Smart Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

29 August 2025 4 Min read

Smart Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-school season can be exciting for kids and parents alike, but it’s also one of the most expensive shopping times of the year. Between supplies, clothes, shoes, and electronics, costs can add up fast. With a bit of planning and a few smart strategies, you can take advantage of the best back-to-school sales without draining your budget.

Below are practical tips to help you prepare, shop strategically, and save money while still getting your student everything they need for a successful school year.

1. Take Inventory Before You Shop

Start by checking what you already have at home. Look through last year’s backpacks, lunchboxes, and supply bins. You might find items like scissors, rulers, calculators, or barely-used notebooks that can be reused.

Not only does this help you avoid duplicate purchases, but it also gives you a clear picture of what’s truly needed. For clothing, set aside items that still fit and are in good condition; these can be rotated into the new school year’s wardrobe and paired with fresh pieces to update the look.

2. Set a Budget and Break It Down

Decide how much you’re willing to spend in total, then divide that amount into categories:

  • School supplies
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Technology and electronics
  • Sports and extracurricular gear
  • Lunch and snack essentials

When you assign a limit to each category, it’s easier to stay on track and make trade-offs if necessary. For example, if you score a great deal on clothing, you can reallocate some of that budget toward tech upgrades.

3. Make a Needs-First List

With your inventory and budget in hand, make a list of must-have items first. These might include required school supplies, uniforms, or a new backpack if the old one is worn out. Once you’ve covered the essentials, you can add nice-to-have extras like themed notebooks, trendy water bottles, or decorative locker items.

This approach ensures that you don’t overspend early and run short when it comes time for the true necessities.

4. Look Beyond Traditional Back-to-School Sales

Even if the early-season school sales have ended, you can still find deals. Watch for:

  • Labor Day sales on clothing, electronics, and dorm essentials
  • Online flash sales from major retailers on backpacks, shoes, and tech
  • Clearance racks for summer apparel that can transition into fall
  • Big seasonal events where retailers drop prices on high-ticket items

Shopping strategically after the “rush” can sometimes lead to even better savings than peak back-to-school weeks.

5. Refresh and Repurpose Items

Sometimes a little care can give older items a brand-new look.

  • Wash and spot-clean backpacks or lunchboxes
  • Add patches or pins to update a plain backpack
  • Use fabric dye to revive faded clothing

These small updates cost far less than buying new and can make school essentials feel even more unique.

6. Buy in Bulk and Share the Savings

If you have multiple kids or know other families shopping at the same time, consider buying bulk packs of items like notebooks, pens, or folders and splitting the cost.

Warehouse clubs and online retailers often offer bulk pricing that brings the cost per item down significantly. This is especially helpful for high-use supplies like printer paper, tissues, or dry-erase markers that will be needed throughout the school year.

7. Use Flexible Payment Options for Bigger Purchases

Some back-to-school items are unavoidable big-ticket purchases, like laptops, tablets, or sports equipment. However, there are options out there to help spread out the cost.

Perpay lets you unlock $1,000 to shop top brands and pay over time in small, interest-free payments. This option can make it easier to fit larger purchases into your budget without adding financial strain.

8. Keep an Eye Out for Ongoing Discounts

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be finished before the first day of school. Spreading purchases out can help you catch off-season markdowns. September often brings discounts on electronics, while October can be a good time to find deals on outerwear.

Smart back-to-school shopping is all about preparation, prioritizing needs, and timing your purchases. By taking stock of what you already own, sticking to a budget, shopping strategically for sales, and using flexible options like Perpay for larger items, you can make the most of back-to-school sales while keeping your finances in check.

CSC Marketplace offers a range of ways to save and shop smart for the school year ahead, helping you get more for your money without sacrificing quality.