KIDS & SCHOOL SAVINGS
Back-to-School on a Budget
By CraftyDollar•January 18, 2025•6 min read
Smart ways to get everything on the school supply list for 30–50% less — without stress, complicated couponing, or store-hopping.
Quick Savings Wins
- Shop during tax-free weekends.
- Buy leftover stock from last year when stores discount heavily.
- Use cashback stacking apps.
- Skip name-brand supplies unless required.
- Buy school basics in multi-packs to cut per-item cost.
The 50% Off Strategy
You'll focus on timing and smart swaps instead of extreme couponing.
Best Times to Buy
- Late July: Early markdowns on backpacks and lunchboxes.
- Tax-free weekends: Big savings on clothes and school supplies.
- One week after school starts: Deep clearance sales begin.
What NOT to Buy Early
- Classroom-specific items (teachers change their lists)
- Seasonal clothing
- Art supplies that often go 50% off later
Avoid the Markup Traps
- Skip themed folders/binders
- Avoid multi-piece "kits"
- Compare per-ounce pricing on glue and markers
Grade-by-Grade Essentials
Preschool
- Crayons
- Glue sticks
- Safety scissors
- Lunchbox
- Change of clothes
Elementary
- Pencils/pens
- Wide-ruled notebooks
- Folders
- Backpack
- Lunch supplies
Middle School
- Binder system
- Dividers
- Graph paper
- Calculator (basic)
- Gym clothes
High School
- Durable backpack
- Scientific calculator
- USB drive
- Notebooks for each subject
- Highlighters and pens
Clothing Savings Tips
- Buy basics 2–3 weeks AFTER school starts for cheaper prices.
- Stack store apps with cashback rewards.
- Purchase multi-packs for socks, tees, and essentials.
- Thrift stores often have like-new clothes for a fraction of the cost.
Backpack & Lunch Savings
- Choose a durable $15–$20 backpack instead of name-brand $60+ versions.
- Use reusable containers instead of single-use bags.
- Prep simple lunch staples that last 3–4 days.
- Freeze yogurt tubes or fruit cups to save on snacks.
Free Printable
Get the complete school shopping checklist to save time and money this year.
Download the School Savings Checklist