Are you ready for back-to-school shopping? If you’re a parent, you’re probably eyeing the task with excitement (ah, the allure of fresh notebooks!) and maybe a touch of dread (that school supplies list keeps getting longer!).

You may also know that you won’t be the only one hitting the stores. Back-to-school spending per household averaged $890 in 2023. That means you may need a game plan to make the back-to-school shopping experience fun rather than stressful.

Here’s where to start.

1. Consult the School Supplies List

Yes, most kids want trendy, cute school supplies, but many classes have turned to a more uniform experience for their school supplies list. In some cases, that’s because the teacher will put all the items you buy from the school supplies list in one bin for students to grab as needed — all the crayons in one, all the glue sticks in another.

So, consult the school supplies list, purchase the exact items, and consider keeping the cute school supplies for your student’s personal use or at home. When your school posts their school supplies list for the upcoming school year, you can search for it using your school’s zip code and grade level here: Back-to-School Supply List.

And while you’re at it, consider getting a few other basics for the classroom. Teachers often supplement supplies with their own budgets, so throwing in a few supplies for the teacher is always helpful. You may be able to find specific supplies the teacher has requested here: Classroom Wish List.

For students taking online courses, consider the remote learning supplies that they may need for success, such as headphones, webcams, and dedicated workspaces.

2. Buy Quality (Especially Backpacks and Lunch Boxes)

There’s nothing more frustrating than shelling out for school supplies only to have something break after a few uses — lunch bags and backpacks are two common offenders. So, before you grab the nearest, cheapest item, try to make sure you’ve found one that can stand up to repeated use and washes.

For example, quality kids' backpacks might cost you a little more at first purchase but may pay dividends for years to come when they’re made with sturdy materials, reinforced seams, and reliable zippers.

When choosing school supplies to splurge on, try to focus on items that will be used daily and need to withstand regular wear and tear.  In addition to backpacks and lunch boxes, this may include water bottles, notebooks, binders, art supplies, and school tech such as headphones and a dependable laptop.

3. Don’t Forget the Extras for School Projects

Going off-list for other essentials during your back-to-school shopping trip can save you time and hassle in the long run. For example, you can stock up on supplies that will get you through last-minute school projects, whether they're for art, science, or any other subject.

For general school projects, it’s helpful to have a stash of supplies like poster board, tri-fold project boards, glue, markers, and construction paper on hand. 

Keeping a variety of supplies ready can help you be more prepared for those “forgotten” assignments that come up the night before they’re due. Consider stocking up on report covers, colored pencils, and craft supplies like paint and brushes to make these projects more manageable.

It is a good idea to keep these supplies in a designated area, so your student can easily find what is needed when the time comes. A plastic storage bin or storage drawers can help keep everything neat and accessible.

Don't forget about printing needs, like a printer with plenty of ink and paper for printing essays, reports, and pictures. A laminating machine can also be useful for preserving important projects and creating durable presentation materials.

Lastly, encourage your child to plan ahead and keep track of upcoming projects with a calendar or planner to avoid last-minute scrambles.

5. Adapt School Supplies for High School and College

If you’re used to the detailed school supplies list from the younger grades, you’ll find that high school supplies and college supplies are a bit different. In addition to basics like notebooks and folders, your child will likely come home with a syllabus from each teacher with a suggested high school supply list. These items may include a calculator or flash drive to store their work.

Upper-level grades may have partially online assignments, so you might want your child to have their own laptop. Better yet, students can connect handwritten notes to popular cloud services with a Rocketbook digital notebook.

College students will need to prepare a bit more than students in younger grades, including getting a quality laptop and the tech essentials that go along with it. Academic calendars and day planners are also increasingly important for college students to manage their assignments. If your student is moving to a college campus, you may even consider some dorm furniture, such as an ergonomic chair for long study hours.

6. Consider Going Online for Any Last-Minute Items You Missed

While it may be a lot more fun to do your back-to-school shopping in the store, it can get crowded — especially when many families tackle their school supplies list at the last minute. Check out our Back-to-School supplies page to find everything your child needs to help make this their best school year yet!

To save time and avoid crowded stores, a great option for back-to-school season is to shop items that you can buy online, pick up in-store or curbside. Just place your order online choosing the “Store and Curbside Pickup” option. You can head to the selected store when your order is ready to pick up your items without leaving your car.

The free service comes with a 20-minute pickup promise, meaning your order will be ready for pickup in 20 minutes or less. This is especially useful for last-minute shopping when you’re in a rush.

Make the Most of Your Back-to-School Prep

With a well-thought-out plan and a few strategic tips, you can turn back-to-school shopping into a smooth and even enjoyable experience. If you consult the school supplies list, invest in quality where it matters, and remember the extras and personal touches, your child will be well-prepared for the new school year.