Even though my little one is just 2 years old, I’ve already felt the back-to-school buzz—and wow, it can feel like a lot, even at this stage! Whether it’s prepping for preschool, toddler classes, or just trying to keep up with friends who have older kids, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the checklists and shopping hype.
But I’ve learned that starting small, even now, helps ease the pressure later on. That’s why I’m sharing 12 super simple, stress-free strategies that have helped me stay calm and confident during this season.
And here’s something that’s been close to my heart: giving back. Even though my child is still young, I want to model kindness early on. Supporting groups like Back to School Shop—which help other families get the supplies they need—feels like a beautiful way to start.
So if you’re like me—navigating all of this with a toddler in tow—know that you’re not alone. We don’t have to do it all perfectly. Let’s take a deep breath, find joy in the little wins, and make this season smoother together.
Key Takeaways
- Start early and shop smart — A master list and early planning prevent stress and overspending.
- Use what you already have — A quick home inventory can uncover more supplies than you think.
- Stick to a budget that works for your family — And use tools like cashback apps and tax-free days to stretch every peso.
- Let the kids help in small ways — It builds independence and excitement for the school year ahead.
- Organize leftovers for next year — Future-you will thank present-you when it’s time to shop again.
Why Back to School Shopping Feels Overwhelming for Moms
As a mom of a toddler, I’ve already had a glimpse of the pressure that comes with back-to-school prep—and I know it only gets more intense as kids grow older. Whether it’s your first year or your fifth, this season tends to bring a mix of excitement and stress. Here are some reasons why so many moms feel overwhelmed during back-to-school shopping:
- Too many things to buy, too little time – From notebooks to new shoes, the list seems endless and often last-minute.
- Pressure to get everything “just right” – We want our kids to feel confident, prepared, and excited—so we second-guess every purchase.
- Trying to stick to a budget – Prices add up quickly, and staying within budget while still getting quality items can feel impossible.
- Dealing with crowded stores and long lines – Shopping with kids (or even without them) in packed aisles is exhausting.
- Keeping up with changing school requirements – Every year there are new supplies, tech needs, or dress codes to navigate.
- Balancing it with everything else – We’re already managing work, home, and kids’ schedules. Back-to-school prep feels like another full-time job.
- Social pressure and comparison – It’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind when we see other moms with Pinterest-worthy supplies and perfectly labeled lunch boxes.
Hack #1: Start Early and Use a Master List
One of the easiest ways to avoid last-minute stress is to start your back-to-school shopping early. As a mom, I’ve learned that giving myself a few extra weeks makes a world of difference. T
he key? A solid master list. Before I buy anything, I sit down and write out everything my child will need—from clothes and lunchboxes to art supplies and classroom essentials.
How to Create a Custom Back to School List
Creating a personalized back-to-school list doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to begin by checking any lists sent by the school or teacher. Then, I add items based on my child’s age, personality, and routines. For example, if your little one goes through two outfits a day, you’ll want extra clothes.
Best Timing for Early Shopping
In my experience, late June to early July is the sweet spot. That’s when early bird sales start popping up and stores begin stocking seasonal items. If you wait until mid-August, the crowds hit and many popular items are already picked over.
Hack #2: Shop Your Home First
Before heading out to the store, take a good look around your house. You might be surprised by how many supplies you already have. I make it a habit to gather last year’s leftover pencils, crayons, glue sticks, and folders. Half-used notebooks can still be used for homework or practice sheets. Even lunch containers and backpacks may just need a quick wash instead of a full replacement.
Common Supplies You Already Have
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a drawer full of random school supplies you forgot about. I usually find extra pencils, erasers, unused notebooks, scissors, glue, and even lunch containers tucked away. Some of the most common items we already own include rulers, highlighters, paper, pencil cases, and sharpeners. Reusing these not only helps stretch your budget but also gives your child a sense of sustainability.
Inventory Checklist Template
Creating an inventory checklist is easier than you think. I use a simple table format on paper or in a Google Sheet. I divide it into categories like “Already Have,” “Need to Buy,” and “Nice to Have.” For example:
- Category: Writing Tools
- Already Have: 10 pencils, 2 erasers
- Need to Buy: 2 highlighters
- Nice to Have: Gel pens
This helps me see exactly what’s missing and prevents unnecessary purchases. Once you do it once, you can easily update it every year.
Hack #3: Set a Realistic Budget—and Stick to It
Back-to-school shopping can get pricey fast. Setting a realistic budget will save you so much stress. Start by looking at what you spent the previous year and adjust based on your child’s current needs. Also factor in any big-ticket items like shoes or a backpack. Setting a limit keeps impulse buys in check and makes you prioritize what truly matters.
Back to School Budget Categories
Breaking your budget into categories makes it easier to manage. You can divide it like this:
- Clothing and Shoes
- School Supplies
- Lunch Gear
- Technology
- Miscellaneous (labels, hand sanitizer, etc.)
This way, you can track spending more accurately and adjust when needed. For example, if I save on supplies, I might put a bit more toward a nicer lunchbox or a better pair of shoes.
Free Tools for Budget Tracking
There are several free tools that make budget tracking easy and mom-friendly. I personally love using Google Sheets with built-in formulas, but there are also apps like Mint or EveryDollar that help you keep tabs on spending.
Hack #4: Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekends
Tax-free weekends are like hidden gems for back-to-school shopping. Many states offer a few days in the summer where school-related purchases are exempt from sales tax. That might not sound like a lot, but the savings can really add up—especially on higher-priced items like clothes, shoes, and tech.
When and Where to Find Tax-Free Events
Each state has its own schedule for tax-free weekends, usually between late July and early August. I recommend checking your state’s official website or doing a quick online search using “[Your State] tax-free weekend.” Stores like Target, Walmart, and Old Navy often participate, and some even run extra promotions on top of the tax savings.
What Items Are Usually Covered
Tax-free weekends typically cover school supplies, clothing, backpacks, and sometimes electronics like tablets or calculators—but there are limits. For example, some states only allow tax-free clothing purchases under a certain dollar amount per item.
Hack #5: Buy in Bulk and Split With Other Moms
Buying in bulk can be a game changer, especially if you’re shopping for more than one child—or if you team up with a few mom friends. Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and even Amazon offer bulk school supplies at lower per-item prices. Think glue sticks, markers, paper, and tissues.
Best Bulk Buys for School Supplies
Some of the go-to bulk items include:
- Glue sticks
- Boxes of crayons or colored pencils
- Notebooks and folders
- Packs of loose-leaf paper
- Tissues and disinfecting wipes
These are the things teachers always ask for, and buying them in bulk saves you from having to restock mid-year. Just make sure to check expiration dates on items like glue and wipes before stocking up.
Tips for Organizing a Mom Group Buy
Start by reaching out to a few moms in your circle or class group chat. Decide who’s buying what and how you’ll split the cost. You can even use a shared Google Doc to keep track of orders. Plan a quick meet-up or drop-off to divide everything.
Hack #6: Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
If you’re not already using cashback and rewards apps, this is your sign to start. These apps are a super simple way to earn a little money back on the things you’re already buying.
Top Cashback Apps for Moms
Here are a few apps most moms personally recommend:
- Rakuten – Great for online shopping; adds cashback automatically.
- Ibotta – Works both online and in-store; offers cashback on specific items.
- Fetch Rewards – Just scan your receipts and earn points.
- Honey – Finds and applies coupons, and tracks price drops.
They’re all free, and once you link them to your favorite stores, they mostly run in the background and do the work for you.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
The key is to stack savings. For example, you shop during a sale, use Target Circle rewards, apply a Honey promo code, and earn Rakuten cashback—all in one transaction. You can also save cashback or points for holiday shopping later in the year.
Hack #7: Compare Prices Online Before Hitting Stores
Before I ever step foot in a store, I always do a quick online search. Comparing prices ahead of time saves me both time and money. Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart often carry the same items—but the prices can vary by several dollars.
Best Tools and Extensions for Price Comparison
There are some great free tools that make price comparison super simple:
- Google Shopping – Just search the product name and it shows price listings across different stores.
- Honey’s Droplist – Alerts you when prices drop on saved items.
- CamelCamelCamel – Tracks Amazon price history.
- ShopSavvy App – Scan a barcode and instantly compare prices at other stores.
Price Match Policies to Know About
Many stores offer price matching—but only if you ask. Target, Walmart, and Staples are some of the bigger retailers that will match a competitor’s online price. Just make sure to bring proof (like a screenshot or a link), and check the store’s specific policy.
Hack #8: Shop Discount Stores and Dollar Shops
Discount stores and dollar shops are treasure troves when it comes to back-to-school savings. These stores carry plenty of essentials, especially for younger kids. I’m talking folders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and even fun lunchbox notes or classroom decorations.
What to Buy at Dollar Stores vs Skip
Buy:
- Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
- Glue sticks and basic art supplies
- Plastic folders and pencil cases
- Flashcards and reward stickers
Skip:
- Backpacks (usually not durable enough)
- Headphones or electronics
- Clothing items with poor stitching
Dollar stores are great for filler items or extras to supplement your main list. If you pair your trip with a sale or coupon, it’s even better.
Budget-Friendly Supply Store Roundup
Some of my favorite discount spots include:
- Dollar Tree – for basics and craft supplies
- Five Below – for trendier items, tech accessories, and organizers
- Big Lots – for discounted name-brand supplies
- TJ Maxx/Marshalls – for stylish lunch bags, water bottles, and backpacks at a fraction of the price
Hack #9: Buy Quality Over Quantity for Key Items
There are certain items I no longer buy cheap—because I’ve learned the hard way that it doesn’t save me money in the long run. A flimsy backpack or poorly made shoes will wear out before the semester ends. So now, I invest in a few high-quality pieces that actually last. It makes school mornings smoother and reduces those “uh-oh” moments when something breaks.
When to Invest in Durable Gear
Here are the items you should always prioritize quality over quantity:
- Backpacks with padded straps and strong zippers
- Supportive shoes that will hold up through gym and recess
- Insulated, leak-proof lunchboxes
- Sturdy pencil sharpeners and scissors
Items That Are Worth the Splurge
Save budget for items like:
- Ergonomic backpacks that don’t strain little backs
- Name-brand sneakers or school shoes
- Bento-style lunchboxes that stay organized
- Refillable, spill-proof water bottles
Sometimes paying a little more up front saves you from rebuying (or dealing with meltdowns) later.
Hack #10: Involve the Kids (Without the Stress)
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be something we dread—especially when the kids get involved in fun and helpful ways. Not only does this build excitement, but it also helps them feel more responsible and independent. Just keep the choices limited and guided, so it doesn’t become a free-for-all!
Age-Appropriate Shopping Tasks for Kids
Here’s what’s worked in most homes:
- Toddlers: Pick out their own lunchbox or backpack from 2–3 options
- Elementary kids: Check items off the list or help find deals online
- Tweens and teens: Compare prices, stick to a mini budget, or shop their own clothing with supervision
Teaching Kids Smart Spending Habits
Give your child a small budget for “fun extras” like gel pens or a notebook with cool designs. Talk about choosing wisely, making trade-offs, and not buying just to buy. It’s a little step toward financial responsibility—even in kindergarten!
Hack #11: Use Curbside Pickup or Delivery Services
If you’re like me and shopping with a toddler is a full-contact sport, you’ll love this hack: skip the chaos and order everything online for curbside pickup or delivery. Use it for stores like Target and Walmart, and it will be a total game changer.
Stores That Offer Free Pickup
These are my favorite retailers for easy, mom-friendly curbside options:
- Target – Same-day pickup, super smooth process
- Walmart – Budget-friendly, easy substitutions if needed
- Best Buy – Great for calculators and tech tools
- Old Navy – Order school clothes online and pick up in-store
Delivery vs In-Store: Pros and Cons
Delivery Pros:
- Shop anytime, even after bedtime
- Avoid dragging kids into stores
- Schedule delivery when it’s most convenient
Delivery Cons:
- May take longer to arrive
- You can’t pick out colors or check for defects
- Sometimes items go out of stock after ordering
Curbside Pros:
- Fast and contactless
- No need to unbuckle the car seat
- Still access store deals and rewards
Hack #12: Keep Everything Organized for Next Year
After all the shopping is done and school starts, it’s tempting to toss the extras into random drawers—but I’ve learned that a little organization now makes next year so much easier.
Create a Storage System for Leftovers
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just use a few labeled containers in your entryway closet:
- One for writing tools (pencils, pens, erasers)
- One for paper, folders, and notebooks
- One for art and craft supplies
- One for lunch gear and extra containers
It’s all easy to find when you need it—and even better, you’ll start the next year already halfway stocked!
How to Track What You Don’t Need to Rebuy
Before tossing that supply list, update it with notes:
- “Still have 2 packs of colored pencils”
- “Lunchbox in good condition—no need to buy”
- “Need more glue sticks”
That way, you won’t waste time or money rebuying things you already have. It’s one of those mom hacks that feels small but saves big.
Conclusion
Back-to-school shopping used to feel like one big stressful blur—but over the years, I’ve found that a little planning and a few smart strategies go a long way. Whether you’re a seasoned mom with multiple kids or shopping for your very first school year (hi, preschool moms!), there’s no one “right” way to do it. But these hacks have helped more moms stay organized, save money, and even enjoy the process.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the supplies—it’s about setting our kids (and ourselves!) up for a successful, confident start to the school year.
So take a breath, make your list, and give yourself some grace. You’ve got this, moms!
