Back-to-school shopping will test parents’ wallets this year, with a new annual report calling it the most expensive in years.
According to Savings.com, families plan to spend a record-high $628 per child on clothing, supplies and tech, up 4% from last year.
And 7-in-10 parents are worried about how tariffs could drive prices even higher for classroom staples.
Notable findings include:
- 71% of families plan to spend more this year than last
- High schoolers top the charts, with spending expected to reach $800 per student
- Clothing will be the most significant expense, followed by electronics and school supplies
- 72% of parents are taking extra jobs or cutting costs to afford back-to-school expenses—up sharply from 56% last year
- 84% of parents plan to save by shopping during their state’s tax-free holidays – offered in 17 states
Complete details at: https://www.savings.com/insights/back-to-school-shopping-study
You can learn more in this interview with Beth Klongpayabal, the study’s author.
What factors contribute to the rise in back-to-school spending?
As a parent myself, I totally get how overwhelming back-to-school shopping can feel right now. According to our research, families are spending more this year (about $628 per child) which is a stretch for most budgets.
Costs are climbing because of things like inflation and new tariffs on school essentials...so hard because this means even basics like backpacks and clothes are rising. These tariffs are straining already tight family budgets.
71% of parents expect to spend more this year than they did in 2024, with spending up 4% overall per child. It all adds up so fast! For families with younger kids, the increases are especially sharp—elementary school parents are seeing costs up 26% compared to last year. That’s a big jump, and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling the pressure.
What are some ways families absorb the extra costs?
Parents are seriously doing everything we can to make it work. Our survey found that 72% of parents are making sacrifices this year to cover school shopping (that's up from 56% in 2024). Whether it's skipping dinners out, picking up extra hours at work, or just stretching every dollar, we’re getting creative. So many parents told us they're buying secondhand, trading with friends, or planning purchases carefully around sales. It’s inspiring to see how resilient and resourceful parents can be when it comes to giving our kids what they need.
These strategies include:
Cutting discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, or non-essentials.
Taking on extra work like part-time jobs, freelance gigs, or selling handmade products to supplement income.
Delaying or staging purchases, prioritizing necessities first and waiting for better deals later in the season.
Creating dedicated back-to-school budgets and setting aside money well in advance.
Relying on community resources like clothing drives, donation centers, or exchanging gently used items with other families.
What are some ways that families can save money with back-to-school shopping?
There are definitely some smart ways to save, and it's important that parents don’t wait until the last minute! Our research shows that 84% of families are planning to shop during tax-free weekends, which can make a real difference. Also, buying store brands instead of name-brand supplies is a big win—almost half of parents are doing this, and it really adds up. I personally love leaning on my Amazon Prime and Walmart+ memberships for deals and free shipping—it’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million things. And don’t overlook your community. Things like clothing swaps, donation events, even Facebook parent groups can help lighten the load.
The most common cost-saving tactics highlighted in the report include:
Shopping during tax-free weekends: 84% of parents say they plan to take advantage of state tax holidays to lower costs.
Buying secondhand: Nearly half (48%) of parents will purchase at least some back-to-school items used, including clothing, electronics, and backpacks.
Opting for generic or store-brand supplies: 49% of parents plan to buy lower-cost alternatives like Walmart’s Pen + Gear or Target’s Up & Up brands.
Using membership benefits: Many parents lean on services like Amazon Prime (87% of families) and Walmart+ (69%) for free shipping and exclusive deals.
Planning ahead: Families who budget and begin shopping early are able to spread out purchases and take advantage of promotions.
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