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One of the sure signs that summer is winding down? Receiving your child’s school supply list. Maybe you’re looking forward to getting the kids back into a routine and putting more structure into their (and let’s face it, your) days. But as exciting as it can be, back-to-school season comes with added expenses. Between backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, tech, and new clothes, the costs can add up fast! In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, the average American family spends over $800 each year on school-related purchases. Thankfully, even with the cost of goods on the rise, there are still ways to stretch your dollars a little further this year!
We’ve rounded up 15 practical, parent-approved ways to save on school supplies without skimping on quality. Plus, we’ve included deals to help make your shopping even easier.
1. Shop Your House First
Whether it’s groceries or school supplies, in the chaos of day-to-day parenting it can be easy to forget what we already have and accidentally buy something we don’t need. It happens to the best of us! Before heading to the store, take a walk around your home. Check desk drawers, cabinets, and backpacks from last year. You might be surprised by what you already have—unused notebooks, barely-sharpened pencils, or folders in great condition.
Tip: Turn this exercise into a fun scavenger hunt with your kids to find hidden treasures. Once you’ve identified what you don’t need, be sure to make a list of the things you do need so you can stay on track (and on budget!).
2. Buy in Bulk (and Split with Friends and Family)
Bulk deals often mean big savings, especially on school supply staples like pens, pencils, glue sticks, and notebooks. If you don’t need 24 glue sticks, split a pack with family, friends, or classmates’ parents. The same goes for tissues and disinfectant wipes — both popular asks on school supply lists.
Bonus: Check out these School Supply Bulk Packs on Amazon.
3. Time Your Shopping Strategically
Patience can pay off. Many stores offer better deals later in the season, especially during post-Labor Day markdowns. Another great window for deals? Mid-to-late August. As retailers compete for last-minute shoppers, you’ll often find deep discounts on popular items like backpacks, markers, lunchboxes, and basic clothing essentials. Many stores also offer “doorbuster” deals to clear out seasonal inventory—great for snagging extras at a fraction of the price. If you can wait a little, and it’s not something your child needs right away, you might score better discounts.
Tip: Divide your shopping into two phases—“must-haves now” and “nice-to-haves later.” This way, you can grab essentials like notebooks and pencils early, and hold off on the rest until prices dip.
4. Use Price Comparison Tools
Don’t buy anything online without comparing prices first. Tools like Google Shopping and CamelCamelCamel (designed for price tracking on amazon), and Honey (which can also apply coupons automatically at checkout) make it even easier for you to compare costs and even track price drops.
Tip: Many of these tools can be added as browser extensions to automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout. Some even alert you when a better deal is available from another retailer—no extra searching required.
5. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
These days, almost every store offers some type of loyalty program. Retailers like Target, Staples, and Kohl’s offer free loyalty programs with perks like early access to sales, bonus coupons, and cash back. Signing up may feel like a hassle, but doing so can add up to serious savings!
Tip: Combine loyalty rewards with store sales for maximum impact!
6. Stack Coupons and Cash Back Offers
Double (or triple!) your savings by using coupons on top of sale prices, then tack on cash back offers. Visit sites like coupons.com for printable deals or download store apps for digital ones.
Tip: Always check if you can combine store coupons with manufacturer coupons—many retailers allow both, especially on school supplies. Then, use a cash back app like Ibotta or Fetch to scan your receipt and earn even more rewards after your purchase.
7. Shop Secondhand or Thrift Items
Don’t overlook the power of gently-used gear. Local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or Buy Nothing groups can be goldmines for backpacks, lunch boxes, and even clothing. So many kids’ items are outgrown long before they’re worn out. An added bonus? Going the secondhand route isn’t just easier on your wallet — it’s better for the environment too!
8. Reuse and Personalize
Breathe new life into last year’s supplies. Add patches to backpacks, decorate folders with washi tape, or let your kids paint and personalize their pencil cases. It’s cost-effective and an outlet for creativity!
9. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Some retailers offer student (and teacher!) discounts. All you need is proof of enrollment or a student ID.
Discounts to Check Out:
10. Don’t Forget About Digital Deals and Downloads
Some school supplies don’t come in a backpack—they live on a screen. Take advantage of free or low-cost digital resources for things like planners, flashcards, and study tools. Many websites and apps offer printable worksheets, calendars, or organization templates that can help kids stay on track—without buying extra notebooks or supplies.
Tip: Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Canva for Students offer free downloads and resources for students and parents.
11. Tap Into Community Resources and School Supply Giveaways
Local nonprofits, libraries, and community centers often host back-to-school giveaways or supply drives—especially in August. Many families can receive free backpacks, notebooks, and even haircuts during these events. Check local event calendars or social media pages for upcoming opportunities.
Tip: Stores like Verizon and Staples often host national backpack giveaway days! Giveaways aren’t just limited to big retailers — search your local community’s events to find school supply giveaways near you. Below are just a few upcoming events taking place in Central New York:
Mary Nelson Youth Center Annual Backpack Giveaway
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 • 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Meachem Park, 121 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY
- Details: Thousands of free backpacks loaded with school supplies, along with community BBQ, clothing, vendor booths, and entertainment. Registration is required.
PEACE, Inc. Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways
- Westside Center: Monday, August 25, 2025 • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Eastside Center: Thursday, August 28, 2025 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Locations: Westside Family Resource Center (200 Wyoming St) and Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center (202 S. Beech St), Syracuse, NY
- Details: Free backpacks and essential supplies, haircuts, food, and wellness support—first come, first served, with maximum of 3 packs per family.
12. Let Your Kids Help Set the Budget
Turn back-to-school shopping into a mini money lesson. Set a budget and let your kids help prioritize what’s needed vs. what’s nice to have. This not only teaches financial responsibility, but also helps curb impulse buys and unnecessary extras.
Bonus: Let older kids compare prices online and “earn” a small reward if they help save money!
13. Use Your School Supply List as Your Guide (and Stick to It)
It’s tempting to stock up on cute extras, but sticking to the official school supply list helps avoid overbuying. Print it out, bring it with you, and check off items as you go. Many schools also post lists online or in-store at major retailers.
Tip: If an item isn’t necessarily urgent (like tissues or dry erase markers), wait until after the school year starts to see if teachers truly need it. Though of course, the necessity of items can vary by school or teacher.
14. Shop Discount and Dollar Stores for Cheap School Supplies
You don’t have to buy everything at big-box retailers. Stores like Dollar Tree, Five Below, and Ollie’s often carry brand-name supplies—folders, pens, scissors, and even planners—at a fraction of the price.
Bonus: Many dollar stores now offer online ordering and curbside pickup!
15. Consider Refillable or Reusable Options
Opt for reusable lunch containers, refillable pens, and durable binders. They may cost a little more upfront, but they’ll last beyond one school year—and it’s better for the planet, too.
Instead of buying a new pack of plastic water bottles or single-use snack bags each week, opt for durable, eco-friendly options like:
- Refillable pens and mechanical pencils
- Reusable lunch containers and silicone snack bags
- Stainless steel water bottles
- Heavy-duty binders with replaceable inserts
These items may cost a bit more upfront, but they often last an entire school year—or longer. Plus, many come in fun colors or designs your kids will love, so it’s a win-win.
School Shopping on a Budget Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle
Getting your kids ready for school shouldn’t break the bank. With a little planning, smart shopping, and the help of our favorite tools and deals, you can cut your costs while still getting your kids what they need (and maybe even have enough leftover funds for an end-of-summer treat!) Speaking of, you can find plenty of fun, budget-friendly activities in Central New York on our CNY Events Calendar.
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