A+ Shopping Tips For Saving Money On All Your Back-to-School Needs

While the excitement of back-to-school season is real (routines! child care! earlier bedtimes!), it's easily quashed by the reality of prep. The registrations, the budgeting, and the inevitable shopping can leave you feeling overwhelmed before the true chaos even begins.

But if there’s one thing that can bring you a little extra solace in the thick of the new-school-year rush, it’s saving money. And sure, hacking your shopping list with Amazon (especially if you’ve got that sweet, sweet Prime subscription) is already a smart move, but it’s possible to stretch your savings a little further with some savvy strategies.

In 2025, your mission is to shop smarter, not harder. While that could mean scoring deals on stuff you’d buy anyway, it could also mean rethinking what you do and don’t add to cart.

So, without further preamble, let’s get into the tips that will help you spend less in all senses of the phrase. Less money, of course, but also less time and less energy. Instead, let these tips do the work for you. Here we go!

1. Look For Deals On The Things That Spark Joy

If you’re still traumatized from your parents denying you the sneakers everyone was wearing in middle school, this one is for you.

Your kid’s clothes may feel like an obvious place to cut back on spending, and while that’s true, it’s also an opportunity to (say it with me!) shop smarter, not harder. Connect with your kid to decide on a couple of items that make them feel good. The latest sneakers? A fresh new backpack? That name-brand water bottle? Whatever it may be, start scouring for sales, deals, or price drops on Amazon so you can score the best possible price on a few key pieces. Then, round out the rest of their back-to-school haul with affordable versions of wardrobe and classroom essentials.

2. Stick With The Classic Styles

While back-to-school shopping, thinking long-term can make a big impact for you, the earth, and your budget. Take backpacks for example. Chat with your kiddo about styles they might still like next year (or even two years from now). Maybe it’s a classic solid color, shape, or brand with staying power. Same goes for lunchboxes. Finding a look they won’t get sick of can save you lots down the line.

3. Use Reviews For Long-Lasting School Staples

Speaking of long shelf lives, consider investing in quality supplies that outlast your kid’s school year. While that box of crayons or colored pencils won’t stand a chance, stuff like scissors, calculators, rulers, or any other hardware can stick with you for the long haul.

But how does one find quality gear without a road test? Behold: The Amazon review. Scope out the comments for what’s outlasted the competition and what didn’t. Once your investigation is complete, add to cart.

4. Put Those Girl Math Skills To Use

Girl math went viral for a reason, folks. When you think of your purchases in terms of cost per use, it can help you calculate whether or not it’s worth it. Maybe a $200 jacket doesn’t make sense for your ever-growing fifth grader. But $400 on a tablet they can use for homework for the next three years does. The math maths!

Another facet of girl math worth exploring is investing in products that make your quality of life (or your kids’) easier. That could mean grabbing those cute cookie cutters and using them to make lunches from home a little more special. Just a thought!

5. Get Realistic About Your Kids’ Day-to-Day Routine

Yes, you need to get all the items on the teacher’s school supply list, but the other stuff — like lunchboxes, trendy new clothes, and after-school snacks — is all optional. Before you buy, consider whether your kid actually prefers eating school lunch, loves neon green, or digs those dried fruit treats. Their past behavior is the best predictor of future use.

6. Stock Up On Personal Care Essentials

Saving Future You some time is a big deal, too. While you’re in the thick of school shopping, there’s no better moment to get your kids’ bathroom stocked up with deodorant, period products, and other personal hygiene items you know they’ll need all year long. It’s one less thing to worry about once the school year is in full swing and your schedule is packed.