Back-to-school shopping season can sneak up on your wallet faster than you can say “first day of class.” Between clothes, school supplies, tech, and extras, costs can add up quickly. But with a little planning (and some smart shopping tools), you can save a lot — without sacrificing quality.
Here’s how to make this year’s back-to-school haul budget-friendly and stress-free.
Shop Your Closet First
Before you buy a single thing, take inventory of what you already have. Check closets, drawers, and storage bins for:
- Last year’s backpacks
- Leftover pencils, pens, and markers
- Lunch bags and water bottles
- Clothing that still fits or just needs a quick refresh (a wash, a repair, or new buttons)
Often, you’ll realize you don’t need as much as you thought. This is the fastest way to cut your shopping list — and your spending. My daughter and I are using this approach even as she heads off to college.
Make a List (and Stick to It)
Impulse buys are budget-killers. Once you’ve shopped your closet, write down exactly what’s missing. Having a list keeps you focused, prevents duplicate purchases, and makes price comparisons easier.
Pro tip: Group items by category so you can quickly compare prices at different stores.
Use the Flipp App to Compare Prices
The Flipp app is a game-changer for back-to-school shopping. It pulls flyers from stores in your area so you can compare prices on the exact items you need — all from your phone.
- Search by product name to find the best deal
- Use the “clip” feature to save items you want to buy
- Check for store sales before heading out to shop
You’ll never have to wonder if you could’ve gotten it cheaper somewhere else.
Skip the Dollar Store for Most School Supplies
Dollar stores can be great for seasonal items, but for school shopping, they’re not always the best deal.
- Quality issues: Cheap pens and pencils often break quickly, meaning you’ll spend more replacing them.
- Better prices elsewhere: Staples, Walmart, and even grocery stores often have back-to-school sales where high-quality supplies cost less than dollar store versions. For example, Staples Canada often sells packs of Crayola markers or Hilroy notebooks for under $1 during August sales.
Your money goes further when you focus on quality that lasts.
Thrift and Consignment Shops for Clothing
Kids grow quickly — sometimes before the tags are even off their clothes. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale platforms like Poshmark Canada or Facebook Marketplace can help you save big on:
- Jeans, sweaters, and jackets
- Brand-name sneakers in almost-new condition
- Sportswear for gym class
Many thrift stores also offer discount days or loyalty cards for even more savings.
Time Your Purchases
Not everything has to be bought before the first day of school.
- Fall clothes: Wait for end-of-season sales in September or October.
- Tech: Laptops, tablets, and calculators often go on sale during Black Friday.
- Backpacks: You’ll see big markdowns right after the back-to-school rush.
Buying in stages helps spread out costs and take advantage of deeper discounts.
Buy in Bulk and Share
Supplies like printer paper, binders, and glue sticks are often cheaper in large packs. If you don’t need 24 glue sticks, split the cost with another family and both save money.
Look for Student Discounts
Some retailers offer student pricing on tech, clothing, and even public transit passes. Keep your child’s student ID handy when shopping. This is a great site to use if you have a college or university student in the house.
You can also check UNiDAYS for a roundup of current student deals in Canada.
💡 Bottom line: Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By shopping your closet first, sticking to a list, using tools like Flipp, avoiding false “bargains” at dollar stores, and embracing thrift finds, you can send your kids off prepared — without overspending.
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