Ultimate Money Saving Hacks for Back to School 2025

Saving Hacks

1. Shop at Home First
   Declutter. Declutter. Declutter!! Go through drawers, closets, and last year’s supplies before buying anything new. You might already have pens, markers, folders, and even clothes that still fit.
2. Set a Budget
   Give kids a budget for clothes/supplies—they learn money skills and you avoid overspending.
3. Use the Cash Envelope Method for Saving for Supplies
   I use cash envelopes throughout the year for vacation, Christmas, Back to School etc. It is a huge life saver being able to put away a little bit of money a week and having it ready to spend when the time comes.
4. Use Cashback & Coupon Apps
   Try apps like Fetch, Rakuten, Honey, Ibotta, or RetailMeNot for instant discounts and cash back. I love Fetch because it literally gives you points for every receipt you upload and those points can be turned into gift cards. I use them at Amazon, Bath & Body Works etc. Use my code 1TCXK to sign up for Fetch and earn points just for signing up! Ibotta is great too and they are offering $5 to sign up using my code xwhdype.
5. Price Match
   Stores like Target, Walmart, and Staples will often price match. Check their policies and use your phone to compare prices on the spot. You can always call the store ahead of time and ask if they price match.
6. Buy in Bulk for Shared Items
   Team up with friends or family to buy classroom items (like tissues, wipes, markers) in bulk at Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s or Amazon. Be sure to clip any coupons in the apps for things like Clorox wipes and tissues for extra money saving potential!

Shopping Strategy

6. Wait on Some Items
   Some school supplies and clothes go on sale even more AFTER school starts. Buy the essentials now, wait on extras.
7. Shop Off-Peak Times
   Go shopping early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds and get better deals
8. Shop Online + Pickup In Store
   This saves time and often locks in online prices (which are usually lower). Bonus: no impulse buys in-store and picking up in-store saves you on shipping.
9. Thrift or Swap for Clothes
   Check local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or swap with other parents for gently used uniforms or clothes. If your kids go to private school or charter school that uses uniforms a lot of times they will have a uniform swap for free or at a very discounted price.
10. Look for Tax-Free Weekends
    Many states offer sales tax holidays in July/August. Plan big purchases around those dates.

School-Supply Hacks

11. Label Everything
    Use a label maker or write names on supplies with Sharpie. Avoid losing supplies, especially for younger kids.
12. Buy Sturdier Items Once
    Skip the $0.25 paper folders if they’ll tear in two weeks. Buying quality folders and notebooks will last the whole year or more.
13. Stock Up
    Big box stores often sell crayons, glue, and notebooks super cheap to get you in the store—buy extras for later in the year. I get extra pencils, looseleaf paper, pens, highlighters, glue and art supplies for later in the year.
14. Create a School Supply Stash
    Keep extras at home for homework and when things run out mid-year—no last-minute trips to Target. This especially comes in handy for those last minute projects that your kids let you know about on Sunday night. I keep a stash of poster board, art supplies, and glue in a caddy I bought from Dollar Tree years ago. I also have a homework caddy that has pencils, pens, index cards, highlighters, crayons and markers for when the kids do their homework. This keeps their pencil cases in their backpacks and no chance that it will be forgotten the next day.

Time & Sanity Savers

15. Create a Master Checklist
    Combine supply lists if you have multiple kids to avoid doubling up on shopping trips.
16. Prep Outfits in Advance
    Get 1–2 weeks of school outfits set up on a hanging organizer or in labeled drawers.
17. Set Up a Drop Zone
    Hooks, cubbies, or bins near the door help keep backpacks, shoes, and lunchboxes organized.
18. Back-to-School Binder or Folder
    Keep important school documents, class schedules, and supply lists all in one place.

For Extra Tough Financial Times

Many organizations and non-profits like the United Way, Churches, your local police and fire stations, Children & Family Youth Services, and Mental Health Organizations often offer back to school supply drives. If you are a family in need or know of one, be sure to check out or refer someone to your local organizations that can help ease the burden of back to school shopping and ensure your kids get what they need for the upcoming school year. If you are not sure where to look – just google “school supply drives near me” and a bunch of options will pop up. Never be afraid to ask for help!

That’s all I have for now – let me know if there are any other money saving tips or hacks you have for back to school that I didn’t mention! Good luck with this upcoming school year and Happy Shopping! Xx