Parenting
Temu Helped This Indiana Family Take The Stress Out Of Back-to-School Preparation
Back-to-school shopping used to be a financial and emotional hurdle for the Emery family — until they discovered how Temu could help them check off every item on the school supply list without breaking the bank. And as prices rise nationwide, many other families are doing the same.
Back-to-school season often brings the excitement of fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and new beginnings. But for many parents, it also brings financial stress. Gabby Emery, a 39-year-old mother from Mishawaka, Indiana, received a long supply list from her 11-year-old son Roman’s school weeks ahead of the 2025–2026 school year. With a modest part-time job at a local bakery and her fiancé currently unemployed due to health issues, the cost of preparing for school weighed heavily on her.
Hoping to cut costs, Emery turned to Temu, an online marketplace known for budget-friendly items, including school supplies.
“Temu has helped us a lot because they offer the things he needs for a fraction of what I would pay at other places,” Emery said. “I can buy him what he wants, and even get a few extras in case something gets lost or broken — without feeling completely broke myself.”
Using Temu, Emery quickly crossed off the school’s required list — stocking up on basics like notebooks, pencils, and erasers. She was also able to cover items from the teacher’s optional wish list, which included disinfecting wipes, dry-erase markers, tissues, and extra glue sticks.
How a Passionate Teacher Enhances Learning with Affordable Temu Supplies
As inflation continues to put pressure on households, Emery is one of many parents turning to more affordable shopping solutions this back-to-school season. According to a recent survey, 73% of shoppers expect school supply prices to rise, and more than two-thirds say inflation will limit their spending on back-to-school items this year.
Platforms like Temu are helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing what students need for school. In Illinois, one mother used Temu to transform her daughter’s college dorm room into a cozy space for just $200 — buying floral blankets, fluffy pillows, and decorations like neon lights and canvas posters to help her settle in for freshman year.
Another recent survey found that 77% of Temu shoppers say the platform delivers strong value for the money, and three in four would recommend it to others.
For Emery, Temu made it easier to meet all of the school’s specific requirements — like the clear backpack and lunch bag mandated as a safety precaution. She found an affordable set on the platform that was not only clear but also sturdy and spacious.
Beyond basic supplies, Emery also wanted to make sure Roman felt confident and supported in the classroom. Roman has difficulty with loud sounds, which can make it hard for him to concentrate. To help him stay calm and focused, Emery picked out a pair of noise-canceling headphones and a few fidget tools — small purchases that make her son comfortable during the school day.
“I just want Roman to walk into school feeling ready and like he belongs,” she said. “These affordable supplies have made a big difference for us.”
BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
