Back-to-School Shopping

Back-to-school season can be exciting, but for many families, it also brings financial stress. Whether you’re supporting young kids, teenagers, or college students, shopping smart is key to staying on budget—without sacrificing quality or preparedness. From school supplies to clothing and lunches, families of all income levels can benefit from planning ahead and using available resources.

Have a List

Start with a list of essential supplies—think pencils, crayons, glue sticks, notebooks, and folders. Buying early and watching for sales can save significantly. The recommendation is to collect general supplies first, then fill in teacher-specific requests as needed.

Limited Funds

• Families with limited income can often find assistance through school districts, community groups, or programs. For example, School Is Cool or other local programs which provide free supplies to students.
• Reuse supplies from previous years and check local thrift stores or swap events to cut costs even more.
• When it comes to clothing and backpacks; check out end-of-season clearance sales that offer good opportunities to save.
• Spread out purchases over the semester so you don’t have to buy everything at once.
• Thrift and consignment stores offer affordable and often brand-name options.
• If your budget allows, consider investing in durable items—quality shoes, jackets, or backpacks that will last through the school year or longer.

Packing Food to Save Money

Packing lunches are another area where planning can stretch your dollars.

• Buy items in bulk—like bread, deli meat, and snack items.
  • This can help reduce per-meal cost.
  • Be aware of food waste when buying fresh meats, breads and produce in bulk.
• Use reusable containers and water bottles to avoid repeated spending on disposables.
• College students and older learners can benefit from simple meal prep routines and shared shopping or cooking arrangements.

Breakdown by Age:

• Elementary School: Basic supplies, play clothes, simple lunches
• Middle School: Folders, calculators, modest fashion items, easy-to-pack snacks
• High School: Tech tools like laptops, trendy yet affordable clothing, Do-it-yourself lunch kits
• College: Dorm essentials, textbooks (buy used or digital), meal planning on a budget

Here’s a Recap

No matter your household income, a few strategies can help you stay within budget.

• Shop seasonal sales
• Reuse and repurpose items from prior years
• Use budgeting tips to prioritize essentials over wants
• Take advantage of school and community support programs

For additional guidance, Colorado State University Extension offers  a fact sheet “Back-to-School”. With thoughtful preparation, back-to-school shopping can be a positive and empowering experience—for both students and families.