How to Save on Back-to-School Costs

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, families across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are gearing up for back-to-school shopping. But with inflation lingering and average family spending projected to hit $875 on school supplies, clothing, and tech (according to the National Retail Federation’s 2025 report), finding ways to save on back-to-school costs has never been more critical. Whether you’re buying pencils for elementary kids or laptops for teens, this guide offers practical strategies to cut costs for kids’ school supplies and beyond. From innovative shopping tactics to leveraging free resources, you’ll learn how to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 proven tips to save on back-to-school costs, including how to score deals on school supplies, clothing, and electronics. We’ll also address common “people also ask” questions like “What is a good quote for going back to school?” and “How to save back to school shopping?” to make your preparation smoother. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to budget back-to-school shopping effectively, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

The Rising Cost of Back to School and Why Savings Matter

Back-to-school expenses can add up quickly. The NRF estimates that K-12 families will spend $41 billion on school supplies in 2025, up from $37 billion in 2024, driven by higher prices for everything from notebooks to backpacks. For parents, this means prioritizing school supplies deals and back-to-school savings ideas to avoid financial strain. But the good news? With strategic planning, you can reduce back-to-school costs by 20-30%, according to consumer experts at NerdWallet.

Start by assessing your needs: Make a list of essentials like pencils, notebooks, and folders, then compare prices across retailers. Tools like Google Shopping or price comparison apps can help identify the best back-to-school discounts. Remember, saving on back-to-school isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about teaching kids financial responsibility along the way.

People Also Ask: Back-to-School Inspiration and Basics

Before diving into tips, let’s address some common queries that pop up in searches for “save on back to school.”

• What is a good quote for going back to school? A favorite inspirational quote is from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” It’s a great reminder for students facing new challenges, and you can share it on social media or a lunchbox note to motivate your kids.
• Is it correct to say “back to school”? Yes, “back to school” is a standard English phrase referring to the return to classes after summer break. It’s commonly used in advertising and everyday conversation, though some prefer “return to school” for formality.
• What to say to back to school? Keep it positive and encouraging: “Have a great day!” or “I’m proud of you—make it amazing!” For teens, add “Stay focused and have fun.” These simple words can boost confidence and set a good tone.
• How to save back to school shopping? Start with a budget, shop sales, and buy in bulk. More details in the tips below!

These questions highlight the excitement and anxiety of the season, but with innovative strategies, you can make back-to-school affordable and stress-free.

Tip 1: Take Inventory Before You Shop

One of the easiest ways to save on back-to-school costs is to avoid buying duplicates. Go through last year’s supplies—check drawers for unused notebooks, pencils, and crayons. According to a 2025 Consumer Reports survey, families waste an average of $50 on items they already have. Reuse backpacks, lunchboxes, and folders if they’re in good shape.

For clothing, sort through closets to see what still fits. Your kids might have outgrown jeans, but not T-shirts. This step alone can cut 10-20% off your back-to-school expenses, leaving more room for essentials like tech or books.

Tip 2: Set a Realistic Back-to-School Budget

Budget back-to-school shopping by allocating specific amounts for categories: $100 for school supplies, $150 for clothing, $200 for tech. Use apps like Mint (free) to track spending in real-time. As a parent, I know how costs add up—plan for unexpected items like sports fees.

The average US family spends $586 on clothing and supplies (NRF 2025), but you can stay under $400 by prioritizing needs over wants. Involve your kids in the process to teach them about money, turning it into a family lesson.

Tip 3: Shop During Sales Tax Holidays

Many states offer sales tax holidays in July and August, where you can save on back-to-school costs by avoiding 5-10% tax on supplies, clothing, and computers. For 2025, check the Federation of Tax Administrators list: Texas (August 9-11), Florida (July 29-August 11), and Virginia (August 2-4) are key dates. During these weekends, stock up on notebooks, pencils, and backpacks to take advantage of school supply sales.

If you’re in Canada, look for provincial tax rebates or back-to-school sales at retailers like Staples. This tactic alone can save $50-$100 on a $500 cart.

Tip 4: Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

To save on back-to-school shopping, stack coupons with sales. Sites like Coupons.com and RetailMeNot offer digital coupons for stores like Walmart and Target. For example, get 20% off school supplies at Target with a coupon code.

Cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta are game-changers for back-to-school savings ideas. Shop online at Amazon for supplies and earn 5-10% cashback—perfect for buying crayons or binders in bulk. In 2025, Ibotta has special back-to-school promotions on groceries and office supplies, helping you cut costs for kids’ school supplies by $20-50 per trip.

Tip 5: Buy Generic Brands and Bulk Items

Brand-name items like Crayola markers can cost twice as much as generics. Opt for store brands at Walmart or Costco for pencils, notebooks, and glue—quality is often comparable, saving 30-50% on back-to-school costs. For bulk buys, Sam’s Club or Costco offer packs of 100 pens for $10, ideal for families with multiple kids.

In the UK or Canada, check Aldi or Lidl for affordable school supplies deals. This approach is beneficial for shared items like tissues or sanitizers required by schools.

Tip 6: Shop Secondhand for Clothing and Supplies

Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and apps like ThredUp are goldmines for back-to-school savings. Buy gently used backpacks, jeans, and sneakers for 50-70% off retail. In 2025, resale sites like Poshmark will have back-to-school sections with kids’ clothing bundles under $50.

For supplies, check Buy Nothing groups on Facebook—parents often give away unused notebooks or crayons. This eco-friendly option cuts costs for kids’ school supplies while teaching sustainability.

Tip 7: Leverage Student Discounts and Rewards Programs

Many retailers offer student discounts on tech and supplies. Apple gives 10% off laptops for US students with a .edu email, while Best Buy has back-to-school deals on Chromebooks. Sign up for rewards programs at Staples or Office Depot for points on purchases, redeemable for free supplies.

For parents, Amazon Prime Student (free trial) offers fast shipping on school items. Spread back-to-school costs by using credit card rewards—earn 5% cashback on Amazon with the Chase Amazon Prime card.

Tip 8: Compare Prices Online and In-Store

Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or ShopSavvy to find the lowest prices on school supply deals. For example, a 24-pack of crayons might be $0.50 at Walmart vs. $1.50 at Target. In 2025, apps like Honey automatically apply coupons at checkout, saving on back-to-school costs.

For tech, compare laptops at Best Buy vs. Amazon—often, Amazon undercuts by $50-100. This tip ensures you get the best back-to-school shopping deals on a budget.

Tip 9: Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales and Events

Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon run back-to-school sales from July to September. In 2025, Amazon Prime Day (July) had 40% off school supplies, while Target’s Circle Week offers similar discounts. Watch for “penny lists” at Dollar General for $0.01 items.

In Canada, Staples’ back-to-school events save on notebooks and binders. Time your purchases for these events to maximize savings.

Tip 10: Use Government Programs and Community Resources

In the US, the National School Lunch Program provides free or low-cost meals, freeing up money for supplies. Low-income families can access free school supplies through programs like Stuff the Bus or local charities. Check your state’s department of education for back-to-school assistance.

In the UK, uniform grants help with clothing costs. Community resources like libraries offer free printing and tech access, reducing back-to-school expenses.

Tip 11: Reuse and Repair Last Year’s Items

Repair torn backpacks with duct tape or sewing kits instead of buying a new one. Reuse binders and folders by replacing inserts. This simple step can save $20-50 on back-to-school costs. For clothing, hem pants or patch jeans to extend their life.

Teach kids to care for items—my family rule was “treat supplies like treasures” to avoid replacements.

Tip 12: Buy in Bulk and Share with Other Families

Bulk buys at Costco (e.g., 500 sheets of paper for $10) are great for shared costs. Team up with other parents via school Facebook groups to split packs of markers or tissues. This back-to-school savings idea cuts individual costs by 40%.

In Australia, Aldi bulk deals work similarly for school supplies deals.

Tip 13: Focus on Quality Over Quantity for Long-Lasting Items

Invest in durable items like stainless steel lunchboxes ($15) that last years, saving on replacements. For tech, choose refurbished laptops from Apple (saving $200) with warranties. This approach reduces long-term back-to-school costs.

Tip 14: Use Free Online Resources for Learning Tools

Skip buying textbooks—use free sites like Khan Academy for digital learning. Libraries offer free e-books and apps for kids. In 2025, apps like Duolingo will provide free language tools, cutting costs for kids’ school supplies like workbooks.

Tip 15: Track and Review Your Spending

After shopping, review receipts to see where you overspent. Apps like Mint help track back-to-school expenses for future years. This habit ensures ongoing savings and teaches kids about money.

By following these 15 tips to save on back-to-school costs, you can cut expenses by 20-30%, leaving more for family fun or savings. For more ideas, visit Money Nuggets for UK-focused tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)