Money Saving Tips for Back-to-School Shopping Needs

August brings the last days of summer and an empty backpack that needs replenished or replaced. A new backpack, headphones/earbuds, gym shoes, or spillproof water bottle can help get your child eager to the new school year ahead. 

1. Do a little back-to-school shopping at a time.

Instead of making all of your purchases in one shopping trip, consider spacing out your back-to-school shopping to secure better deals on back-to-school supplies.  When planning to stock up on school supplies, resist the urge to make a single, hurried shopping trip. Retailers often change their promotions and discounts throughout the weeks up leading to starting school.

2.  Some retailers and suppliers will offer rebates for even more savings.  Take care of rebates right away.

It is important to remember to take care of rebates soon after purchase. Taking care of the rebate paperwork soon after purchase will eliminate the possibility of lost receipts and rebate paperwork.

3. Tap into price matching.

Many retail stores offer price matching, which means they’ll honor lower prices found at competing stores. Doing a little research prior to going shopping will save you time and money.  Real-time price comparisons or having a mobile ap can also help you find the best deal.  Here is a list of stores that offer price matching.

  • Best Buy will price-match select online retailers and local competitors up to 15 days after your purchase.
  • Target will price match up to 30 big-name retailers within 14 days of your purchase.
  • Nordstrom will price-match vendors and direct competitors within 10 days of your purchase.
  • Dick’s will price match almost anyone within 14 days of your purchase.
  • Kohl’s will price match Kohls.com and their competitors’ in-store prices.
  • Michaels price matches tons of competitors.
  • Staples only offers price matches in-store within 14 days of your store purchase.
  • Office Depot price matches identical items in-store and online.
  • JCPenney matches any retailer’s in-store or online prices within 14 days of your purchase.
  • Dell will match prices from HP, Apple, or Lenovo within 30 days of your purchase.

 

4. Think about postponing particular clothing purchases.

Back-to-school supplies will abound in August. If you wait until just before school begins, though, you’ll likely be able to find steep discounts. Just keep in mind that selections of products may be more limited as inventories get picked over.  September and October are two of the best months to buy fall apparel, such as denim.

5. Check out your teacher’s school supply list.

Your school may provide back-to-school shopping lists detailing specific items they recommend purchasing for your child.  By using your child’s teacher’s guide, you won’t be buying more than is necessary. 

6. Look for coupons.

Oftentimes retailers and manufacturers will offer coupons related to school supplies.  If possible, you can achieve maximum savings by redeeming coupons on items that are placed on sale.  You can also look online for digital coupons.

7. Take advantage of state tax holidays.

For 2025, Pennsylvania did not have a tax-free weekend.  However, Maryland, our neighboring state, did have a tax-free weekend so make sure to check around the beginning of August every year before the kids go back to school/ During this time, clothing and footwear priced $100 or less was tax-free, as well as the first $40 of backpacks or bookbags. For example, if a backpack costs $50, only the $10 difference is taxed. Every state is different so be sure to see what your state offers.