The Ultimate Guide: Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping (Mom Edition) Leave a comment
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at absolutely no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting my blog. 💗
✏️ Why It Matters: Saving Time, Sanity, and Money
As a mom of three, I know how those back-to-school lists can sneak up and drain the budget faster than summer ends! Over the years, I’ve learned a few hacks that keep costs low — without sacrificing what my kids need. We juggle a million things — school calendars, soccer schedules, snack prep, and so much more. Back-to-school shopping shouldn’t add extra stress (or drain the bank). Here are some mom-tested hacks that help save time, protect our sanity, and keep our wallets happy.
Let’s dive in!
💡 1. Start Early & Shop Sales
(Keywords: back to school shopping tips, when to shop back to school sales)
Don’t wait for the last-minute rush! Check store newsletters and apps for flash sales, and shop during tax-free weekends (huge lifesaver!). Clearance sections often hide gems like quality folders and planners at half price.
Amazon Find I Love:
🛍 Cute yet practical Pastel 3-Ring Binder Set – perfect for multiple subjects! ← Insert your Amazon affiliate link here
“My kids love picking a color for each class, and they hold up all year!”
♻️ 2. Shop Your Home First
Before buying, gather last year’s supplies. You’ll be amazed at how many pencils, erasers, or even gently used backpacks are hiding in drawers!
Amazon Find I Love:
🎒 Backpack Organizer Insert ← Insert your link
“This saved me from buying new backpacks last year — just freshen the inside with an organizer!”
💻 3. Use Cashback & Coupon Apps
Apps like Fetch, Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta are game-changers. They stack with store sales, helping you save quietly in the background. My Favorite is Fetch, I racked up over $100 in gift cards just scanning receipts. Get rewarded when you shop, snap and score with Fetch, America’s Rewards App! Every grocery run, dinner and online haul earns you points you can redeem for gift cards in the app. You can even earn points playing popular mobile games. Download the app using this link, submit a receipt and we’ll both score bonus points. Here is the link and my referral code to download the Fetch App! Get Fetch App Now.
Tip: Use them on Amazon too — every little bit adds up!
🪄 4. Swap & Share with Other Moms
Host a back-to-school swap! Gently used jeans, graphic tees, or calculators can get a second life and save everyone money. Bonus: it’s fun and builds community.
🧺 5. Buy in Bulk for Essentials
Bulk packs mean fewer mid-year store trips. Grab crayons, glue sticks, and markers in bigger packs.
Amazon Find I Love:
🖍 Crayola 24-Pack Bulk ← Add your affiliate link
“Perfect for sharing between siblings and stocking my craft drawer!”
- 2 packs of 24 crayola crayons!
- Perfect for School!
- Ideal for coloring and drawing
📦 Glue Stick Value Pack ← Add link
“Never run out when they ‘can’t find’ one at 7 a.m.”
📦 6. Embrace Secondhand & Thrift
Check Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or local thrift shops for clothes, calculators, and lunchboxes. Kids often outgrow before they wear out!
📅 7. Plan Ahead for Seasonal Markdowns
After the back-to-school rush, prices drop dramatically. Stock up for next year on basics like pencils, socks, and notebooks.
🧠 8. Make a List & Stick to It
Impulse buys add up! Use my free printable Back-to-School Checklist to keep you focused.
👉 Download the Checklist!
✨ More Amazon Favorites Moms Love:
- Reusable Bento Lunchboxes: Make lunches easier & eco-friendly
- Water Bottle with Time Marker: Keeps kids hydrated & motivated
- Homework Planner: Helps them stay on track
Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, but with a few mom-tested hacks, it doesn’t have to break the bank — or your spirit. Wishing your family a smooth, happy, and budget-friendly school year!
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