Soaring back-to-school costs? Here’s how to save with expert advice
Getting the necessary kit in the run-up to sending kids back to school is costing Americans more this year, and they are looking to spend less. Here’s how.
Labor Day is just around the corner and that means that those American kids that haven’t already returned to school will be doing so soon. This year more parents than ever didn’t wait until the last minute to get the items their children will need to go back to classes.
The National Retail Federation found in their annual back-to-school survey that over two-thirds of parents had already begun shopping for the 2025 academic year by July. Already dealing with school related items being more costly in 2025 due to inflation, over half of respondents said that they had done so specifically to avoid even higher prices when Trump’s tariffs set in.
They also told the retail trade association that they are planning to spend less this year, an average of $858 as opposed to $875 last year, for K-12 supplies such as clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics. They noted that with this tighter budget respondents said they were looking to take advantage of summer deals and shop more at discount retailers. Some are even turning to pawn shops for deals.
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials,” said Katherine Cullen, NRF vice president of industry and consumer insights.
How to save on back-to-school supplies according to the experts
Retailers have rolled out deals to attract back-to-school shoppers like Target. The Minneapolis-based company kept prices at 2024 levels and brought back 20 must-have supplies for less than $20 as well as its top-selling $5 backpack.
Parents looking to get a deal on laptops or other big ticket items are advised to shop around, and check to see if the price is cheaper on-line from the same store. Typically, retailers will match the lower price shown on their store’s website explained Trae Bodge, a shopping expert, to CBS News.
She also recommends looking at refurbished personal electronics to find better prices. These “a really good option if you’re looking to save,” Bodge commented. “A lot of retailers offer refurbished items that also come with a warranty.”
When it comes to back-to-school staples like notebooks, pens, pencils and more, shoppers are advised to go for the store-brand over the name-brand if they want to pay less. According to The Century Foundation, items like binders and folders are 13% more expensive this year and index cards are up a whopping 40%.
Experts told CBS that it may be better to wait on buying clothes as your kid, having been away for the summer, may not be up on what is in. And then you may be asked to shell out even more money so that they feel like they fit in.
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