How to Score the Best Back-to-School Shopping Deals

Back-to-school shopping is one of the biggest retail events of the year—and one of the most stressful for families. With rising prices, growing supply lists, and the pressure to keep kids happy and stylish, it’s easy to overspend. But with the right strategy, you can stretch your budget and still check off every item on your list.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to score the best back-to-school shopping deals in 2025—without sacrificing quality, convenience, or your sanity.

📅 When to Start: Timing Is Everything

According to a RetailMeNot survey, July is the most popular month to start back-to-school shopping, followed by August. But the smartest shoppers start even earlier—some as early as June—to spread out spending and avoid stock issues.

🧠 Pro Tip: Start early to take advantage of early-bird deals and avoid last-minute price hikes.

🛍️ Where to Shop: Best Retailers for 2025

Here are the top retailers offering unbeatable back-to-school deals this year:

🧠 Pro Tip: Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or Honey to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

💸 Top Money-Saving Hacks

Here are the most effective ways to save big on back-to-school shopping, according to MoneyLion and Slickdeals:

1. 🧾 Shop Tax-Free Weekends

Many U.S. states offer tax holidays in August. You can save 5–10% on clothing, school supplies, and even tech.

2. 💳 Use Cashback & Rewards Apps

Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Capital One Shopping offer cashback on purchases at major retailers.

3. 🛒 Buy in Bulk

Team up with other parents to buy essentials like notebooks, pencils, and tissues in bulk and split the cost.

4. 📧 Sign Up for Newsletters

Retailers often send exclusive coupons and early access deals to email subscribers.

5. 🔁 Trade-In Programs

Retailers like Apple and Samsung offer credit for old devices. Some clothing brands also accept gently used items for store credit.

🧠 What to Buy (and When)

Here’s a breakdown of what to buy early—and what you can wait on:

🧠 Pro Tip: Create a tiered shopping list—essentials first, nice-to-haves later.

📊 What Parents Are Spending in 2025

According to RetailMeNot’s 2025 survey:

• Average spend for grade schoolers: $177
• Average spend for high schoolers: $212
• Average spend for college students: $598

Top categories include:

• ✏️ School supplies (52%)
• 👕 Clothing & shoes (46%)
• 🎒 Backpacks & bags (41%)
• 🧼 Hygiene & personal care (30%)
• 💻 Electronics & tech (28%)

🧠 Pro Tip: Set a budget per category and stick to it. Use a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint to track expenses.
 

🧾 Bonus Tips for College Students

• 🎓 Use student discounts: Apple, Dell, Spotify, and Adobe offer special pricing.
• 🛏️ Shop dorm bundles: Target and Bed Bath & Beyond offer curated kits.
• 📦 Ship to campus: Avoid hauling everything by shipping directly to your dorm.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying trendy items that won’t last the semester
• Ignoring return policies on clearance items
• Forgetting to check for price-matching
• Waiting too long and missing out on sizes or stock

🎯 Solution: Shop early, compare prices, and prioritize quality over quantity.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Shop Smart, Stress Less

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank—or your spirit. With a little planning, the right tools, and a savvy mindset, you can score the best deals of the season and set your student up for success.

So grab your list, set your budget, and start early. Because the smartest shoppers don’t just save money—they save time, energy, and peace of mind.