5 Back-to-School Hacks That Save You $200 Instantly

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Buy School Supplies in Bulk and Split with Other Parents

You know those endless school supply lists that make your wallet cry? 

Buying in bulk saves you from the annual back-to-school panic.

Here’s how it works:

• Team up with friends or neighbors to split large packs of notebooks, pencils, and markers.
  
• Compare prices at wholesale stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or even online bulk retailers.
  
• Store extras for next year, so you don’t repeat the same last-minute chaos.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Ask a few parent friends to make a shared list, buy in bulk, and divide everything evenly.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to automatically find bulk discounts and coupon codes when you shop online.

2. Reuse Last Year’s Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Let’s be honest. Your kid’s backpack from last year probably still works fine (even if it’s got a few “battle scars”). 

You’d be shocked at how much you can save by giving it a quick refresh instead of replacing it.

Here’s what to do:

• Clean it inside and out with mild soap and a damp cloth. It’ll look new again.
  
• Add fun keychains or iron-on patches to give it a fresh, updated vibe.
  
• Check zippers and straps, and fix small issues instead of tossing them out.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Spend 15 minutes cleaning and customizing last year’s backpack to make it feel brand new for your kid.

Make It Easy: Use a fabric repair and patch kit to fix straps or holes fast.

3. Shop During Tax-Free Weekends for Extra Savings

Those few days a year when states waive sales tax? They’re basically Black Friday for parents. 

You can save a surprising amount on school gear just by timing your shopping right.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Look up your state’s tax-free weekend dates (usually late July or early August).
  
• Plan your big purchases. Like laptops or sneakers. Around that window.
  
• Stack the deal with store coupons or cashback apps for double savings.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Mark your calendar for your state’s tax-free weekend and do your full supply haul then.

4. Compare Prices Online Before Hitting the Stores

You know that feeling when you buy something, then find it $10 cheaper online? 

Yeah, don’t let that happen again. Comparing prices before shopping in person saves both gas and regret.

Here’s how to win the price game:

• Check multiple sites at once using price comparison tools.
  
• Bookmark your favorite stores’ clearance sections for surprise deals.
  
• Watch for flash sales, especially right before school starts.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Search for your supply list items online first, compare at least three stores, and only then head out to buy.

Make It Easy: Consider using a browser price tracker like CamelCamelCamel that alerts you when prices drop.

5. Buy Quality Basics That Last All Year

Cheap doesn’t always mean smart. Especially when it falls apart by October. 

Spending a bit more upfront on quality basics can actually save you hundreds over the school year.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Stick to neutral colors for uniforms and clothing so they mix and match easily.
  
• Buy durable shoes and lunch gear that survive recess and spills.
  
• Avoid trendy or seasonal designs; your kid will drop faster than a TikTok trend.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Choose long-lasting basics and mix them up with cheaper accessories throughout the year.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌