There's something about back-to-school shopping [1] that never quite loses its magic. You've got fresh notebooks, perfectly sharpened pencils, and a fancy lunchbox that you can't wait to show off to your new classmates. It all feels like a tiny reset button and the best way to start a new grade on the right foot. You probably remember that exact feeling yourself, even if it's been decades since you busted out your Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper. (IYKYK.)
Now you're the parent holding the credit card — and with the excitement comes more responsibility. It can be tempting to go all-in, buying not only the necessities but also the nice-to-haves and upgrades (like that binder that's three times the price just because it has Disney princesses on it). But does your kid actually need every item to come with the bells and whistles, and do you need to buy them every last thing before the first bell rings? Probably not.
The goal isn't to say no to every little upgrade, but rather to be a little more strategic about where your money goes. Before a notebook here and a pen pack there suddenly turns into a $150 outing, see what some of TikTok's most popular teachers suggest to guide your back-to-school haul. Ahead, you'll find their insider tips and tricks — including how to save some money, avoid common mistakes, and find the sweet spot between frugality and fun.
3 Teachers Share Their Back-to-School Shopping Hacks
Sofia Bella, Las Vegas
Sofia Bella [2], an elementary school art teacher in Las Vegas, says it's best to opt for budget-friendly versions of the basics. Think: folders, pencils, erasers, and glue sticks. "By the end of the school year, most of those supplies are going to be lost, used up, or gone," she shares.
And while you might think it's responsible to invest in quality headphones for digital learning sessions, she actually says this tends to backfire. "I've seen parents buy really nice Bluetooth headphones that light up or have cute ears, and they are broken within the first month," she says. (With this same line of thinking, it's probably best to avoid splurging on items that are more fragile and can break when they're shoved into a backpack or dropped on the playground.)
If you're going to splurge on anything, she recommends something that'll get plenty of use and has a smaller chance of going missing, like a reusable water bottle. "A sturdy water bottle is something students can actually use every single day and refill at school," she says. "I especially like the Owala Kids' FreeSip [3] because it has a snap lid and straw so it's less likely to spill and it's easy for kids to handle on their own." (Just don't forget to label it with your kid's name so it doesn't become a classroom casualty.)
Lastly, you don't have to make your haul all about practicality. Bella recommends buying at least one special item that sparks joy for your child. Perhaps that's a lunchbox with a Minecraft Creeper on it, a pencil box customized with their name, or a 32-pack of markers with all the fancy colors they're obsessed with. "Kids really do light up over those little things that feel personal to them," she says.
Josh King, Bakersfield, CA
With back-to-school displays popping up as early as July, it's easy to convince yourself that you should get ahead of the game and make your purchases early. But Josh King [4], a kindergarten teacher in Bakersfield, CA, advises against buying anything without knowing what's actually needed. Contain your kids' (and your own) excitement by waiting to receive their teacher's official back-to-school supply list. And even when you do get it, resist the urge to buy every last item straight away.
"Don't feel rushed to get everything before school starts," he says, "because chances are they won't need anything specific until after the first day or back-to-school night." That isn't to say to hold off completely — just know that it's wise to cover the bare basics before purchasing any nice-to-haves that could end up collecting dust.
In addition, King recognizes that kids want all the things — especially the ones that are sparkly and character-covered (i.e., catnip for kids). However, he says most of these items are wants rather than needs. That doesn't mean you have to ban every marked-up or potentially unnecessary item entirely; just set clear boundaries so you and your child reach a middle ground.
King suggests following a ten-to-one rule: "For every ten items you buy — pencils, crayons, paper, binder, each notebook, etc. — let your child buy one thing that might make them smile or happy for the year," he shares. It's a clever compromise that'll help you stay on budget, give your kid some say in what goes into the cart, and (hopefully) avoid a mid-aisle meltdown.
Catherine Coyle, Atlanta
As convenient as it is to shop online, it could be a good idea to browse a few stores in person to compare prices if staying on budget is a priority. Catherine Coyle [5], a second-grade teacher in Atlanta, says she's found that school supplies tend to be significantly cheaper in store versus online.
Another hot tip to save some cash: skip over the premade supply kits that some stores offer. They may look like the ultimate shortcut — you grab one box and call it a day — but Coyle says that convenience can come at a cost. "They often include extra materials you don't need and aren't as cost-efficient as buying supplies individually," she says.
As for what makes the list of her must-have investment items? Scotch Precision Titanium Scissors [6] and the Staples One-Touch Stapler [7]. "They're not only great for getting decor ready, but both of mine have lasted years," she says. "The stapler is especially helpful when making large work packets or booklets." They might not make it into your kids' backpack must-haves, but depending on their age, they could be good to have on hand for at-home projects.
The Takeaway
All said, you don't have to choose between being economical and letting your kid have little extras here and there. Simply wait to see what they actually need, start with the basics, and be judicious on where to spend a bit more — whether it's for utility or simply because something makes them smile. While the goal of back-to-school shopping is to be prepared, we can't forget that fun is an essential part of the experience, too.
Michele Ross [9] is a freelance writer specializing in wellness, culture, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Well+Good, Coveteur, Editorialist, GQ, Vice, and Teen Vogue, with brand clients including Peloton, Moon Juice, and Hum Nutrition. She's grateful to cover her many interests — including but not limited to self-care, self-development, skin care, coffee, travel, and Korean culture.