Cheaper Back-to-School? 10 Tricks to Save on Your School Shopping

• Hispanic families face rising prices, but it is still possible to save on school supplies with practical strategies.
• Back-to-school 2025 puts pressure on budgets due to higher prices.
• With planning and discounts, parents can buy school supplies without overspending.

The 2025 back-to-school season arrives amid uncertainty: some items went up, others have remained stable.

For millions of Hispanic families in the United States, the challenge is stretching every dollar while fulfilling the school supply list.

School Supply Prices on the Rise

A study by the National Retail Federation found that 67% of parents started shopping as early as July, but nearly half still haven’t finished.

The reason: they’re hunting for better deals to avoid blowing their budgets.

In addition, the Century Foundation revealed that school supply prices rose an average of 7.3% compared to last year.

• Binders (+12.8%)
• Pencils (+5.9%)
• Lunchboxes (+8.3%)

Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X: “Prices are up just in time for back to school. Thanks, Donald Trump.”

Prices are up just in time for back to school.

Thanks, Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/68s5WbudH0

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 2, 2025

How Do Prices Affect Hispanic Families?

The 2025 back-to-school season has a particular impact on Hispanic families with multiple children:

• A new backpack or an extra pair of shoes can become a heavy strain on the budget.
• Saving on school supplies frees up resources for other essentials such as school lunches, housing, or transportation.

Every bit of savings counts, and planning purchases is the key to avoiding debt.

What Experts Say

“Shoppers tell us they are trying to stretch their budgets and looking for the best deals and promotions,” Katherine Cullen of the National Retail Federation told CNBC.

“The cost of electronics and sneakers keeps rising due to tariffs,” added Julie Margetta Morgan of the Century Foundation.

10 Tricks to Buy School Supplies Without Overspending

1. Take advantage of tax-free days: Several states offer tax-free weekends for clothing and supplies.
2. Compare and price match: Walmart, Target, and Best Buy often match competitor prices.
3. Buy second-hand: Backpacks and uniforms in near-new condition at resale stores or community swaps.
4. Plan ahead: End-of-season sales on backpacks, shoes, and clothing.
5. Reuse what you have: Last year’s binders and notebooks still work.
6. Use coupons and cashback: Apps like Honey or Ibotta add extra savings.
7. Student and teacher discounts: Up to 20% off clothing, software, or technology.
8. Mix online and in-store: Avoid fees and take advantage of exclusive promotions.
9. Choose generic brands: Pay less for notebooks and pencils without sacrificing quality.
10. Organize school supply swaps: Families share supplies in good condition.

What’s Next for Back-to-School 2025

Experts recommend waiting a few weeks to find discounts on seasonal items.

Shopping calmly helps avoid impulse spending and makes it easier to take advantage of staggered promotions.

The ideal strategy is to prioritize the essentials, spread out purchases, and monitor last-minute sales. That way, back-to-school shopping can be more manageable and less stressful.