Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

As summer winds down, back-to-school shopping season kicks into full gear — and this year, families are feeling it more than usual. Tariffs and rising costs due to the Trump administration's trade policies have pushed prices on everyday school essentials higher, making it more important than ever to shop smart.

Back-to-school shopping is costing families significantly more this year. A typical assortment of first-day school supplies costs an average of 28.7 percent more than they did in January 2025 — nearly three times the overall inflation rate. Here are some ways you can make sure you get all that you need for the school year without breaking your budget.

Take Inventory Before You Shop

Before heading to the store, check what you already have at home. Look through leftover supplies from last year, including:

• Pencils, crayons, and markers

• Backpacks and lunch boxes still in good condition

• Binders, folders, and notebooks with unused pages

Shop Sales Tax Holidays

Many states offer sales tax-free weekends in July or August for school supplies, clothing, and sometimes computers. With everyday prices already elevated, taking advantage of these windows matters more than ever.

Check your state's department of revenue website for exact dates and qualifying items, since rules vary from state to state.

Buy in Bulk With Other Families

Splitting bulk packs of supplies with neighbors, friends, or classmates can help offset rising per-item costs. Consider teaming up to buy:

• Multi-packs of pencils or notebooks

• Boxes of tissues or hand sanitizer

• Bulk packs of glue sticks or crayons

Many teachers request the same basic supplies, so pooling resources with other parents can mean fewer trips and lower costs for everyone.

Compare Prices Before Committing

Prices for the same supplies can vary widely between stores, and that gap has only grown in recent months. Before buying everything at one location, compare prices at:

• Discount and dollar stores

• Big box retailers

• Online marketplaces

Many stores also offer price-matching, so it's worth asking before you check out.

Shop Secondhand for Clothing

Growing kids often need new clothes and shoes every school year, but with apparel and footwear prices rising sharply, buying new isn't always realistic. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and community swaps are great places to find gently used clothing at a fraction of retail price.

Some communities also host back-to-school clothing swaps or giveaways through local churches, schools, or nonprofit organizations.

Look Into School and Community Assistance Programs

Many schools and local organizations offer free or discounted school supplies for families who need extra support, and demand for these programs is expected to grow this year as costs rise. Options to check include:

• School-based backpack and supply drives

• Local church or nonprofit giveaways

• United Way or similar community assistance programs

Some nonprofits that provide classroom supplies to teachers expect requests for help to rise by 20 to 30 percent this year as tariffs and federal funding cuts squeeze both families and educators.

Wait to Buy

Not every item on the supply list needs to be purchased in the first week. Some supplies go on sale later in the season as stores clear out inventory. Buying a few items early and waiting on others can help spread out the cost and take advantage of later markdowns.

Back-to-School Shopping Without the Financial Stress

By taking inventory, shopping smart, and tapping into community resources, families can still send their kids back to the classroom fully prepared without overspending.

A little planning now can make the season feel a lot less stressful — for parents and kids alike.