Back to school shopping tips can be the difference between overspending and staying on budget.
With the right game plan, you can grab quality supplies, skip the gimmicks, and keep more money in your pocket. From bulk buys to smart timing, these strategies help you shop smarter, without cutting corners.
Let’s break it down.
9 Back-to-School Shopping Tips That Save You Money
These smart, budget-friendly strategies will help you shop smarter and keep more cash in your pocket.
1. Take Inventory Before You Spend a Dime
Start at home. Chances are, you already have half of what your kids need. Dig through last year’s backpacks, drawers, and supply bins. You might find unused notebooks, barely touched folders, and still-sharp pencils.
Pro tip: Don’t toss those used binders. Just replace the covers or labels. Reuse and repurpose whenever possible.
2. Hit Sales Early, Then Double Dip
Retailers roll out back-to-school sales in waves. Start early and check flyers weekly. Combine in-store sales with digital student and teacher discounts to save even more. You’ll find exclusive savings on brands like Staples, Best Buy, and Apple if you know where to look.
Also, take advantage of tax-free weekends (offered in many states). Shopping during these periods can cut your total by 6–10%.
3. Shop the Dollar Store—But Choose Wisely
Not all cheap supplies are created equal. Skip the flimsy pencils and glue sticks. Instead, stock up on things like index cards, erasers, and pocket folders.
Read More: 6 Student & Teacher Discounts You Might Be Missing (and How to Get Them)
4. Buy in Bulk, Then Split the Cost
Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club offer solid prices on school staples like pens, highlighters, loose-leaf paper, etc. But don’t let big packs go to waste.
Coordinate with other parents to split costs and supplies. If you’re not part of a group, use Facebook Marketplace or local “Buy Nothing” groups to connect with nearby families.
Pro Tip: Buy durable brands in bulk like Crayola or Ticonderoga so you’re not stuck restocking mid-year.
Read More: Back-to-School Savings: Supplies, Tech & Clothes
5. Focus on Quality Where It Counts
A cheap backpack might save you $20 today, but if it rips by October, it’s money wasted. Invest in items that need to last all year (or more), like backpacks, lunch boxes, calculators, and name-brand pencils like Ticonderoga.
Think quality over quantity. It’s better to buy one solid product than three flimsy ones that won’t last.
6. Time It Right: Delay Non-Essentials
Not everything on the supply list is urgent. Teachers often won’t require certain items until mid-semester. Waiting allows you to catch post-rush markdowns and clearance deals.
Keep a running list and set Google alerts or browser extensions to watch for price drops.
7. Get Creative with DIY and Reuse
Have extra fabric or cardboard at home? Make your own pencil cases, dividers, or notebook covers. YouTube is full of simple, kid-friendly DIY school supply tutorials.
It’s a fun way to personalize items and spend less while teaching your kids budgeting skills.
8. Look for Price Matching Policies
Big-box stores like Target, Staples, and Office Depot often offer price matching if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere. Just bring in proof. Most items will match in-store or online ads.
Pro Tip: Use price-tracking tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to keep an eye on price drops and compare value across multiple sites.
9. Don’t Forget Online-Only Deals
Some of the best discounts don’t show up in-store. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart run online-only bundles, limited-time deals, and free shipping offers on school supply packs.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Smart shopping isn’t about cutting corners, but about cutting waste. With these back-to-school shopping tips, you’ll stretch your budget, prioritize quality, and still send your kids back fully prepared.
When you shop intentionally, every dollar works harder, and that’s a lesson worth learning.
Read More: Back-to-School Tech Deals for Every Budget
