Back-to-school season comes fast—and with it, a long list of supplies, wardrobe updates, and sometimes overwhelming expenses. The good news is that you don’t need to overspend to check everything off your child’s list. With the right plan, variety stores like Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Five Below can cover the bulk of your needs for less.
Here’s how to approach back-to-school shopping with a savings-first mindset while still getting quality items your kids will actually use.
Step 1: Get the full list from your child’s school
Before hitting the store, check your school’s official supply list. Many schools publish lists by grade level, which are also often available online at platforms like TeacherLists or directly through district websites. This ensures you’re only buying what’s actually needed—and avoiding costly extras.
Step 2: Start at a variety store for the basics
Many school supplies are available at significantly lower prices at variety stores. Here’s what to look for first:
- Notebooks, folders, and binders
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Glue sticks, rulers, and scissors
- Pencil boxes and erasers
- Index cards and sticky notes
Shoppers can often find these items priced under $1 each, especially during July and August when back-to-school inventory is at its peak.
Step 3: Time your shopping right
The best deals tend to surface mid- to late July, so try to shop before inventory is picked over. Many stores begin offering bulk supply discounts around this time.
Step 4: Use cashback apps for extra value
Once you’ve spotted a deal, there’s no reason to stop there. Cashback apps can add additional value to your back-to-school shopping:
- Ibotta often provides rebates on school snacks, lunchbox items, and some supplies
- Rakuten rewards online shoppers who stock up from retailers like Walmart, Target, and Staples
- Fluz lets you buy digital gift cards with cashback for stores like Family Dollar or Dollar General—then use them in-store to pay for your haul
A simple cashback strategy could mean getting a few dollars back on every trip, which adds up quickly if you’re shopping for multiple kids.
Step 5: Reuse what you already have
Don’t forget to inventory leftover supplies from last year. Items like rulers, calculators, backpacks, and pencil cases can often be reused—especially when paired with a fresh cleaning or light touch-up.
Bonus: Look out for teacher supply drives
If your budget is tight, keep an eye out for local nonprofit drives or school-sponsored events that provide supplies to students. Organizations like Kids In Need Foundation and community school districts often run donation-based programs before the school year begins.
With the right combination of planning, timing, and cashback strategies, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to strain your budget. Start early, shop smart, and use every tool at your disposal to get more value from every dollar.
