How We Save Money on School Supplies Every Year

Learn how we save money on school supplies every year by planning ahead, reusing what we have, shopping clearance sales, and finding free community resources.

7/25/20265 min read

Various school supplies including a backpack, water bottle, pencils Notebook, pencil holder, etc.

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Buying back-to-school supplies can feel overwhelming, especially when you're on a budget. Between classroom supplies, backpacks, lunch gear, shoes, clothes, and teacher wish lists, it's easy to spend more than you planned.

Over the years, I've realized that saving money isn't about finding one incredible sale. It's about making small, intentional decisions throughout the year that add up over time.

Instead of buying everything in one shopping trip, we spread out our purchases, reuse what still works, and watch for sales whenever we can.

These simple strategies have helped our family save money on back-to-school supplies year after year, and I hope they'll help your family, too.

1. Start Planning Before School Shopping Begins

A mom taking inventory of school supplies and writing a list of what is needed.

One of the biggest ways we save money is by planning early.

Instead of waiting until August, I start thinking about back-to-school months ahead of time. I make a list of everything Brayden might need and decide what actually has to be replaced.

Having a plan helps me spread purchases out over several months instead of trying to buy everything in one weekend.

It also helps prevent impulse purchases because I know exactly what we're looking for.

2. Buy Throughout the Year

Back-to-school season isn't always the cheapest time to buy school supplies.

If I find something Brayden needs on sale earlier in the year, I'll buy it and put it away until school starts.

This works especially well for items like:

backpacks
lunch totes
water bottles
headphones
clothing
shoes

Buying throughout the year makes back-to-school shopping much less stressful because the cost is spread out instead of hitting all at once.

3. Buy Clothes One Size Ahead When You Find a Deal

Kids grow quickly, so I always keep an eye out for clearance clothing in Brayden's next size.

Last Christmas, Brayden received several clothes that were just a little too big. Since he already had enough winter clothes, I packed the new ones away for this school year.

We also shop end-of-season clearance whenever possible. If I find a great deal in the next size up, I'll buy it and store it until he needs it.

A little planning can save quite a bit of money over time

Clothing bought on sale and being put away until needed.

4. Create a School Supply Box

A school supply box filled with various supplies. such as notebooks, and pencils

One of my favorite money-saving habits is keeping a school supply box.

At the end of every school year, I collect anything that's still in good condition instead of throwing it away

Before I go shopping, I "shop" our supply box first.

Every year, I'm surprised by how many supplies we already have.

5. Take Advantage of Free School Supply Giveaways

Many communities offer free school supplies before the school year begins.

Every summer, I check local Facebook community groups, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations to see what back-to-school events are happening.

Many of these events provide free backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, folders, and other classroom supplies.

Even if Brayden only receives a few items, that's money we can put toward the things he truly needs. If we receive extras, they go straight into our school supply box for later in the year or for the following school year.

A community event that is giving out free backpacks to kids.

6. Shop as a Team Year-Round

One thing that's helped us save money on back-to-school shopping is working together.

I don't get to physical stores very often, so I do most of my shopping online. My parents, on the other hand, enjoy shopping in stores and often keep an eye out for deals.

They look for clothes and shoes for Brayden throughout the year whenever they find a good price. Shopping this way means we aren't rushing to buy everything right before school starts, and we've been able to save quite a bit over the years.

We help each other, too. While they watch for in-store bargains, I'll compare prices online or search for items they're trying to find.

Having extra eyes looking for deals has made a big difference for our family. If you have family or friends who enjoy shopping, ask them to keep an eye out for back-to-school bargains. Working together can help stretch your budget even further.

7. Don't Buy Everything at Once

One lesson I've learned is that not everything has to be purchased immediately.

If Brayden doesn't need something on the first day of school, I'm willing to wait for a good sale instead of paying full price.

Being patient has saved us far more money than rushing to buy everything at once.

8. Stock Up During Clearance Sales

School supplies on a store shelf that are marked down on clearance.

Once back-to-school season ends, many stores begin clearing out school supplies to make room for seasonal merchandise.

This is one of my favorite times to shop.

If our budget allows, I'll buy extra notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, and other supplies for the following school year.

Those purchases go straight into our school supply box, giving us a head start for next August.

Buying ahead means we spend less the following year and avoid paying full price.

9. Reuse What Still Works

Not everything needs to be replaced each school year.

If Brayden's lunch containers, water bottle, thermos, backpack, or other supplies are still in good condition, we continue using them.

Replacing only what's worn out has helped us save money year after year while reducing unnecessary waste.

If you're looking for reusable lunch ideas, be sure to read my post on Our Reusable School Lunch Essentials: 9 Swaps That Save Money All School Year.

School supplies that are being reused and are labeled with child's name.

Infographic list of quick tips to save money on back to school supplies.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

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Back to School Essentials

These are the products that help our family stay organized, save money, and get ready for back-to-school with less stress. We use many of these items year after year and replace them only when needed.

Organization & Planning

Label Maker
A simple way to label school supplies, lunch containers, water bottles, and backpacks so everything makes it home.

Family Calendar
Keep track of school events, appointments, extracurricular activities, and important dates in one place.

School Supply Storage Bins
Store extra notebooks, pencils, folders, glue sticks, and other supplies so you're prepared throughout the school year.

School Lunch Essentials

Reusable Water Bottle
A durable water bottle that helps save money while reducing the need for disposable drinks.

Bento Lunch Box
Keeps lunches organized with separate compartments for a variety of healthy foods.

Insulated Lunch Bag
Helps keep lunches cool and protected until lunchtime.

Food Thermos
Perfect for packing warm lunches like soup, pasta, or leftovers during the school year.

School Essentials

Backpack
Choose a quality backpack that can last through multiple school years with proper care.

Kids Headphones
A classroom essential for computers, tablets, and online learning activities.

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