Back-to-school season doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a bit of planning, smart shopping (and some creative hacks), you can get your kids everything they need without overspending.
Here are ten clever, wallet-friendly ways to save on back-to-school shopping this year.
1. Use what items you already have
Before rushing to the store, review your current supplies to see what you already have. Remember, sometimes the best way to save money is to avoid buying something altogether.
You’ll want to look at school supplies and your children’s clothes. Your kids may want a whole new wardrobe, but their backpack and winter coat from last year may still work.
2. Hit up the dollar store
Discount stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or Dollarama are filled with inexpensive items, including school supplies. You can find notebooks, pencils, crayons, and even teachers’ supplies like hand soaps and wipes.
3. Buy used
Many bigger-ticket items, like calculators or tablets, can be purchased used. Check out Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for local sellers who are looking to offload some of their kids’ old supplies.
Goodwill and other thrift stores are also great places to find affordable clothing items. Mixing in some gently used finds will free up room in your budget for the things that matter most to your kids.
4. Tax holiday
Some jurisdictions offer sales tax holidays or waive sales taxes on certain back-to-school items to help parents save during the back-to-school season. Check if this applies in the state or province where you live.
5. Shop the sales
Back-to-school sales are everywhere at this time of year. If you see a killer deal on notebooks or pencils, grab extras that you can stash away for later use.
Trust me: Mid-year, you’ll be glad you don’t have to pay full price when your kid’s supplies “mysteriously” disappear, and you need to stock up.
6. Price match like a pro
Let’s face it. Running from store to store looking for the best prices on back-to-school supplies can be a pain.
But many major retailers, including Walmart and Target, will price-match if you can prove that another store is selling the same item for a lower price. This allows you to take advantage of sales while doing all your shopping in one place.
7. Team up with other parents
If you plan it right, other parents could be a gold mine when it comes to back-to-school shopping. By teaming up, you can:
- Split bulk purchases to save everyone money
- Trade any leftover supplies
- Pass along hand-me-downs you no longer need
It’s a win-win that helps you declutter your supply closet while saving multiple families some money.
8. Use cash-back apps
Cash back apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can reward you with cash back on your school shopping. For example, Ibotta allows you to upload your receipt to the app and then gives cash back based on your purchases.
Try out a few apps and learn how to use them. Each one will have its own system, so it can take a little getting used to. But the savings can really add up, and a few extra dollars in your pocket is never a bad thing.
9. Look for community supply drives
Many communities run back-to-school supply drives. Some are open to everyone, while others support specific groups, such as military families or low-income households.
If you qualify, find out how to participate, as it can save you a significant amount of money.
10. Set realistic expectations with your kids
This might be the hardest hack, but also the most important. Let younger kids know what they’ll be getting for school. For example, “You’re getting four new notebooks, crayons, and three new shirts.”
Include older kids in the budgeting and shopping process. Share the budget and let them help prioritize. It’s a money lesson and a shopping trip all in one.
Bonus tip: Budget for back-to-school with Lunch Money
Want to make next year’s shopping stress-free? Create a “Back to School” spending category in your Lunch Money budget this month.
Here’s how:
- Track this year’s total back-to-school spend.
- Divide that number by 12.
- Set aside that amount every month between now and next August.
- Track your progress in Lunch Money.
By the time back-to-school season rolls around again, you’ll already have the cash set aside. No scrambling, no overspending!
