As summer winds down, back-to-school shopping becomes top of mind for parents preparing their children for the upcoming school year. Students might find it exciting to load up their carts with essential supplies, but it can be financially stressful for parents.
According to a recent report, 2026 back-to-school budgets have increased by 11.7% to $489 per child — a price that has outpaced the U.S. annual inflation rate of around 4%.
If you’re preparing for back-to-school shopping, consider the following 6 tips to save money.
1. Take inventory of your existing supplies
Before you hit the store, take stock of what you already have at home. You can avoid buying duplicate items if you first search backpacks, closets and desk drawers to gather common supplies like pencils, binders and calculators.
While you’re taking inventory, this is a good time to see if your child’s clothes still fit or if you need to purchase replacements.
2. Make a big picture budget and stick to it
Instead of budgeting for individual items, decide what your child will need and pick a dollar amount to cap your overall spending. Also, take a careful look at the full school year to evaluate future expenses that could impact your budget.
Remember to budget for supplies that go beyond the basics. In addition to clothing, look at the costs for backpacks, electronics, lunchboxes and specialized gear for extracurricular activities like sports and music.
3. Buy secondhand or refurbished items
Purchasing secondhand or refurbished items can help you save a significant amount of money. One study found that on average, thrift store shoppers save $1,760 per year by purchasing secondhand.
Local thrift stories and online marketplaces can be great places to find gently used clothes, shoes and backpacks. If you need to purchase electronics, it can be a good strategy to look for “Certified Refurbished” to get a better deal, while still qualifying for a warranty.
4. Buy in bulk when possible
If you have multiple children going back to school, buying supplies in bulk can be a helpful way to lower your costs. Although you’ll pay more upfront, your per unit cost will be lower.
Alternatively, perhaps you can find other parents willing to split the costs of buying in bulk. If you or a friend has access to a local warehouse club, you can often find great deals.
5. Use student discounts, coupons and other deals
Look for student discounts, especially if you’re purchasing a big-ticket item such as electronics.
It’s also helpful to plan by checking weekly ads, which are often published in local newspapers and online. In addition to looking for coupons, keep an eye out for weekly clearance deals that often become active during back-to-school season.
Many retailers have apps that include coupons. If you download these apps, it can be helpful to sign up for loyalty and reward programs, which can help you save money on future purchases.
6. Involve your children in planning back-to-school shopping
Back-to-school shopping can be a valuable opportunity to teach children about budgeting and looking for deals. If you allow them to have a voice when making shopping decisions, they could learn money lessons that will stick with them beyond the school year.
If you have a teenager ready for more financial responsibility, a Zions Bank student banking account can help prepare your teen for financial success. Student banking accounts include digital banking features that make it easy to keep track of how much money they’re spending, and better yet, saving.
