Yep, it’s that time of year again! Summer is in its final stretch, and the aisles are starting to fill up with pens, backpacks, and pencil cases. Back-to-school shopping season is here! Did you know the average family is planning to spend over $800 on school supplies this year?
If that number makes you want to panic a little, don’t worry—we went to the experts for tips that’ll help you save big and still get your kiddos ready for the school year.
We know that every kid (and every family) is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We gathered a bunch of tips from parents on the TruCrew to help you make your back-to-school shopping more manageable without breaking the bank. Check them out, and see which ones might work for you:
Lindsay’s Tip
"I have younger kids who don’t really care about name-brand stuff, so I keep it simple and shop at discount stores like Walmart. I also keep an eye on stores like The Children’s Place and Carters for good sales. When I find a style they like, I’ll grab a few different colors—less hassle later!"
Renee’s Tip
"We always check what we already have—like supplies from last year that are still in good shape or clothes that still fit. Our household has one big budget ‘bucket’ for things like holiday spending, back to school shopping and birthdays, and everyone knows it. This helps keep the back-to-school shopping in check. The whole family shops together to see how things are adding up and to stay on track.”
Brittany’s Tip
"Instead of doing one big shopping trip, I spread it out over the summer. I’ll pick up a few outfits here and there. And right before school starts, I buy the rest. I also save gift cards given to my daughter on Christmas or birthdays to use for school clothes or shoes!"
Beth’s Tip
"We start with the basics—backpack, lunchbox, shoes (if needed). I look for sales online, and then I let the kids pick out what they want. But for high schoolers, they get a set budget and have to make their own decisions. It’s wild how quickly those $70 jeans drop down the priority list when they’re working with a limited amount of money!"
Peter’s Tip
"For school supplies, I buy in bulk when there’s a sale and stash it in a big tub. That way, I can pull from it throughout the year. I don’t buy everything on the list right away—some stuff isn’t even needed in the first few weeks, or at all, so I wait and see what we actually use."
More Ways to Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping:
Clean Out the Closets First: Before hitting the stores, do a closet clean-out with the kids. You’d be surprised what still fits or can be repurposed. Have them help put everything that no longer works into a big pile to be donated – not only will it help them learn the value of giving, but you may be able to claim it as a tax deduction later!
Quality over Quantity: When it comes to backpacks, lunchboxes, and gear, sometimes it’s worth spending a little more upfront for something that’ll last more than one school year.
Shop the Sales: Many stores will discount school supplies shortly after the season starts. If you can wait a little longer, you might score some solid deals.
Ask Your School for Help: If the school supply list feels like it’s stretching your budget, reach out to your school. Many schools have supplies set aside for families in need. On the flip side, if you’re able to pick up a few extra supplies, reach out to your school to donate them.
Look for Student Discounts: Keep an eye out for student discounts, especially on things like electronics, or big-ticket items. Every little bit helps!
Pool Your Resources: Team up with friends and parents in your community. If someone has a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, go in together to buy in bulk. It’s way cheaper!
Beware of "Easy" Payment Plans: You’ve probably seen “Buy Now, Pay Later” options or discounts for store cards. These offers might sound tempting but be careful—they can lead to extra debt that piles up fast. The “savings” often disappear when interest and fees kick in. Stick to a budget and avoid those tempting traps!
