8 Money-Saving Back-to-School Shopping Tips

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The summer is already winding up and, believe it or not, it’s almost time for school bells to ring. That means it’s back-to-school shopping season once again. And while a new backpack and fresh outfit can help start the school year off right, they put a stain on the household budget. For many, with all the mandatory supply lists, backpacks, electronics, and new clothes, back-to-school shopping rivals Christmas for stress levels and cost. Plus, if you have multiple kids in school, that list is likely longer than ever. There are, however, some savvy ways to save.

Enter our Back-to-School Shopping Contest

Step one towards saving for the new school year? Enter our Back-to-School Shopping Contest between August 1 and August 20, 2024! On August 21, we’ll select 3 winners to receive our first-ever back-to-school shopping prize. There will be one set of winners from each of the 3 groups: grades Pre-K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  The three youth members will receive $50, and their parents or guardians will receive a $500 prize to go toward back-to-school shopping!

In the meantime, here are some tips to help you keep costs low and prime those bright young minds for a spectacular school year.

1. Start Early

Back-to-school sales typically start in July and hit their peak in August. It may feel strange to shop for pens and backpacks while summer’s still in peak form, but shopping early is a great way to save and make sure your child has everything they need on day 1 of school.

2. Take Inventory

Before you head to the stores, assess what you already have. Crayons, pencils, and notebooks may be cheap, but the costs add up. Go through your leftover supplies from last year and consider using hand-me-downs for younger kids—especially for big-ticket items like backpacks and jackets.

3. Stick to a List and Budget

Give your child a budget for any items beyond the school essentials and encourage them to stay within that budget for items like clothing, shoes, and accessories.

BONUS: Use the mandatory school supply list as a teachable moment about wants vs. needs. Everything on the school list is a “need”. Everything else is a “want”.

4. Comparison Shop

Once you have your list, shop around and compare prices. Look for online deals (but don’t forget to factor in shipping costs).

5. Buy in Bulk with Friends

If possible, buy in bulk and split the cost with friends. Your children’s peers are likely to need the same pens, paper, etc., so it makes sense to pool resources to save some cash.

6. Spread Out the Spending

You don’t have to buy an entirely new wardrobe for your child before the first day. If they need new clothes, agree upon just one or two outfits for the start of school—or one special item (like a pair of sneakers) and a handful of new basics. Restock the wardrobe over several months to cushion your budget (and make sure they don’t outgrow their new clothes before winter break).

7. Look for Community Discounts

Watch for local school supply drives and public resource organizations offering back-to-school assistance to students in need. Ask at your local library or reach out to your child’s school or district to see if there are any local programs available for families who are struggling financially.

Here are a few to consider:

• Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties offers a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway event (August 10) where kids can receive free backpacks filled with school and hygiene supplies, water bottles, and family resource kits.
• Salvation Army. The Salvation Army also helps children get the supplies they need. Just contact the Kroc Center for more details.
• Assistance League. The Assistance League of Salem-Keizer offers new clothing and shoes to Head Start students in Salem-Keizer Schools and the Chemawa Indian School through their Operation School Bell Program.
• Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is holding its annual Back-to-School Brigade on August 13, 2024, in Sherwood, OR. They are offering free K-12 school supplies for military families (DEERS enrolled) on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. Learn About Education Savings Accounts

Now is a great time to learn about college and education savings accounts like Coverdell ESAs and 529 Education Plans. A Coverdell Education savings account allows you to save for expenses like tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and, in some cases, even room and board. A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged investment account that helps families save for future education expenses. Both can be used to pay qualified educational expenses from kindergarten through graduate school.

As you shop and plan for the new year, share your budgeting plans with your child and take the opportunity to talk about money management skills. If they don’t already have their own savings account, consider opening one to give them first-hand experience. During the month of August, youth members get double incentive stamps when they visit a branch and make a deposit into their account. The stamps can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards, movie tickets, and other swag.

Want more money-saving back-to-school shopping tips?

• Check out our article on How to Budget for Extracurricular Activities & Sports.
• Learn how to stay safe from back-to-school shopping scams.
• Get some Back-to-School Meal Planning Tips for Busy Families.