It's that time of year again—back-to-school season! You've probably got a long list of things to buy, but don't worry, you can stick to your budget even during this big shopping time. If you plan ahead instead of scrambling at the last minute, you can save a good chunk of change. Here are some cool back-to-school shopping tips to kick things off.

Use a Credit Card That Gives Cash Back

When you're out shopping for school stuff this year, try using a credit card that gives you points or cash back. If you don’t have one like that yet, maybe look into getting one before your next shopping spree. Check your cards to see which one gives the best cash back deals. If your card doesn't offer cash back or is too complicated, it might be a good idea to consider getting a new one for future purchases.

Wait for Tax-Free Weekends

Hitting the stores for school supplies during tax-free weekends can really help you save some cash. This year, 19 states are having tax-free shopping holidays for back-to-school stuff. Most of these states won’t tax clothes and school supplies, and some are even offering tax-free deals on things like art supplies, tech gadgets, kids' books, and learning tools. Check out the Federation of Tax Administrators for a full list of tax-free weekends and holidays by state and see what items qualify.

Seek Discounted Gift Cards

colorful pencils with text Back to School sale

A cool way to save some cash this back-to-school season is by snagging discounted gift cards. There are plenty of online places selling them, and you can even trade in unused gift cards for cash. Just make sure to read the fine print before you buy or sell, but using these cards can definitely help you save. If you know you’re gonna do some serious shopping at a specific store, it’s worth checking sites like Gift Card Granny. You might score a $50 Macy’s gift card for only $40, which is a sweet 20% off. Other sites for discounted gift cards include Raise, CardCash, GiftCardSpread, and MyGiftCardsPlus.

Purchase Lasting Supplies

Families usually grab the same school supplies every year, and while things like notebooks and pencils are must-haves, items like backpacks and binders can be reused. To save some bucks with prices going up, consider buying supplies that can last your kids a couple of years instead of just one. Go for high-quality stuff that’ll hold up for at least two or three years. This might mean choosing sturdy backpacks in neutral colors rather than cheap ones with popular cartoon characters. You can still make it fun by letting your kids jazz up their bags with puff paint, stickers, and iron-on patches. Spending a bit more on quality items will save you money in the long run, and your kids probably won’t even notice the difference.

Go to Shopping Without Your Kids

Even though back-to-school shopping is meant for the kids, heading out without them can really take some stress off and help you stick to your budget. Kids have a lot of opinions about what they want, and their choices might not match up with saving money. We all know how kids can influence shopping trips, so it’s cool to make your list with them at home, but when it’s time to hit the stores, just go alone. That way, you can dodge the temptation to spend more than what you planned.

Look for Generic Brands

Going for generic brands instead of the name brands can really help save some cash on back-to-school stuff and everyday shopping. Store brands usually cost less than name brands, and they often have similar quality. A family and food website, generic brands can be about 25% to 30% cheaper than the name brands. While saving a few bucks might not seem like much, it all adds up with every item you buy. So, if you’re out shopping for back-to-school, consider looking for those generic brand products and supplies this year. The quality is often just as good, and honestly, will your young one even notice if you grab a store-brand box of crayons instead of Crayola?

Browse Through Used Stuff

Buying second-hand clothes and textbooks is a solid way to save some cash, and you can totally do it online. There are plenty of sites for picking up used clothes, like Kidizen and ThredUp. Local thrift shops like Goodwill and Plato’s Closet also have gently used clothes for cheap. Textbooks can really add up for college students. The average college textbook runs about $105.37, according to the Education Data Initiative. For more affordable options, take a look at Facebook Marketplace or local used bookstores. Some college bookstores have used books at a lower price too. Plus, Amazon has used textbooks for sale and rent, and students can sell them back or return them after the semester wraps up.

Search for Coupons

man using online shopping app, entering coupon code

Hunting for coupons is one of the easiest ways to save money, especially with inflation going on. Lots of companies give discounts if you sign up for their emails, and there are many online services, websites, and browser add-ons that help find the best deals on school supplies, books, and clothes. Don’t forget to search for extra savings, like using deal sites. Many websites have coupons, cashback, and bonus cash for many big Back-to-School retailers. Plus, if you add their respective browser extensions, you’ll get alerts for those offers while you shop.

Opt for Online Shopping First

Before heading out to the stores, consider starting your shopping online this year. Most sales are likely to kick off online first. You’ll probably find a wider selection of sale items online, so focusing more on online shopping might be a good idea this year.

To make the most of your online shopping experience, use the Rebates browser extension. It automatically applies the best coupon codes at checkout, ensuring you get the biggest discounts with minimal effort. You can either get supplies sent to a local store for pickup or have them shipped directly, either for free or with a small delivery fee. With the Rebates browser extension, saving on back-to-school essentials has never been easier.

Conclusion

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you plan ahead, stick to a budget, and focus on what you really need instead of what you want, both parents and students can make this yearly chore easier and cheaper. Taking advantage of sales and student discounts can help your budget go further, and getting the kids involved can teach them some important money lessons. With these handy tips, back-to-school shopping can be a smooth and even fun experience, kicking off a great school year.