Smart Back-to-School Shopping: How to Save Big on Supplies and Clothes

Back-to-school season can be overwhelming for parents, both emotionally and financially. With the average family spending over $800 on back-to-school supplies and clothing, it's crucial to shop smart and maximize your budget. The good news? With the right strategies, you can significantly reduce these costs while still getting everything your kids need for a successful school year.

Start with a Thorough Inventory

Before you even think about hitting the stores, take inventory of what you already have at home. You'd be surprised how many partially used notebooks, unopened packs of pencils, and barely worn clothes are hiding in closets and drawers.

Create a "shopping from home" station:

• Gather all school supplies from last year
• Check your kids' closets for clothes that still fit
• Test markers, pens, and other supplies to see what's still usable
• Make a list of what you actually need to buy

This simple step alone can save you $100-200 by avoiding duplicate purchases.

Timing Is Everything: When to Shop for Maximum Savings

Early Bird vs. Last Minute: Both Have Benefits

Shop Early (July-Early August) For:

• Best selection of popular items
• Early bird sales and promotions
• Less crowded stores
• Time to comparison shop

Shop Late (Late August-September) For:

• Clearance prices on remaining inventory
• Desperate retailers offering deep discounts
• Back-to-school items marked down 50-75%

Pro Tip: Use a hybrid approach—buy essentials early when on sale, then wait for clearance prices on non-urgent items like extra supplies and clothing.

The Best Places to Shop (And What to Buy Where)

Dollar Stores

Best for: Basic supplies like pencils, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, notebooks Average savings: 40-60% compared to big box stores

Dollar stores are goldmines for basic school supplies. Items like pencils, crayons, and glue sticks are often the same quality as name brands but cost a fraction of the price.

Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam's Club)

Best for: Bulk items, backpacks, lunch supplies Average savings: 30-50% when buying in bulk

If you have multiple kids or can split bulk purchases with friends, warehouse clubs offer excellent per-unit prices on many school essentials.

Office Supply Stores (Staples, Office Depot)

Best for: Loss leaders and doorbuster deals Average savings: 50-80% on select items

These stores offer incredible loss leaders during back-to-school season—think penny notebooks, 25-cent folders, and deeply discounted backpacks. Sign up for their rewards programs and download their apps for additional coupons.

Online Retailers (Amazon, Walmart.com)

Best for: Price comparison, hard-to-find items, subscription savings Average savings: 20-40% with strategic shopping

Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to monitor prices and buy when they drop. Subscribe & Save programs can offer additional 5-15% discounts on supplies you'll need regularly.

Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops

Best for: Clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes Average savings: 60-80% off retail prices

For clothing especially, gently used items can look brand new and cost a fraction of retail prices. Kids grow so fast that many donated items have barely been worn.

Smart Shopping Strategies to Maximize Savings

1. Use Tax-Free Weekends

Many states offer sales tax holidays during back-to-school season. Mark your calendar and plan major purchases during these weekends to save an additional 5-10%.

2. Stack Coupons and Cashback Apps

Don't just use one discount—stack them!

• Store coupons + manufacturer coupons
• Cashback apps (Rakuten, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards)
• Credit card rewards
• Store loyalty programs

Example: You could potentially save 50% or more by combining a 20% off store coupon, a $5 manufacturer coupon, 5% cashback from Rakuten, and earn 2% back on your credit card.

3. Buy Generic When Possible

Store brands and generic supplies are often manufactured in the same facilities as name brands but cost 30-50% less. Save the name-brand purchases for items where quality really matters (like scissors or backpacks).

4. Shop the Clearance Aisles Year-Round

Stock up on school supplies during clearance sales throughout the year, not just during back-to-school season:

• Post-back-to-school clearance (September)
• After-Christmas clearance (December-January)
• End-of-semester clearance (May-June)

Create a storage bin at home for these finds and you'll be ahead of the game next year.

5. Consider Quality vs. Quantity

While it's tempting to buy the cheapest option, sometimes investing a bit more upfront saves money long-term:

• Splurge on: Backpacks, shoes, scissors, calculators
• Save on: Pencils, erasers, folders, notebooks, glue sticks

A $40 quality backpack that lasts three years is cheaper than buying a $15 backpack every year.

Clothing Shopping Strategies

Shop Your Kids' Closets First

Kids grow fast, but not everything from last year is too small. Try everything on before shopping.

Focus on Versatile Basics

Build a mix-and-match wardrobe with:

• Solid-colored tops and bottoms
• A few pairs of quality jeans
• Comfortable shoes that work for multiple occasions
• Layering pieces for changing weather

Budget Breakdown for Elementary School:

• 5-7 tops: $50-70
• 3-4 bottoms: $40-60
• 2 pairs of shoes: $50-80
• Jacket/sweater: $25-40
• Total: $165-250

Use the "Price Per Wear" Formula

Divide the cost of an item by how many times your child will wear it. A $30 pair of jeans worn 50 times costs 60 cents per wear—much better value than a $15 trendy shirt worn 3 times.

Shop End-of-Season Sales for Next Year

Buy winter clothes in March and summer clothes in September at 60-80% off. Store them for next year, sizing up appropriately.

School Supply List Hacks

Decode the Supply List

Not everything on school supply lists is mandatory. Some items are:

• For the classroom: Often shared among all students
• Nice to have: But not essential
• Optional: Based on specific learning styles

If budget is tight, focus on the essentials first and add extras later if needed.

Organize a Supply Swap

Connect with other parents to organize a supply swap. Exchange gently used items your kids no longer need for things other families are getting rid of.

Buy in Bulk with Friends

Team up with other parents to split bulk purchases from warehouse clubs. You all save money without having to store 500 pencils.

Don't Forget These Often-Overlooked Items

When budgeting, remember to include:

• Lunch supplies (reusable containers, water bottles)
• Organization items (binders, dividers, planners)
• Technology needs (headphones, laptop case, chargers)
• Art supplies (if not included in school fees)
• PE clothes and athletic shoes
• Winter gear (if applicable)

Create a Back-to-School Budget

Sample Budget for One Elementary Student:

• School supplies: $50-75
• Clothing: $150-250
• Shoes: $50-80
• Backpack/lunch box: $30-50
• Technology accessories: $20-30
• Total: $300-485

Sample Budget for One High School Student:

• School supplies: $75-100
• Clothing: $200-350
• Shoes: $80-120
• Backpack: $40-70
• Technology: $50-100
• Total: $445-740

Final Money-Saving Tips

1. Set a firm budget and stick to it—bring cash if necessary
2. Leave kids at home when possible to avoid impulse purchases
3. Wait on trendy items—your child's preferences may change
4. Check return policies before buying
5. Save receipts for price adjustments if items go on sale
6. Buy next year's supplies during this year's clearance sales
7. Consider hand-me-downs from friends and family
8. Use student discounts for technology and software
9. Shop your credit card perks—some offer back-to-school bonuses
10. Remember it's just stuff—your child's success isn't determined by brand names

The Bottom Line

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to break the bank. By planning ahead, shopping strategically, and focusing on needs versus wants, you can easily cut your back-to-school spending by 30-50% or more.

Start early, do your research, and remember that the goal is to set your kids up for success—not to have the trendiest or most expensive supplies. With these strategies, you can send your kids back to school fully prepared without the financial stress.

What are your best back-to-school shopping tips? Share them in the comments below!