The Best Back-to-School Deals and How To Find Them

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If you’re shocked that it’s already August, you’re not alone. The new school year seems to creep up on us every summer, and before you know it, it’s time to start stocking up on school supplies again. Whether you’re looking for essentials, like pencils and notebooks, or shopping wider for things like kids’ clothing and computers—or even thinking about setting up a bank account for your student—you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some tips to help you score the best deals on all the back-to-school products you’re looking for, along with some offers that are hot right now.

That Back-to-School Spending Pinch

With rising costs a concern for many, finding a good deal has never been more crucial. According to a 2024 report from WalletHub, more than half of parents surveyed said they expect to spend more on back-to-school shopping this year than they did last year. 

The survey also found that about a third of parents use coupons to help them save money on school shopping. Nearly 30% also plan to apply for a new credit card to help cover those expenses. If these numbers feel relatable to you, we’ve got you covered with deals and tips that can help you save money on back-to-school shopping.

Five Tips To Find the Best Back-to-School Deals 

Here are some tactics you can use to find top deals on school supplies, snacks, kids’ shoes, computers and more:

• Sign up for Deal Alerts: Create custom alerts to get updates on those hot back-to-school items you don’t want to miss out on. You can personalize your notifications for school supplies, kids’ clothing and lots more so you can grab the lowest price right when it lands.
• Get the Slickdeals browser extension: Install the free Slickdeals browser extension, and it will find the latest back-to-school deals—hooking you up with automatic discounts and coupons as you shop online. 
• Look local: It’s always a good idea to scope out flyers and coupons you get in the mail or promotions at your favorite local shops. Compare them to online offers and see where you can nab the best deals.
• Make your list ahead of time: Plan ahead to avoid the pull of impulse buys, especially those alluring but expensive items your kids don’t really need. If you’ve set up Deal Alerts and made your shopping list, it’ll be easier to keep to a plan—and a budget. 
• Take advantage of credit card bonuses: The best credit cards offer sign-up bonuses—usually cash back or points you can earn after spending a certain amount in a short time (like three months). If you’re in the market for a new card, see if your planned spending aligns with one of these offers, and you could put a few hundred dollars right back in your wallet.

Don’t Forget About Student Discounts

In addition to searching for coupons and discounts for the must-have school supplies on your list this year, also be sure to look into student discounts. There are often deals to be had on things like electronics, dorm room supplies, furniture and basics like crayons and glue.

Check with your kids’ schools to see if they keep a list of discounts, and you can also ask retailers or search the web. For a quick shortcut, also be sure to review our list below of the best student discounts the Slickdeals community has found recently.

Start Saving for the Future Now

One of the savviest deals around is one you create for yourself and your kids: setting up a savings account and reaping the earnings down the road. There are tons of options these days, including high-yield savings accounts that earn competitive APYs and often come with no regular fees. These are great for parents looking to stash a little cash for future expenses and earn some interest while doing it.

Another option to help your young ones start building their financial skills now, so they can pay their own way in adulthood, is to check out joint bank accounts. Some banks offer special checking or savings accounts made with kids in mind. These accounts offer financial literacy resources along with tools to help the adult on the account monitor debit card use, set spending limits and use other parental controls.

Teach Your Kids Financial Literacy

In addition to setting up your kid with a savings account for future expenses, it’s also smart to think about other aspects of finance that can impact them down the road. With learning top of mind as kids get ready to go back to school, now is a great time to expose them to other financial topics, like how credit scores and credit cards work, and ways to safely try out spending.

Here are a few tips to start kids’ education on personal finance:

• Teach them about credit: Credit scores and credit history can be a complex topic until it’s demystified, and it’s never too early to learn how credit works so your kids can build credit and take advantage of the many perks that come with a great score.
• Add your child as an authorized user: Kids can build credit when a parent or guardian adds them as an authorized user to their credit card. Note that they will have a card linked to your account and can run up charges, so be sure to think through this decision before signing on the dotted line. 
• Get a joint bank account: As mentioned above, a joint account can be a great way for kids to start learning about spending and saving money. Plus, a lot of accounts designed for kids provide educational resources to help them start learning about finance.

Related: 5 Ways Parents Can Help Kids Earn a High Credit Score

Bottom Line

Back-to-school shopping can be expensive, especially when you’ve got a long list of school supplies, new shoes, lunch prep, sports equipment, computer gear and more. The good news is that with a little ingenuity, and help from sites like Slickdeals, you can tame that spending with deals and discounts made for your budget.