There are two kinds of summer families: those who can't get enough of pool days, evening bike rides and weekend camping trips; and those who are tired of dealing with soggy towels, sunburns and bug bites. So whether you're dismayed at the influx of back-to-school (BTS)-related marketing or can't wait for those buses to roll, it's time to start preparing.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), many parents have already begun their BTS shopping, presumably to take advantage of discounts.1 In fact, the annual Amazon Prime Day in mid-July is often considered the unofficial kickoff to the BTS shopping season.
As you contemplate your BTS shopping strategy, this guide can help you nab the best prices with the least possible effort.
Tip 1: Create a Comprehensive BTS Budget
The NRF found that families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on BTS shopping this year, approximately $25 more than last year.1 While every family has different needs, the first step should be to make a wish list, prioritize it and break it down by cost.
To build a budget, start by assembling supply lists according to grade. You can usually find a supply list on the school's website, or it might come home in school communication. That will give you a good idea of the supplies you're expected to provide, and you can add other items depending on your child's desires.
For older students, you may need to invest in pricier electronics or equipment for extracurriculars, so don't forget to add those to your list.
Once you know what you need to buy, you can start allocating your budget. This is an ideal time for students of any age to start practicing how to manage their own money by creating a budget and tracking it to see where their money goes. Help them open a savings account to put money away for higher-ticket items to which they can contribute.
Tip 2: Shop at Alternative Locations
Before heading to the nearest mall or big-box site, think about where you can get the best prices on everything on your wish list. Here are some nontraditional places to consider:
• Dollar stores: Find basics like journals, simple calculators, poster board and even food containers for the lunch box.
• Office supply stores: These can be great places to stock up on notebooks, pens and desk accessories.
• Neighborhood swap: The best price is free. Organize a clothing and equipment swap with neighbors to pass on still-usable items to families with kids who are a bit younger. Or, check out online equivalents like Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group.
• Secondhand stores/sites: Check out sites like SidelineSwap and Play It Again Sports® for gently used sporting goods, Poshmark or The RealReal for clothing, and Gazelle® for electronics. Remember to unload your own items as well.
• Textbook exchanges: Textbooks are usually free until you get to college—just remind kids not to lose their assigned copies, as replacements are pricey. College students have lots of options beyond the college bookstore, such as sites like Chegg and Amazon, which allow you to rent or buy secondhand. Note that the secondhand edition might differ from the latest text the professor is using, so if they specify a certain edition, ask them if there's a marked difference. In some cases, the editions are largely similar. Students can search their college's student site to see if someone is selling the book; they can also use that feature to sell their own books. For more ideas, search “buying college textbooks for cheap" on TikTok.
Tip 3: Sleuth Out the Best Price for Everything
Shopping online can often yield the best prices and can take little effort. Take steps now to:
• Set up item price alerts on Google and Amazon via their apps (or with the extension CamelCamelCamel). Individual sites might have a similar feature.
• Follow your favorite brands and sites on social media, and subscribe to their email and text alerts. Often they give notice of flash sales and share special discount codes.
• Use shopping extensions that will help you find the best prices and/or give you cash back. Some to try include:
• Sign up on sites like Student Beans and UNiDAYS, which serve as clearinghouses for discount programs and codes for student deals on products and services.
• Buy discounted gift cards at sites like Raise and CardBear to use on your purchases.
• Never click “buy" without first searching for “[Name of store] + discount code" to uncover hidden codes for free shipping, gifts with purchase, etc.
• For more tips on discount shopping, follow TikTok and other social media accounts designed to help students save on school essentials.
Keep in mind that stores typically put only certain hot school supplies on sale each week to entice you in to spend more. If you have the patience, you can buy the loss leaders each week to reap all the savings—but remember that if you're driving from store to store, the amount you're spending in gas and time might not be worth the savings.
Tip 4: Shop on State Sales Tax Holidays
We've all been there—we put a sale item in our cart (actual or virtual) and then feel dismayed when the price jumps from a bargain $10 or $100 to, well, more than that. Thanks, sales tax! Fortunately, many states feel your pain and offer special tax-free days when you can buy items that range from apparel and footwear to school supplies, electronics and even food so you can plan ahead for those lunch box needs. Check out the full list here, and note any limits and other factors unique to your state.
Tip 5: Use Cash Back Credit Cards
If you don't yet have a cash back rewards credit card, now is the time to apply for one. For instance, the RVC Premier World Mastercard® offers unlimited cash back and no annual fee. Use the card for all your day-to-day shopping (just be sure to pay the balance in full each month), and you can accrue rewards to help offset future expenses.
Tip 6: Plan Ahead for Next Year
If the bite of BTS shopping caught you off guard, take action to be more prepared next year:
• Track your current expenses and use that as a template to create next year's budget, noting where to make adjustments as your children's needs change.
• See where you could have saved by planning ahead, and set a reminder to look for those opportunities—for example, shopping on Amazon Prime Day. The exact dates are usually announced just a couple of weeks in advance, so keep an eye out to prepare for the sales!
• Use your cash back credit card all year to accrue additional savings. Just make sure you pay it off in full each month to avoid interest charges.
• Open a high yield savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD), where interest will help your money grow even faster.
• Automate your savings by directing a certain amount of each paycheck to a BTS account so you'll be ready when next year's shopping season rolls around.
Start Saving Now!
Despite inflation and rising costs, BTS shopping doesn't have to break the bank. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of discounts, promotions and alternative strategies to save money while providing your family with the essentials they need for a successful school year.
Cathie Ericson is an Oregon-based freelance writer who covers personal finance, real estate and education, among other topics. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications and websites, including U.S. News & World Report, MSN, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Fast Company, Realtor.com and more.
READ MORE: Teaching Kids About Money and Saving for the Future
Sources/references
1. Back-to-Class Shopping Expected to Reach Record Levels. National Retail Federation. July 13, 2023.