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4 MIN. READ
Key takeaways:
- Back-to-school shopping can get expensive, with parents planning to spend close to $1,000 per child in 2026.
- You can save by budgeting, shopping early and looking for good deals.
- We share some tips to make back-to-school shopping easier.
It’s that time of year again!
Summertime is winding down. Teachers are prepping to return to their classrooms and start decorating. School supply lists are starting to surface, and a new school year is right around the corner.
A new school year means only one thing: Back-to-school shopping is almost here. With families spending close to $1,000 per student, budgeting and looking for deals is crucial.
Read on for some back-to-school shopping tips to help you save this year.
How Much Are You Spending on Back-to-School Shopping?
According to PwC’s 2026 US Consumer Poll on Back-to-School Shopping, parents expect to spend $922 per student on average. This number has been going up, in part due to electronics purchases, but parents also expect to spend more on clothes and shoes.
Keep in mind that this number is an average. Back-to-school shopping can be cheaper for younger students, but it can exceed $1,000 for a young adult who is going away to college.
With the right planning and preparation, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful.
How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
Keep these tips in mind throughout the back-to-school shopping season. Having a plan can help avoid overspending and take some of the stress out of shopping.
Start by Taking Inventory
Before you go shopping and buy a bunch of supplies, take inventory of your house. Check drawers and cabinets to see what supplies you have that can be used again. Look at backpacks, lunchboxes and even school clothes from last year to see what can be kept and what needs to be replaced. From there, make a list and determine what your child needs and what you have.
Get the School’s Supply List
Generally, retailers like Target and Walmart usually have copies of the supply lists divided by grade, school, and district, and those lists are usually available online before they’re in the store. Check the lists, do a little research regarding prices and make a budget accordingly. You can check with your child’s teacher to make sure you’re getting the most important items.
Save With Discount Stores and Couponing
Do you want to save some real money? Purchase things like notebooks, pencils, and paper at discount stores. If you’re into couponing, you can save some big bucks there as well. Poke around the internet and see where the deals are before you hit the stores.
Take Advantage of Florida's Tax-Free Holiday
The tax-free holiday is a prime opportunity to save on back-to-school supplies. In 2026, the tax-free holiday goes from July 20 to August 20 in Florida. You’ll find savings on school supplies, learning aids and personal computers.
Look for Deals Online
Grabbing all your school supplies from a single place is convenient, but taking the time to shop around can save you money.
A growing number of parents are doing the majority of their back-to-school shopping online. We recommend tracking deals online and comparing prices with what local stores offer.
Give Your Kids a Budget
In many families, kids have a say in the clothes, accessories and supplies they get for the school year.
Getting your children involved in the shopping process is a great opportunity to teach them about budgeting. Set a clear spending limit before you start shopping and explain what that amount needs to cover. As you shop, encourage them to compare prices, look for sales and prioritize essentials first.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Back-to-school shopping gets more expensive and more stressful the longer you wait. Planning ahead also helps you avoid impulse purchases. When you’re not rushing, you’re more likely to stick to your budget and make thoughtful decisions that keep spending under control.
Use AI to Find Good Deals
The new back-to-school shopping trend for 2026 is parents using AI tools to compare prices and find deals. Here’s a simple example: paste your child’s school supply list into an AI chatbot and ask it to sort the items by priority, compare prices and highlight the lowest-cost options.
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FAQ
How much should I expect to spend on back-to-school shopping in 2026?
Parents expect to spend around $922 per student on average, though costs vary by grade and whether electronics are needed. Younger students often cost less, while college-bound students can exceed $1,000.
When is the best time to save money on back-to-school shopping?
Shop early to catch sales and use state tax-free holidays. For example, Florida’s 2026 tax-free holiday goes from July 20th to August 20th.
How can I keep kids involved with back-to-school shopping but still stay on budget?
Give each child a clear spending limit and have them prioritize wants versus needs. Encourage price comparison and let them choose within the budget so they learn trade-offs.
Can AI really help with back-to-school shopping?
AI tools can speed up price comparisons, help organize supply lists, sort items by priority, and highlight lower-cost options. Paste your list into a chatbot or price-comparison tool and ask for a budget-friendly shopping plan.