Back-to-School Shopping List: notebooks, folders, paper, pens, pencils, Sharpies, highlighters, art supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes, new clothes—and this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to back-to-school shopping. There are so many other requirements that can vary based on teacher requests, and it can add up quickly. But have no fear—that’s why we’ve put together some different ways to save money on your back-to-school shopping this year!

1. Honey Browser: If you decide to shop online, consider installing the Honey browser extension on your default browsing window or download the mobile app. The browser extension automatically finds active discounts and coupon codes for that website and applies the discount to your purchase. It’s a simple way to save money without putting in any effort!
   
2. Shop Using AI: This one might sound a little weird at first, but stick with us. There are so many different places to shop for school supplies. Trying to find the best deal can start to feel like a chore. AI platforms like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode can help you find the best deals for the items on your shopping list.

   Try a prompt like: “I have a long shopping list for my kids’ back-to-school essentials. Where can I find the best deals on these back-to-school items?

   My shopping list: [insert your shopping list here].

   If you don’t get the response you’re looking for at first, try rewording your prompt. Be specific.

3. Dupe.com/: Have you ever found something that you really liked, but the price was just outrageous? Try using Dupe.com—this AI-powered shopping platform can help you find the same items at lower prices or other, very similar items at more reasonable prices. 
   
   All you need to do to find a dupe is add Dupe.com/ in front of the “https://www. “ product page URL you are shopping. The site will automatically find and offer up dupes based on that URL. Or you can start your search by uploading images or pasting product URLs directing to the Dupe.com website.
   
4. Shop Without Kids: This one sounds counterintuitive, but it can help save a lot of money at the end of the day. Before shopping, work with your kids to create a list of necessities that aren’t necessarily “exciting” to them—think pencils, paper, pens, etc. Go shopping alone for all those basics, and save the fun things like a new backpack, colored pencils, and lunchboxes for a shopping trip with them. This way you are giving them the chance to participate in their back-to-school shopping, but you’re going with a much smaller list, and way less room for them to try and add in extras that aren’t necessary for the first day back.
   
5. Shop Tax Free Weekend: Did you know that many states offer a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping? Look for your state to see if and when they offer one to help save money this year.
   
6. Reuse Items: Double check the backpacks from last year! You may find items leftover from last year that can be reused. There’s no use in buying new paper and pens if you already have plenty! And try to invest in slightly higher quality items like backpacks and lunchboxes that you can use more than one year in a row. Sometimes it pays off to put a little extra money into school supplies, so you get more use out of it.
   
7. Buy Second-Hand: Shopping at second-hand stores can be extremely helpful at reducing the cost of new school clothes. Kids grow so quickly and their styles change so fast that buying brand-new items at full price may not make sense for your budget. Try places like Plato’s Closet or your local second-hand clothing store. This also goes for sports equipment that kids might need—try to get your shopping done at second-hand places like Play It Again Sports so you aren’t spending an arm and a leg every season.
   
8. BidFTA: Have you ever heard of BidFTA? This is an online auction site that sells overstock and customer returns at a hugely discounted price. You aren’t always guaranteed the item since this is a bidding site, but if you do get what you’re bidding on, you’re almost always guaranteed to be getting one of the best prices out there. There are so many different back to school items on the site and they even have a section dedicated to back to school, so be sure to check it out!

There isn’t a right or wrong way to save on back-to-school shopping, but it’s important that you’re conscientious about your budget before going into it. Have your list of necessities, make sure you’re checking for discounts, and always look for alternatives to what you need. We hope that this back to school season is a great one for you and your family, and that you get the best deals out there!