent groups. You can also join a communal school-supply closet where families share gently used items. It’s a simple way to cut costs while also building meaningful connections with others in your area.

Just because something is a store brand doesn’t mean it’s lower quality. In fact, generic paper, pens, and folders often hold up just as well as the big-name brands. Once the school year starts, take advantage of post-season clearance sales to stock up on supplies for next year. Just be sure to store everything in a safe, dry place so you won’t need to rebuy when fall rolls around again.

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean budget stress. Use these 11 tips to stay ahead of rising prices, avoid last-minute panic, and keep more money in your pocket this fall. For more financial tips and smart family budgeting tools, visit WesternSouthern.com.

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