Are you dreading the back-to-school shopping costs this year?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some savvy tips to save big on everything you need for the upcoming school season!
As the summer days wind down, back-to-school sales have already begun, and it’s time to prepare for the academic year ahead.
Did you know that as of 2023, the average parent spends a whopping $597 – $890 on back-to-school shopping?
But fear not! With some practical planning and these tried-and-true strategies, you can cut costs without compromising on quality.
I know some of us are still basking in the summer sun and ignoring the fact that shorter school days are just around the corner.
But I was surprised to see several trees have already begun to change their colors, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that the back to school sales have already begun.
I read this news report a couple of years ago that stated that the average parents are spending up to $890 on Back to School!
We always homeschooled, but even with paying for classes & curriculum, I don’t think we have ever spent anywhere close to that much on school.
Maybe it’s true that I am just so far removed from reality and have no concept of how much it costs to send your kids to school?
However this just seems a bit outrageous to me.
Other than following my Back to School Deals here, there are a few other things you can do to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck this year.
So whether you’re ready for it or not, I’m here to offer you some helpful tips to save on Back to School shopping this year.
Five Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping
These are things that I have personally done with my own family, to save on school supplies and other items for the school season.
With some forethought and planning, you can get everything your kids need without breaking the bank.
Take an inventory
Start your back-to-school shopping journey by taking inventory of what your children already have.
Check their closets and dressers to identify what clothing items they can reuse.
Make a list of the essential items they truly need for the start of the school year, and save the rest for later when the weather changes.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Sit down with your kids and set a realistic budget for back-to-school shopping.
This step not only ensures that everyone is on the same page but also teaches your children about financial responsibility.
When you establish a spending limit, it helps avoid unnecessary expenses and impulse purchases while in the stores.
Plan Ahead for the Best Deals
Make the most of back-to-school sales by planning ahead.
Sign up for your favorite store’s email newsletters to receive daily updates on sales and available coupons.
Consider stocking up on school supplies during these sales so you have extras for when your child runs out later in the year.
Earn Cash Back While Shopping Online
When shopping online, leverage cashback sites to get money back on your purchases.
Register with popular cashback platforms like Ibotta, Fetch, Shopkick, or Topcashback to save even more on back-to-school essentials.
Here are a few of my faves:
Utilize Free Amazon Gift Cards
Take advantage of free Amazon Gift cards from Swagbucks.
Accumulate points through various online activities you already do, and redeem them for gift cards.
Use these gift cards for your back-to-school shopping, saving a significant amount on supplies and other items.
Once you earn enough points, you can use them to redeem gift cards from Amazon, Target, Starbucks, eBay, Walmart, Sam’s Club, or Uber.
You can earn these free gift cards and save them up all year to do your back to school shopping with.
Explore Thrift Stores for Clothing Bargains
Thrift stores can be a treasure trove for affordable clothing items like jeans and hoodies.
Use your budget to purchase things like shoes and undergarments new, while exploring thrift stores for quality second-hand finds.
You’d be surprised to discover brand new items or like-new pieces at great prices.
Avoid Snack-Size Options
When packing school lunches, bypass expensive snack-size items.
Instead, buy full-size packs of snacks and use reusable containers to create your own perfectly portioned treats.
This approach not only saves money but also reduces unnecessary waste.
Also make sure to pick up a reusable Lunch Kit like these ones to save on bags.
Check Out Dollar Stores
Dollar stores can be fantastic for scoring deals on school supplies throughout the year.
Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales in the weeks leading up to the new academic term, and compare prices with other stores to ensure the best deals.
Be Prepared to Say No (with Compassion)
As a parent, saying “no” to certain wants can be challenging, especially when it comes to back-to-school shopping.
However, it’s essential to teach your children about budgeting and making wise financial decisions.
Emphasize the value of prioritizing needs over wants to instill lifelong financial skills.
If you’re like me, you may not feel comfortable with the idea of telling your children “No” when they ask for something. Especially when it comes to stuff for school.
If you’re feeling stressed about going back to school shopping with your kids, maybe consider shopping without them if you can.
It that’s not an option for you, try to look at this time as a great teaching moment for your family to learn some great financial skills.
Our kids need to know that sometimes we have to say no to the things we want.
Being smart with your money is a life long skill that you are teaching every time they see you making a budget and a list and sticking to them.
As adults we have to tell ourselves no to things all the time, when we cannot afford them or don’t need them.
Might as well start teaching them this reality now so they can avoid the harder lesson when they’re older making real financial decisions for themselves.
Remember the True Purpose of School
Lastly, keep in mind that you are sending your kids to school to learn.
Of course we want them to feel confident and we all know that looking great helps, especially with older kids.
While looking good can boost confidence, remember that the primary goal of education is learning.
Reinforce to your children that their education matters more than material possessions.
Encourage them to focus on their studies and celebrate their achievements, as knowledge and growth are priceless.
But be careful that you are not sending the message that the way they look, or the things they have are more important that getting a great education!
Join Our Savings Group
Join our private members-only group for exclusive deals throughout the back-to-school season.
Let’s make this year’s back-to-school shopping a smart and budget-friendly experience for everyone!
I’m sharing tons of deals throughout the back to school season to help everyone save as much as they can this year.
More Back to School Stuff
If you liked this post on Back to School Savings, you’ll love these ones too!
- Cheapest School Uniform Deals – You’ll find deals for every age – kindergarten through high school.
- School Lunches Kids Love – simple tips to make sure kids eat their lunches at school.
- Free Student Planner – No matter what the success looks like for you and your family this year, a student planner can help your kids keep everything organized and more.
- Free Lunch Planner Kit – Get your kiddos in on the lunch planning this year, which makes it SO easy for everyone to get involved.
- Where to Find Cheap Textbooks – There are so many different ways to save money on expensive school textbooks.
- Printable Daily Routine Chart – One of the ways that you can be sure that your kids have the most successful school year yet is by teaching them how to live with simple daily routines.
