Thrifty Tips for Back-to-School Shopping: Spend Less, Get More
Back-to-school shopping is not just about ticking off items on your list; it's an opportunity to prep for the upcoming school year while keeping your budget in check and making sure your kids are excited for the year ahead.
According to Statista, American families spent a total of $41.5 billion on back-to-school shopping last year, averaging nearly $890 per family. With the cost of just about everything creeping up and needs evolving, it’s more important than ever to approach this season with a game plan.
Whether you’re on the lookout for deals on essential supplies, interested in more sustainable shopping options, or upgrading your tech for a modern classroom, this guide will help you navigate back-to-school shopping with confidence, ease, and maybe even a bit of fun.
Thrifty Thinking: Did you know that shopping during tax-free weekends and sales tax holidays can save you up to 10% on back-to-school essentials like clothing, supplies, and electronics—just by avoiding state sales tax?
Preparing for Back-to-School Shopping
Getting organized before you start shopping can save you time, money, and stress later on. Here are some key steps to ensure your shopping experience is smooth and productive:
Start with a Solid List
You can’t overstate the importance of a good, old-fashioned list when it comes to back-to-school shopping. According to consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch, it's wise to first assess what supplies you already have at home.
"Shop at home and use leftover school supplies from last year," Woroch said.
Take some time to sit down with your child to check your current supplies at home and go over what they’ll need for the year ahead. Make sure to include all the basics—like pens, notebooks, and binders—but don’t forget things like backpacks, lunch boxes, and gym clothes. If your kid is into tech, you’ll also want to think about any gadgets or software that will help them in their studies.
This not only helps streamline your shopping, but it can also help curb those impulse buys that always seem to sneak into the cart (looking at you, flashy notebooks and cute-but-unnecessary accessories).
Set a Realistic Budget
Before you even think about hitting the stores or browsing online, it’s crucial to set a budget. Figure out what you're comfortable spending on the essentials, and be realistic about any potential extra costs that could pop up—like last-minute projects or school trips.
One way to manage your budget is to break it down into categories: supplies, clothing, electronics, and other miscellaneous items. By having a rough idea of what you want to spend in each area, you can keep yourself from overspending in one category and being short in another.
And remember, sticking to your budget isn’t just about saving money; it’s about being mindful of your purchases and making sure you get the most value for what you spend.
Organize Bulk Buys with Other Parents
One great way to make bulk buying even more cost-effective is to organize group purchases with other parents. Team up with friends, neighbors, or fellow parents from your child’s school to buy items like pencils, paper, or even larger items like classroom supplies in bulk.
By pooling your resources, you can take advantage of lower prices without having to buy excessive quantities. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with your community and ensure everyone gets what they need at a fraction of the cost.
Take Advantage of Tax-Free Shopping Days
Tax-free holidays can be a lifesaver when it comes to saving money on back-to-school essentials. But to really make the most of these events, you’ve got to be prepared.
What’s a Tax-Free Holiday?
For those who might not be familiar, tax-free holidays are specific days when certain items—like school supplies, clothes, and even electronics—are exempt from state sales tax.
The goal is to help families save on essential back-to-school purchases, and these holidays typically happen in the late summer, just before school starts. For a lot of families, it’s an opportunity to save a decent amount of money, especially on big-ticket items like laptops and tablets.
2024 Tax-Free States and Dates
Various states across the country will host tax-free holidays in July and August. States like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia are just a few that participate.
The dates can vary, so make sure to check with your local government or look online for the exact dates and which items are eligible in your area. This bit of research can help you time your shopping perfectly.
How to Maximize Your Savings
To really take advantage of these tax-free days, plan your purchases ahead of time. Make a list of items you need that fall within the tax-free categories, and combine this with any store sales or coupons to save even more.
Shopping early during these events is key—better selection and less stress. By the time the tax-free weekend rolls around, you’ll be ahead of the game and ready to snap up those savings.
Use Tech to Shop Smarter
The good news is that with all the shopping tools and apps out there, you don’t have to do this alone. Let technology be your secret weapon in scoring the best deals and making sure you don’t miss anything.
Try Price Comparison Tools
There are so many great price comparison tools available that can save you both time and money. Apps like Honey, Shopzilla, and Google Shopping are designed to help you compare prices across different retailers in real-time.
No more hopping from website to website trying to figure out where you can get that backpack for a few dollars less—it’s all done for you. With just a few taps, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal on school supplies, clothing, or tech.
Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts
Yes, your inbox might get a little more crowded, but signing up for newsletters from your favorite stores can actually pay off. Many retailers offer exclusive deals, early access to sales, or even special discount codes to their subscribers.
By staying in the loop, you’ll be one step ahead when those back-to-school promotions roll out. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love scoring a good deal before everyone else?
Cashback and Rewards Programs Are Your Friend
Another way to stack the savings is by enrolling in cashback and rewards programs. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback on purchases you were already going to make, while many credit cards come with their own rewards programs.
Even if it’s just a few bucks back here and there, it adds up over time—and you’ll be glad to have a little extra saved when those surprise expenses pop up later in the year.
Shop Gently Used Items
Another great way to make back-to-school shopping more affordable (and earth-friendly) is to buy gently used items. From clothing to electronics, opting for second-hand goods can help you score quality items without the hefty price tag. Here are some key areas to consider when buying gently used:
Second-Hand Clothing and Shoes
When it comes to kids’ clothes, they tend to outgrow them quickly—so buying second-hand is a smart choice.
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, or Facebook Marketplace are fantastic for finding quality clothing at a fraction of the cost. Look for sturdy jeans, jackets, and shoes that will last through the school year.
Have friends or family members with kids around the same age? Organize a clothing swap! It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to refresh your child’s wardrobe without spending a dime. You can also extend this to backpacks, lunchboxes, and shoes—anything that’s still in good condition but outgrown.
"The average U.S. consumer throws away 81.5 pounds of clothes every year," according to Earth.org.
Pre-Owned Electronics
Tech items like laptops, tablets, and calculators can be significant investments, but you don’t always have to buy brand new.
Many retailers and certified refurbishers offer pre-owned or refurbished electronics at a much lower cost, with warranties to give you peace of mind. Look into options from stores like Best Buy’s Outlet, Amazon Renewed, or local electronics shops.
Buying pre-owned electronics can save you a bundle without sacrificing quality. Just ensure that the product meets your child’s needs and check for any certifications or guarantees that the item has been tested for quality.
Gently Used School Supplies
You might not immediately think about buying school supplies second-hand, but items like backpacks, lunchboxes, and even binders can be found gently used at consignment shops, yard sales, or online.
A quick cleaning or some minor repairs can bring these items back to life. It’s an excellent way to cut costs and reduce waste, especially since kids often change their preferences and may have barely used last year’s items.
Timing Is Everything
Timing your shopping just right can help you score better deals and make the process less stressful.
Best Times to Shop
For school supplies and backpacks, the best deals usually happen in late July or early August. Clothing and shoes, on the other hand, tend to have their biggest discounts in mid-August as retailers try to clear out summer stock. Electronics often see the best prices during back-to-school promotions and Labor Day sales.
When to Hold Off
If you can wait, hold off on buying expensive electronics and fall clothing until Labor Day weekend, when retailers usually slash prices even more.
And don’t forget, some stores discount remaining school supplies after the back-to-school rush. This can be a great opportunity to stock up on supplies for the whole year without paying full price.
Balancing Early Buys with Last-Minute Deals
While it’s smart to grab your must-have items early, you can balance that by waiting for last-minute sales on non-essentials like clothing or accessories.
This way, you can secure the critical items without missing out on end-of-season bargains. Plus, spreading out your purchases can make the process feel less overwhelming.
Get Your Kids Involved
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a solo mission—get your kids involved! Not only does it take some of the pressure off you, but it’s also a great opportunity to teach them valuable life skills.
Teach Budgeting and Decision-Making
By involving your kids in budgeting for back-to-school shopping, you’re teaching them important financial skills that will serve them well in the future.
Help them prioritize what’s necessary and encourage them to compare prices and consider the balance between cost and quality. It’s a hands-on lesson in financial responsibility that goes far beyond the classroom.
Let Them Express Their Style
While teaching kids to stick to a budget is crucial, it’s also important to let them express their personal style. Back-to-school shopping is a chance for kids to select clothes, accessories, and supplies that make them feel confident and excited about the new school year.
Give them the freedom to choose a few items that reflect their personality, even if it means spending a little extra on something they truly love. The key is balance—allow them to express themselves while staying within the budget you've set.
Student Discounts
If you’re buying electronics for a college or high school student, don’t forget to take advantage of student discounts. Apple, Microsoft, and many other brands offer special pricing for students, which can significantly reduce the cost of laptops, software, and other tech items.
Wrapping It Up
Back-to-school shopping can be stress-free and even enjoyable with a bit of planning and the right mindset. By creating a detailed list, setting a realistic budget, and making smart use of technology, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth, efficient shopping experience. Don’t forget to take advantage of tax-free holidays, look out for deals, and involve your kids in the process.
Early preparation is the key to avoiding last-minute stress and missing out on great deals. Start planning now to ensure that when the school year kicks off, you and your kids are ready to tackle it with everything you need in place—and maybe even a few extra savings to spare.
