Back to school normally means a shopping trip that can quickly overtax your wallet. This single shopping excursion can have a major impact on your budget if it gets out of hand. There are a few ways to save money and still provide your children with the experience and excitement of getting ready for school. This can actually be a great opportunity to have fun with the kids and introduce them to creative budgeting.
Save Money When Back-to-School Shopping
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some planning and smart strategies, you can save money on supplies, clothes, and even textbooks.
Create a Checklist
A checklist is your key to staying organized and saving money. You can find pre-made checklists online or at local discount stores.
Divide your list into two sections:
One-time purchases – backpacks, lunch boxes, rulers, binders, and safety scissors.
Items to restock – pencils, erasers, paper, crayons, and notepads.
This separation helps you spot deals for items you’ll need again during the school year.
Check What You Already Have
Before heading to the store, search your home. You might already have pencils, crayons, or other essentials.
Make a game out of it with your kids, like a scavenger hunt, to see what items can be reused. Cross off the supplies you already have—no need to buy duplicates.
Shop Smart for Supplies
Pull store ads to compare prices before leaving home. Your checklist will help you stick to your plan.
Start with discount or dollar stores. Compare their prices to the sales ads from other stores. Buy only what’s on your list. Avoid impulse shopping—it’s easy to get carried away with low prices.
Wait a week or two after school starts to buy non-essential items. Many supplies go on sale once school is in session.
Back-to-School Clothes
Check your child’s current wardrobe and see what still fits. Donate or trade clothes that no longer fit. Some thrift stores even offer cash or store credit.
Use a mix-and-match strategy: neutral pants paired with trendy tops can reduce costs while keeping your child stylish. Allow one or two “must-have” trendy items, but stick to your budget.
Alternative Shopping Options
Try thrift shops, consignment stores, garage sales or online shopping. Sit down with your child and make a wish list. Shopping creatively can save a lot of money while making it fun.
Spread Out Expenses
Keep your checklist updated and shop year-round when deals appear. Spreading purchases throughout the year reduces stress and prevents large one-time expenses.
Save on College Textbooks
College textbooks can be expensive. Instead of buying from the campus bookstore, try TextbookX, Amazon, eBay or Craigslist. You can buy new or used books at significant discounts.
Resell textbooks online instead of going back to the bookstore. Even saving 20% per semester can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
