8 Money-Saving Back-to-School Shopping Tips

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The summer is already winding up and, believe it or not, it’s almost time for school bells to ring across the Mid-Willamette Valley and beyond. That means it’s back-to-school shopping season once again. And while a new backpack and fresh outfit can help start the school year off right, they put a strain on the household budget. For many Oregon families, the cost of mandatory supply lists, backpacks, electronics, and new clothes can add up quickly, especially if you have more than one child in school. There are, however, some savvy ways to save.

Here are eight tips to help you keep costs low, plan around your own household budget, and prime those bright young minds for a spectacular school year.

1. Start Early

Back-to-school sales typically start in July and hit their peak in August. It may feel strange to shop for pens and backpacks while summer’s still in peak form, but shopping early and spreading purchases over a few weeks instead of one weekend is a great way to save and keep from draining your checking account in a single pay period.

2. Take Inventory

Before you head to the stores, take a look around your house first. Gather up school supplies scattered around the house, test old pens and markers, sort through notebooks, and check whether last year’s backpack, lunchbox, or binders just need a quick wipe-down. Crayons, pencils, and notebooks may be cheap individually, but the costs add up. Once you know what you already have, compare it with the official supply list from your child’s school so you buy onlywhat you actually need. This is also a good spot to consider hand-me-downs for younger kids, especially for big-ticket items like backpacks and jackets.

3. Stick to a List and Budget

The easiest way to stay on track is to set a clear spending limit before you shop. Without a plan, impulse buys can quickly throw off your monthly cash flow. To build your budget, try grouping expenses into simple categories:

• Classroom Essentials: notebooks, pencils, folders, and art supplies
• Clothes and Shoes: wardrobe updates and gym gear
• Tech and Extra Fees: calculators, device accessories, or extracurricular fees

Give your child a budget for anything beyond the required essentials, and encourage them to stay within it for items like clothing, shoes, and accessories. To keep the math simple and make sure your monthly spending stays on track, try using our financial calculators to map out these seasonal costs.

BONUS: Use the school supply list as a teachable moment about wants vs. needs. Start with the required supplies, then talk through which extras fit the budget and which ones can wait, or try giving your child a set budget for an item, like picking a standard backpack versus a designer brand, to help them see how choices affect the bottom line.

4. Comparison Shop

Once you have your list, shop around and compare prices. But if you’re shopping online, remember to factor in shipping costs, delivery timing, and return policies.

5. Buy in Bulk with Friends

If possible, buy in bulk and split the cost with friends. Your children’s peers are likely to need the same pens, paper, etc., so it makes sense to pool resources and save some cash.

6. Shop Local and Spread Out the Spending

You don’t have to buy an entirely new wardrobe before the first day. If your kids need new clothes, agree on just one or two outfits for the start of school, or one special item, like a pair of sneakers, plus a handful of new basics, and restock the wardrobe over several months to cushion your budget (and make sure they don’t outgrow everything before winter break). Kids grow fast, so it’s also worth checking local consignment sales, neighborhood swap meets, and regional retail discounts across your community; gently used items can save a bundle on clothing and desk accessories alike.

7. Look for Community Support

Before you buy everything on the list, check to see whether local schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community organizations are offering back-to-school support. Many communities have backpack giveaways, school supply drives, clothing programs, or resource fairs for families who could use a little help with the cost of starting the school year.

Here are a few places to check:

• Your Child’s School or District: Schools often know about local supply drives, clothing resources, free meals, and other programs available to families. Some districts may also provide supplies directly or connect families with trusted community partners. For example, Astoria School District provides school supplies for K–12 students and encourages families to reach out if they need additional support.
• Libraries and Community Centers: Libraries, parks and rec departments, and community centers are often good starting points for finding back-to-school assistance and other resource programs.
• 211info: Families can search 211info for school supply assistance and other local resources. The listings change by location and availability, so it’s a good place to check for current programs near you.
• Boys and Girls Club: The Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties offers a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway event (August 15) where kids can receive free backpacks filled with school and hygiene supplies, water bottles, and family resource kits.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army frequently helps children get the supplies they need, so check with your local Salvation Army service center for available resources. The Kroc Center in Salem, for example, notes that back-to-school supplies are distributed to families in Marion and Polk Counties through partnering agencies.
• Assistance League: The Assistance League of Salem-Keizer offers new clothing and shoes to Head Start students in Salem-Keizer Schools and the Chemawa Indian School through their Operation School Bell Program.

Because back-to-school events and supply drives change from year to year, check with your child’s school, district, local library, or 211info for the most current resources in your area.

8. Save Year-Round with Education Savings Accounts

The best way to tackle back-to-school costs is to prepare for them early. Instead of taking on the full burden every August, make it easy on yourself by saving a little bit each month. Setting up an automatic transfer into a dedicated savings account creates a helpful cushion over twelve months, so when next school year rolls around, the cash is already there.

It’s also a good time to learn about education savings options like Coverdell ESAs and 529 Plans. These accounts can help families save for qualified education expenses, though rules, contribution limits, and eligible costs vary. If you’re thinking about saving for future school expenses, take time to compare your options and talk with a tax or financial professional if needed.

Local Support for Your Financial Health

As you shop and plan for the new school year, look for simple ways to involve your child in the process. Talking through the budget, comparing prices, and making choices together can turn back-to-school shopping into a real-life money lesson. If your child doesn’t already have a savings account, opening one can be another practical way to help them build confidence with money.

Want more money-saving back-to-school shopping tips?

• Check out our article on How to Budget for Extracurricular Activities & Sports.
• Learn how to stay safe from back-to-school shopping scams.
• Get some Back-to-School Meal Planning Tips for Busy Families.