How to Save Money on School Supplies (12 Easy Tips)
It’s amazing how quickly a simple school supply list can turn into a cart full of stuff you didn’t even know your kids “needed.”
Pin For Later
One minute you’re grabbing pencils, and the next you’ve got a glitter-covered binder, five packs of gel pens, and a lunchbox shaped like a llama.
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to wreck your budget, though.
With a little planning (and some smart strategies), you can get everything your kids need without spending a fortune—and maybe even have a little fun doing it.
1. Shop Your House First
Before you even think about heading to the store, check what you already have at home.
Chances are, you’ve got stray pencils, unused notebooks, rulers, and folders hiding in drawers or left over from last year.
Dig through backpacks, desk drawers, and even the art supply bin.
Tip: Make it a mini scavenger hunt with the kids—it makes them more excited to reuse what you already own.
2. Make a List Before You Shop
Once you’ve gathered everything you already own, make a list of what’s still needed.
Separate the list into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.”
This helps you stay focused when you’re shopping and keeps you from buying duplicates or impulse items.
Extra perk: It also makes shopping trips faster.
3. Buy in Bulk (and Split with Friends)
Bulk buying is a huge money saver for school supplies like pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, and crayons.
The trick? Split the cost with friends or family members.
If a box of 50 notebooks is dirt cheap but you only need 10, share the rest.
It’s cheaper per item, and nothing goes to waste.
4. Use Dollar Stores for Basics
Dollar stores are perfect for basic supplies—think glue sticks, erasers, folders, and rulers.
You can easily stock up for less.
However, be mindful of quality.
Items like markers or backpacks may not hold up as well, so save dollar store shopping for things that don’t need to last the entire year.
5. Compare Prices Online First
Before heading out, spend a few minutes checking prices online.
Use store apps, retailer websites, or deal-comparison tools to find the best bargains.
Sometimes the same pack of markers is $1 cheaper at one store versus another.
It adds up—especially when you’re buying a lot at once.
6. Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales
The weeks leading up to the first day of school are prime time for deals.
Most stores run sales on supplies in late July through mid-August.
Stock up not just for the first semester, but for the whole school year while prices are low.
It’s also a great time to grab extras for your home office or craft area.
7. Use Coupons & Cashback Apps
Coupons aren’t just for groceries—many stores offer back-to-school discounts you can stack with sales.
Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards give you cashback or points on school supply purchases.
Use them alongside store promotions for maximum savings.
8. Don’t Overlook Clearance Sections
Clearance sections are gold mines for discounted supplies.
Stores often clear out last year’s designs or colors to make room for new ones—perfect if you don’t care about having the “latest” look.
This is especially good for backpacks, lunchboxes, and binders.
9. Go Generic for Most Items
Most kids don’t need name-brand pens, notebooks, or crayons.
Generic or store-brand versions are often just as good and cost a fraction of the price.
Save brand loyalty for items where quality really matters (like certain art supplies if your child is in advanced art classes).
10. Reuse & Upcycle Old Supplies
Last year’s binders, pencil boxes, and even backpacks can often be given a second life.
A quick clean, some stickers, or colorful washi tape can make old supplies feel new again.
Not only does it save money, but it also encourages creativity.
11. Buy Quality for Long-Term Items
For items you expect to last several years—like a backpack, lunchbox, or scientific calculator—it’s worth spending a bit more for durability.
A high-quality backpack may cost more upfront but can last for 3–4 school years, saving you from replacing it every fall.
12. Set a Budget & Involve Your Kids
Setting a spending limit teaches kids about budgeting and decision-making.
Give them a set amount of money and let them choose some of their own supplies within that budget.
They’ll learn to compare prices and prioritize what’s most important to them.
Wrapping Up
School supply shopping doesn’t have to feel like a financial drain.
By planning ahead, reusing what you can, and shopping smart, you can get your kids ready for the school year without overspending.
Now I’d love to hear from you—what’s your go-to trick for saving on school supplies? Drop it in the comments so other readers can try it too.