5 Smart Ways to Save Money on School Supplies

Sending the kids back to school is something most parents look forward to. Shelling out money for school supplies, however – not so much. Parents and caregivers should be careful with their credit card usage during back school. Play it smart by looking for 0% APR introductory offers, and only make purchases you know you’ll be able to pay off when the bill comes to avoid fees and interest. See our post for tips on finding the best credit card. We understand how fast school supply costs can add up, and we’re here to help you save money.

How Much Are We Talking Here?

Let’s crunch the numbers. In a 2024 Nerdwallet survey, it was found that parents of K-12 grade students will spend an average of $541 on back-to-school costs! Most will be using their credit cards or debit cards to cover the costs, while 20% plan to use “buy now, pay later” options. Some parents will even take on debt, especially credit card debt, to make sure their kids have the latest clothes and technology.

With all that money at stake, it’s smart to have a strategy in hand before you start back-to-school shopping! Here are some ideas to help take the sticker shock out of your back-to-school spending and help you save:

1. Get the Supply List from Your Child’s School ASAP

Check your school district’s website or reach out to your child’s teacher to get the school supplies list for this school year. Many schools also email the lists in advance, so sign up for their email newsletters. Most schools have a list of required supplies for each grade level (some are super-specific, right down to the color of a notebook or the brand of pencils!) Knowing what’s on the list can help you stay focused and avoid buying items your child won’t be able to use. When you do shop, remember to carry a copy of your child’s required supply list with you in paper form, or take a picture of it on your smartphone. That way you can pounce on bargains as you find them.

2. Take an Inventory of What You Already Have

You may be surprised by how many supplies you’ll find in closets, drawers, your child’s room, and last year’s backpack! (If you have several kids headed back to school, you may save a lot with hand-me-downs.) When it comes to your supply inventory, the experts at greatschools.org recommends setting up a centralized spot at home for all school supplies. You (and the kids) can find things more easily that way. Plus, it will be easier to keep track of what you have on hand as the school year progresses.

3. Keep an Eye on Ads to Save Money

July through the end of August is prime time for great deals on school supplies. Go online or check out sale flyers to see who has the best bargains. This time of year, many stores also tend to offer “loss leaders” – items that are advertised for less than wholesale cost – to lure customers to the store and get them shopping for other items. A few years ago, for example, Dollar General had backpacks on sale for as little as $3 each!

4. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Days.

Every year before school rolls around, some states actually have “sales tax holidays”. When those holidays are in effect (usually for two or three days), shoppers aren’t required to pay sales tax on certain categories of items like school supplies, shoes, or clothing. Sales tax holidays aren’t always widely advertised, and not every state has them. To find out if your state does, and what the rules are, visit the Sales Tax Institute website.

5. Go the DIY School Supplies Route.

If some of the required items on your child’s list seem too expensive, think of ways you can make them yourself by combining cheaper materials or supplies you already have on hand. This could work especially well for things like multi-subject binders and journals, which can be expensive if you buy them ready-made. For crafty parents and kids who have the right tools and materials, DIY may be much cheaper, and even better than store-bought.

These are just a few of the tricks that could significantly lower your total back-to-school shopping tab. Some parents even band together and order supplies in bulk at a discount. Whatever your approach, a little planning and creativity can go a long way.

Here’s to a great school year!

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School Supplies Savings FAQs

How to save money on school supplies?

There are various ways to save money on school supplies. First, only buy what’s needed, which means to stick to the list provided by your child’s school. Try to buy everything on sale and do your research online. Check to see if your state has a back-to-school tax-free shopping opportunity. Use coupons and buy in bulk, then share the cost with other parents. You might have some of the supplies at home, so conduct an inventory before you shop.

How much do parents spend on school supplies each year?

The average cost in the country is between $500 and $600. One of the factors that play into how much parents will spend on school supplies is location. In the Bay Area, for example, the average is $805.

What are the most purchased back-to-school items?

Students need all sorts of supplies for school. The most popular items are pencil cases, backpacks, glue, folders, and pencils (both regular and colored). Other items students often need are notebooks, highlighters, lunch boxes, and backpacks.