The excitement of a new school year will soon be upon us, and for many families, that means back-to-school shopping. Between school supplies, clothing, lunch gear, and technology needs, the cost of getting ready for September can quickly become overwhelming. With the price of everyday essentials continuing to rise, many parents are looking for practical ways to save money on back-to-school supplies without cutting corners.

The good news is that preparing for school does not have to mean spending a large amount all at once. A little planning can go a long way. Shopping early, comparing prices between retailers, reusing what you already have, and picking up a few items each week can make the back-to-school budget much easier to manage.

One strategy that has worked well for me is spreading out purchases instead of trying to buy everything during one expensive shopping trip. Rather than waiting until the end of summer, I added 11 items my daughter needed to my regular grocery list. Picking up a few supplies at a time made the cost feel much more manageable and helped avoid the stress of one large back-to-school bill.

Before you start filling your shopping cart, it is also worth checking what your child’s school and teacher actually require. Many parents are surprised to find that some items included on general back-to-school lists are not always necessary. Taking the time to confirm what your child truly needs can prevent wasted money and keep your shopping focused.

For more ways to plan your shopping, manage expenses, and make the most of your back-to-school budget, read our guide on Back to School Shopping: Smart Strategies to Save Money.

Starting earlier gives you the opportunity to:

• Compare prices between stores
• Watch weekly flyers
• Take advantage of summer sales
• Spread purchases over several weeks
• Avoid one large back-to-school bill

The best deals are usually found when you are not  rushing back to school shopping.

Don’t forget that school supplies are only part of the back-to-school budget. New clothes and shoes can easily cost as much or more than the supplies themselves. Before heading to the mall, check out our Back-to-School Clothes Shopping Guide: What Kids Really Need for practical tips on building a school wardrobe without overspending.

Create a School Supply List Before You Shop

Before buying anything, create a realistic list based on what your child actually needs.

A common mistake parents make is relying only on generic online back-to-school supply lists, such as a “Staples school supplies list” or other retailer checklists. While these lists can be helpful for getting ideas and making sure you do not forget common items, they often include more supplies than your child may actually need.

School requirements can vary depending on the grade, teacher, and school. Some classrooms may provide certain materials, while others may ask students to bring their own. Before filling your shopping cart, check with your child’s school or teacher to confirm what is required.

Taking a few extra minutes to compare the actual school list with a general “Staples school supplies list” can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and keep your back-to-school budget on track.

Shop Your Home Before Buying New

Before heading to the store, check what you already have.

Many school supplies can be reused, including:

• Pencils
• Pens
• Markers
• Pencil cases
• Rulers
• Binders
• Backpacks
• Lunch containers
• Calculators

A backpack from last year may only need a good cleaning. A binder may only need new paper. A pencil case may still have plenty of life left.

Reusing items saves money and teaches children the value of taking care of their belongings.

Add School Supplies to Your Grocery List Each Week

One of the easiest ways to make back-to-school shopping more affordable is to purchase supplies gradually. Instead of making one large shopping trip, add a few items to your regular grocery shopping each week.

For example:

Week 1:

• Pencils
• Erasers
• Glue sticks

Week 2:

• Scissors
• Highlighters
• Coloured pencils or markers

Week 3:

• Paper
• Pencil Sharpener
• Reusable Water Bottle

Week 4:

• Lunch Bag
• loose leaf binders
• ruler

This approach helps families:

• Spread out expenses
• Avoid a large September bill
• Take advantage of weekly sales
• Shop when prices are lowest

Small purchases over time can make a big difference.

Compare Prices Before Buying School Supplies

Not all stores price school supplies the same way. Taking a few minutes to compare prices can save families a significant amount of money. A school supply list that costs hundreds of dollars at one store may cost much less somewhere else.

A Real-Life Comparison: Walmart vs Staples

Comparison shopping can have a major impact on your final bill.

For example, a Grade 8 school supply list containing 27 items was compared at two major Canadian retailers:

Staples: The total cost was approximately $184.43.

Walmart: The same 27 items came to approximately $80.89.

That is a savings of more than $100 simply by checking prices before purchasing.

This does not mean every item is always cheaper at Walmart. Staples can be an excellent choice for specialty products, higher-quality supplies, calculators, technology accessories, and office items. However, for everyday classroom basics, comparing prices can help you find significant savings.

A smart shopping strategy is to:

• Buy basic supplies where they cost less
• Purchase specialty items where quality matters
• Compare online and in-store prices
• Check weekly flyers before shopping

Where to Shop for Affordable School Supplies in Canada

Walmart Canada

When I compared prices for my daughter’s school supply list, Walmart came out well ahead on everyday essentials. While prices vary from week to week, it quickly became clear that comparison shopping can make a significant difference to your back-to-school budget.

Walmart is often one of the best places to shop for affordable school supplies in Canada, especially during its annual back-to-school sales. The retailer regularly discounts many of the items that appear on school supply lists, making it a great place to stock up on the basics.

Items that are often budget-friendly include:

• Notebooks
• Pencils
• Pens
• Folders
• Loose-leaf paper
• Glue sticks
• Markers and coloured pencils
• Tab Dividers
• Rulers
• Pencil Sharpeners
• Sharpie highlighters
• Scissors
• Math set

That doesn’t mean Walmart is always the cheapest for every item, so it’s worth checking weekly flyers and comparing prices before you buy. If you’re shopping throughout the summer instead of waiting until the last minute, you’ll have more opportunities to take advantage of sales and stretch your back-to-school budget even further.

Dollar Stores

Don’t overlook your local dollar store like Dollarama when shopping for school supplies. I always stop in before heading to Walmart, because I’ve found some surprisingly good deals over the years.

Some of my favourite dollar store finds include:

• Sticky notes
• Freezer Packs
• Sharpies
• Snack containers
• Pencil cases

One item I almost always buy there is my daughter’s Sharpie black highlighters. I’ve consistently found them to be cheaper at the dollar store than other stores, and they work just as well

While dollar stores are great for many basics, I don’t buy everything there. For items that need to last all school year, such as backpacks, lunch bags, calculators, or scissors, it’s often worth spending a little more for better quality.

Like any back-to-school shopping trip, it pays to compare prices. A few minutes spent checking different stores can add up to big savings by the time you’ve finished your list.

Staples and Office Supply Stores

Staples is worth visiting if you’re shopping for higher-end school items or technology. While it isn’t always the cheapest place for everyday supplies, it can be a good choice for products where quality and selection matter.

Staples is a good place to shop for:

• Scientific and graphing calculators
• Laptops and Chromebooks
• Computer accessories
• Printers and printer ink
• Office chairs and desks for students

Before making a purchase, compare prices with other retailers. During back-to-school season, stores such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon may have sales on similar products. Taking a few minutes to shop around could save you a significant amount, especially on larger purchases like laptops.

Amazon

Amazon is one of my favourite places to shop for certain back-to-school supplies, especially when I know exactly what I’m looking for. While I don’t buy all of my daughter’s school supplies there, it’s where I almost always purchase her pencil case and her Sistema Bento Box. I also find it convenient for water bottles, printer paper, and buying some items in bulk.

Amazon is a good place to shop for:

• Bulk purchases
• Pencil cases
• Sistema Bento Boxes
• Reusable water bottles
• Printer paper
• Headphones and computer accessories

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you may be able to save even more. Prime members receive free shipping on many eligible items, which can make a difference if you’re ordering several smaller purchases throughout the summer. Fast delivery is also helpful if you realize you’ve forgotten an item on your child’s school supply list.

To save even more money, try these tips:

• Add items to your wish list and watch for price drops.
• Compare prices from different sellers.
• Watch for Lightning Deals and back-to-school sales.
• Check whether the item qualifies for free Prime shipping.
• Compare Amazon’s price with Walmart and other retailers before you buy.

A deal isn’t always a deal if shipping costs erase the savings. Spending a few extra minutes comparing prices can help you get the best value for your money.

Use Technology to Find the Best Deals

Technology makes comparison shopping  for back-to-school supplies easier than ever.

Helpful strategies include:

• Checking store websites
• Using flyer apps such as Flipp
• Signing up for retailer newsletters
• Watching online sale events
• Comparing prices before purchasing

Never assume one store always has the lowest price. Prices change frequently during back-to-school season.

Know When to Buy Name Brands and When to Save

You do not need to buy name brands for every item.

Generic Brands Are Often Fine For:

• Pencils
• Pens
• Loose-leaf paper
• Glue
• Folders
• Basic notebooks

Consider Spending More On:

• Backpacks
• Lunch bags
• Headphones
• Calculators
• Durable school accessories

Spending a little more on items that receive heavy use may prevent having to replace them halfway through the year.

Buy in Bulk Only When It Makes Sense

Buying larger packages can save money on back-to-school supplies, especially for families with multiple children.

Good bulk purchases include:

• Pencils
• Paper
• Glue sticks
• Markers
• Tissues

However, avoid buying large quantities of items your child may not use.

Before buying in bulk, ask:

• Will my child actually need this many?
• Will the supplies last?
• Is this saving money or encouraging unnecessary spending?

Watch for Back-to-School Sales

Retailers often begin back-to-school promotions during the summer.

To make the most of sales:

• Set a budget before shopping
• Follow your list
• Compare prices
• Avoid impulse purchases

A sale only saves money if it is something your child actually needs.

Avoid Common School Supply Shopping Mistakes

Many families overspend on back-to-school supplies because of a few common mistakes.

Buying Everything on a Generic List

Online checklists can be helpful, but your child’s school requirements should come first.

Buying Too Much Too Soon

When shopping for back-to-school supplies only purchase what your child needs initially. You can always buy additional supplies later.

Choosing Trendy Over Practical

Character-themed back-to-school supplies and popular designs often cost more without providing extra value.

Ignoring What You Already Own

Unused supplies at home are already paid for. Use them before buying replacements.

Consider Buying Gently Used Items

Back-to-school shopping does not always mean buying everything brand new. One way to save money is to check local resale options before heading to the store.

Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find gently used backpacks, lunch bags, pencil cases, and other school essentials at a fraction of the original price. Many families sell items that were only lightly used, especially backpacks and lunch bags that children may have outgrown before they actually wore them out.

When shopping second-hand, take a few minutes to check:

• Zippers and straps on backpacks
• Inside compartments for stains or damage
• Lunch bags for cleanliness and insulation
• Overall condition and durability

Buying used not only saves money but also keeps perfectly good items out of landfills. It is a simple way to stretch your back-to-school budget while making a more sustainable choice.

Create a Home School Supply Station

A simple supply station at home can help your family save money throughout the school year. Instead of searching through drawers or making a last-minute trip to the store when your child runs out of something, keep extra supplies organized and easy to find.

You don’t need anything fancy. A plastic bin, storage box, or drawer can work perfectly. The goal is to have a designated place where everyone knows where to look before buying something new.

Consider keeping extra supplies such as:

• Pencils and pens
• Loose-leaf paper and notebooks
• Markers and coloured pencils
• Glue sticks and school glue
• Tape
• Erasers and pencil sharpeners
• Scissors and rulers
• Craft supplies

Having a supply station is especially helpful during the school year when projects, homework assignments, and unexpected supply requests come up. Instead of rushing out to buy another package of markers or paper, you can check what you already have at home.

It also helps you avoid buying duplicates. Many families discover they already have extra supplies tucked away in closets, drawers, or storage bins.

At the end of the school year, take a few minutes to sort through leftover items. Store anything that can be reused for September.

For more ideas on creating routines, organizing school supplies, and keeping mornings less stressful, check out our guide on Back-to-School Organization Ideas for a Stress-Free Year.

Teach Kids Smart Shopping Habits

Back-to-school supply shopping can become a valuable money lesson.

Encourage children to:

• Compare prices
• Understand needs versus wants
• Make choices within a budget
• Take care of their belongings

Teaching children these skills helps them become more responsible consumers.

Donate Gently Used School Supplies

As your children grow, they may no longer need certain backpacks, lunch bags, binders, calculators, or other school supplies. If the items are still in good condition, consider donating them instead of throwing them away.

Many local schools, community organizations, and charities welcome donations to help families who may be struggling with back-to-school costs. A gently used backpack or calculator could make a big difference for another student.

You can also ask your child’s school if they have a program that collects extra school supplies throughout the year. Donating items your family no longer needs is a simple way to reduce waste, support your community, and help another child start the school year with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on back-to-school supplies?

The best ways to save money on school supplies are to shop early, check what you already own, compare prices, buy gradually, and purchase only what your child actually needs.

When is the best time to buy back-to-school supplies?

Starting in July and early August gives families time to find sales and compare prices before the last-minute shopping rush.

Is Walmart cheaper than Staples for school supplies?

Prices vary by item, but comparing stores can lead to significant savings. A Grade 8 supply list comparison found Walmart was considerably less expensive than Staples for the same 27 items.

Should I buy school supplies in bulk?

Bulk purchases can save money for frequently used items like pencils and paper, but avoid buying large quantities of supplies your child may not use.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on back-to-school supplies does not require complicated strategies. By starting early, checking with your child’s school, shopping your home first, comparing retailers, and spreading purchases out over time, families can significantly reduce back-to-school expenses.

The smartest shoppers are not always the ones who spend the least. They are the ones who plan ahead, compare prices, and buy only what their children truly need.