How to Score Back-to-School Deals and Save Money This Fall

In less than a month, kids will be heading back to class and the back-to-school shopping season is upon us. With prices rising and uncertainty around tariffs and the economy, many parents are worried about how much it will cost to prepare for the new school term.

Recent consumer research highlights the strain families are feeling. A survey by Caddle and the Retail Council of Canada estimates families may spend $600 to $750 per child. A separate survey from Intuit Credit Karma found that more than a third of parents say they cannot afford back-to-school shopping, and 44% expect to take on debt to cover costs. Over half of parents surveyed (54%) said they might cut spending on essentials like groceries to make room in the budget.

Given this financial pressure, getting the most value for every dollar is crucial. Below are practical, budget-friendly strategies to help you buy what your kids need for fall—without overspending. With a little planning and creativity you can cover essentials from backpacks to electronics while keeping costs under control.

1. Stick to a shopping list

One of the most effective ways to stretch your budget is to buy only what you actually need.

Create a clear list of supplies your child requires. For young children, teachers often provide a supply list; for older students, you likely already know the basics. Even so, keep in mind that many students don’t need all items right away. Sometimes it makes sense to wait until you meet the teacher or see the classroom plan before purchasing everything. For example, the classroom may supply coloured pencils, but your child might still benefit from having their own child-safe scissors for specific projects.

2. Talk to your kids about needs versus wants

Once you have a list, discuss priorities and limits with your children in an age-appropriate way. Help them understand the difference between needs and wants. Do they truly need a branded character backpack, or will a less expensive option work just as well? If a tablet or other device is necessary, explore lower-priced models and lesser-known brands that offer solid value.

This is also a good moment to teach children how to compare quality and prices and to hunt for sales. Kids can learn a lot about budgeting by making compromises—deciding, for example, to skip a new pencil case in favor of a replacement lunch bag that’s actually needed. Giving them a portion of the budget to allocate helps them practice decision-making while staying within limits.

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3. Shop your home first

Before buying new items, take inventory of what you already own. Old backpacks can come back looking fresh after a wash. Indoor shoes that still fit can be cleaned and reused. Save new shoe purchases for later in the year if they aren’t immediately necessary.

Hand-me-downs from older siblings are a smart way to cut costs—jackets, sports gear, and clothing often pass easily between children. For school supplies, check your home office and craft cupboards for extra binders, notebooks, pens, and pencils you can repurpose. Kids can be involved in sorting and preparing supplies by sharpening pencils, labeling notebooks, and organizing materials for the first week.

4. Use rewards and cash-back programs

Many shoppers start early to avoid last-minute price hikes, and there are several ways to capture extra savings:

Cash-back websites and apps: Shopping platforms that offer cash back can return a percentage of purchases when you shop through their portals or apps. Many parents use these services to stack savings during back-to-school sales.
Online shopping portals and browser extensions: Some loyalty programs provide bonus points or cash back when you shop through their portals. Browser extensions can also help locate discounts and cash-back offers automatically while you shop.
Rewards programs: Redeeming points from grocery or loyalty programs can help offset costs on clothing, school supplies, and tech. Points can often be exchanged for gift cards, which older kids can use themselves.
Cash-back credit cards: Cards that return a small percentage of purchases in cash can add up during back-to-school season. Many cash-back cards offer rewards on everyday categories such as groceries and general purchases, which can help reduce net expenses over time.

Get the kids involved in planning

Engaging children in budgeting and shopping decisions helps them understand priorities and money management. Explain your budget clearly and work together on strategies to meet needs while staying within limits.

My own children have made lists and helped choose which items to replace and which can be reused. Involving them not only reduces stress for parents but also teaches kids how to make trade-offs—an essential skill for growing up.

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