By Sarah Jenkins, Budgeting Expert and Parent of Three with 10 Years in Family Finance Consulting
As a mom who’s navigated back-to-school shopping for a decade and helped hundreds of families stretch their budgets, I know how fast costs for notebooks, backpacks, and tech can add up. In 2025, with families spending an average of $720 on back-to-school supplies, smart shopping is a must for USA parents.
Drawing from my own strategies and years of advising clients, here are five ways to save big on back-to-school supplies, from snagging deals at Walmart to leveraging tax-free weekends. These tips will keep your wallet happy and your kids ready for the classroom—all in time for the 2025 school year!
Why Saving on Back-to-School Supplies Matters
Back-to-school season is a budget buster, but with the right approach, you can cut costs by up to 30%. Retailers like Target and Amazon roll out steep discounts in August, and planning ahead ensures you grab the best deals before they vanish. My family’s saved hundreds by focusing on sales, reusing items, and shopping strategically—here’s how you can, too.
1. Shop Early Sales for Basics
I hit Walmart’s back-to-school aisle in early August for deals under $1—think notebooks and crayons that last all year.
Top Picks:
- Up&Up folders ($0.50 each)
- Crayola crayons, 24-pack ($0.24)
- Glue sticks ($0.30)
How to Save: Buy in bulk before Labor Day; prices spike in September.
Prep Time: 1-2 store trips.
2. Score Tech Deals Online
Amazon’s Back-to-School shop is my go-to for laptops and tablets—last year, I saved 15% on a Chromebook bundle.
Top Picks:
- Acer Chromebook ($150, down from $200)
- Basic calculators ($5)
- Earbuds ($10 with multi-buy discounts)
How to Save: Check Amazon and Target’s weekly deals; compare prices with apps like Honey.
Prep Time: 30 minutes browsing online.
3. Grab Clothing and Backpacks on Clearance
Retailers like Gap and Kohl’s slash prices on kids’ clothes and backpacks in late August—my family scored a $6 backpack last season.
Top Picks:
- JanSport backpacks ($15 clearance)
- Kids’ tees and jeans ($5-$10)
- Sneakers ($20 at Kohl’s sales)
How to Save: Shop clearance racks and use coupons; Kohl’s offers 20% off with email sign-up.
Prep Time: 1 hour in-store or online.
4. Hunt for Dorm Essentials Discounts
For college students, Staples and Target have dorm deals—bedding and storage drop 25% during back-to-school sales.
Top Picks:
- Twin XL bedding sets ($20)
- Desk organizers ($5)
- Mini fridges ($80, down from $120)
How to Save: Bundle items for extra discounts; check student discount programs.
Prep Time: 45 minutes online or in-store.
5. Reuse and Buy Used for Extra Savings
Every year, I check last year’s supplies—my kids reuse half their pencils and binders. Thrift stores also have gems like barely-used backpacks.
Top Picks:
- Secondhand binders ($1 at thrift stores)
- Refillable water bottles ($3)
- Used graphing calculators ($20 online)
How to Save: Inventory supplies at home; shop local thrift or eBay for deals.
Prep Time: 1 hour sorting and shopping.
Pro Tips to Maximize Savings
- Plan with a List: Write down must-haves to avoid impulse buys.
- Tax-Free Weekends: Many USA states offer tax-free days in August—check your state’s schedule.
- Price Match: Retailers like Target match Amazon’s prices if you ask.
- My Hack: Set deal alerts on apps like Slickdeals for flash sales on tech and clothing.
FAQ: Your Back-to-School Savings Questions Answered
Q: When’s the best time to shop for back-to-school supplies?
A: Early August through Labor Day for peak discounts.
Q: Are online deals better than in-store?
A: Online offers more variety; in-store is great for immediate needs and clearance.
Q: How do I save on tech for older kids?
A: Look for bundle deals on Amazon or student discounts at Apple and Dell.
Q: Can I reuse supplies safely?
A: Yes—sanitize binders and backpacks; replace worn-out items.
Ready to save big on back-to-school supplies? Start with these tips, hit the sales, and share your hauls on X with #BackToSchoolDeals to inspire other USA parents. Get your kids set for 2025 without breaking the bank!
