Back-to-School Cashback Deals and Savings Tips Every Parent Should Know

You want to stretch every dollar during the Back-to-School Season. Many parents feel the pinch—JLL's 2025 survey shows a 17.3% jump in planned spending for school shopping. You don’t need complicated tricks to save money. These strategies fit real family budgets and help you earn cashback without hassle. > Smart shopping can turn stressful moments into rewarding wins for your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Make a budget that is easy to follow. Write a shopping list with all the things your child needs. This helps you not spend too much money.

• Use cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta. These apps give you money back when you shop. You can also use coupons with these apps to save even more.

• Buy school supplies in large packs. Share them with other parents if you can. This saves money and means fewer trips to the store.

• Shop when there are sales or tax-free weekends. Use rewards credit cards to get more discounts. You can also earn extra points or rewards.

• Think about buying gently used supplies. Make sure they are safe to use. This saves money and helps the environment. It also teaches your kids how to shop smart.

1. Plan Your Shopping

Set a Budget

You want to save money, so start with a clear budget. Setting a budget helps you control spending and focus on what your child really needs. When families set budgets, they spend less and make smarter choices. Take a look at how budgeting changes back-to-school shopping:

Budgeting makes you think before you buy. You look for deals, use coupons, and reuse supplies. You also shop earlier to catch the best prices. If you want to stretch your dollars, a budget is your best friend.

Make a List

Lists keep you organized and help you avoid buying things you don’t need. Before you shop, check what you already have at home. You might find unused notebooks, pencils, or backpacks from last year. Here’s a simple way to plan your shopping:

1. Inventory your supplies at home.

2. Write down what you need for each child.

3. Use classroom wish lists to focus on essentials.

4. Look for sales and clearances at local stores.

5. Use coupons from newspapers or online.

6. Shop online for better selection and shipping deals.

7. Split bulk purchases with other parents.

8. Delay buying fall clothes until prices drop after school starts.

Tip: Following your list helps you avoid impulse buys and stick to your budget. You’ll feel confident knowing you got what your child needs without overspending.

2. Use Cashback Portals

Sign Up for Portals

You can start saving before you even shop. Cashback portals work like a gateway between you and your favorite stores. When you sign up for a portal, you get a percentage of your purchase back as cash or gift cards. Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes. Popular options include Rakuten, Ibotta, and TopCashback. These sites often run special promotions during the Back-to-School Season, so you might see higher cashback rates or bonus offers.

Tip: Always check your portal for limited-time back-to-school deals. Some portals even offer a welcome bonus when you make your first purchase.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a cashback portal and create an account.

2. Browse the portal for back-to-school deals.

3. Click through the portal to your chosen retailer before you shop.

4. Complete your purchase as usual.

5. Watch your cashback add up in your account.

Shop Major Retailers

Many big-name stores partner with cashback portals to help you save more. You can find great back-to-school deals at places like:

• Amazon

• Target

• Best Buy

• Apple

When you shop through a cashback portal, you earn money back on everything from school supplies to electronics. Some portals let you stack discounts by using coupons or promo codes at checkout. This means you get the sale price, the coupon savings, and the cashback—all in one transaction.

Don’t forget to check for special Back-to-School Season offers. Retailers often boost cashback rates or add exclusive deals just for this time of year.

With a little planning, you can turn every shopping trip into a chance to earn rewards and stretch your budget further.

3. Stack Coupons and Codes

Find Coupons

You can get good coupons for back-to-school shopping if you know where to look. Many stores and brands give special discounts to students and families. Some deals need you to prove you are a student, but others are for everyone. Here is a quick guide to places where you can find real coupons:

Tip: Always look for student or parent discounts before you buy. Many brands use SheerID or UNiDAYs to check if you qualify. You can save a lot on tech, supplies, and even phone plans.

Combine with Cashback

Using coupons with cashback is a smart way to save more money. You can use a store coupon, a card-linked offer, a shopping portal, and a rewards credit card all at once. Each step helps you save even more.

Let’s see how this works with a $100 back-to-school purchase:

You can see the price goes down with each step. By using all these offers, you save $32 on a $100 purchase. That is a 32% discount, which is almost one-third off your total!

Remember to use coupons and cashback every time you shop. You will make your money go further and get more for what you spend. Even small savings add up quickly when you use these tips for all your back-to-school shopping.

4. Try Cashback Apps

Download Top Apps

Cashback apps make saving money easy during the Back-to-School Season. You can use your phone or computer to earn cash back on school supplies, clothes, and even snacks for lunchboxes. Many parents trust these apps because they work both in-store and online.

Here are some popular cashback apps you should try:

• Ibotta: Lets you earn cash back by uploading receipts or linking your store loyalty card. Works at stores like Walmart, Target, and Staples.

• Rakuten: Offers cash back when you shop online through their app or browser extension. You can find special back-to-school deals at big retailers.

• TopCashback: Gives you high cash back rates at hundreds of stores. You just need to start your shopping from their app or website.

Tip: Download these apps before you start shopping. Set up your account and check for special Back-to-School Season offers. Some apps even give you a bonus for your first purchase!

Redeem Offers

You can maximize your savings by using these apps every time you shop. Each app has its own way to redeem offers, but the steps are simple.

1. Open the app before you shop.

2. Search for the store or product you need.

3. Activate the offer or cash back deal.

4. Shop as usual, either in-store or online.

5. Submit your receipt if needed, or let the app track your purchase automatically.

Some apps, like Ibotta, require you to scan your receipt. Others, like Rakuten, track your purchase when you shop through their link. You can watch your cash back add up in your account. When you reach the minimum payout, you can transfer your savings to your bank or get a gift card.

Using cashback apps is a smart way to stretch your budget. You get rewarded for buying things you already need for school.

5. Shop Sales and Tax-Free Days

Watch for Sales

You want to save money, so you need to keep an eye out for big sales. Stores love to run special deals during the Back-to-School Season. You see discounts on everything from notebooks to laptops. Some stores even offer buy-one-get-one-free deals or bundle packs for supplies. You can find these sales online and in local shops.

Here are some ways to spot the best sales:

• Sign up for store emails. You get alerts about upcoming sales and exclusive coupons.

• Check weekly ads. Most stores post their deals online or in newspapers.

• Follow your favorite brands on social media. You see flash sales and limited-time offers.

• Use price comparison tools. You make sure you get the lowest price before you buy.

Tip: Shop early in the Back-to-School Season. Popular items sell out fast, and prices often go up as school gets closer.

Use Tax-Free Events

Many states offer tax-free weekends right before school starts. You pay no sales tax on school supplies, clothes, and sometimes electronics. This saves you extra money, especially if you buy big-ticket items.

Here’s a quick table to help you plan:

You can combine tax-free savings with store sales and cashback offers. You stack your discounts and get the most value for your money.

• Shop during tax-free weekends.

• Use coupons and cashback apps at checkout.

• Buy in bulk for even bigger savings.

Note: Check your state’s website for exact dates and rules. Some states limit the amount you can spend tax-free.

You make smart choices when you time your shopping around sales and tax-free events. You stretch your budget and get everything your child needs for school.

6. Buy in Bulk

Bulk Essentials

You can save a lot when you buy school supplies in bulk. Think about the items your kids use every day—pencils, paper, glue sticks, and snacks. These things run out fast during the school year. When you buy them in larger packs, you pay less per item and make fewer trips to the store.

Here’s how bulk buying can help your wallet:

• The National Retail Federation says families spend about $860 on back-to-school shopping.

• You can get 60 glue sticks for $30, while a small pack of 4 costs $5. That’s a big difference!

• A box of 96 yellow pencils costs $9.96, but a pack of 12 is $2.79. The bigger box gives you more for your money.

• Bulk shopping locks in deals and helps you avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Many parents say buying in bulk “definitely will save a lot of money.”

You can also combine bulk deals with seasonal sales or cashback offers. This way, you stretch your budget even further. Stock up on the basics now, and you won’t have to worry about running out later.

Tip: Make a list of the supplies your kids use most. Buy those in bulk first to get the biggest savings.

Split with Others

Sometimes, buying in bulk means you get more than your family needs. You don’t have to let anything go to waste. Team up with friends, neighbors, or other parents from your child’s class. You can split the cost and the supplies.

Here’s how you can make it work:

1. Ask other parents if they want to join in on a bulk order.

2. Choose the items everyone needs, like notebooks or markers.

3. Divide the cost and the supplies evenly.

4. Meet up to swap and share what you bought.

This method helps everyone save money and reduces clutter at home. You also build a sense of community with other families. Bulk buying and sharing is a smart way to keep costs down and make back-to-school shopping easier for everyone.

7. Go Secondhand

Find Used Supplies

You don’t have to buy everything brand new for back-to-school. Many parents save big by picking up gently used supplies. You can find quality items that look almost new and cost much less. Shopping secondhand helps your budget and keeps useful stuff out of landfills.

Here are some great places to look for used school supplies:

• Facebook Marketplace: You’ll spot bundles of scissors, glue, folders, notebooks, and even opened packs of pencils or crayons. Local sellers often offer low prices and you skip shipping fees.

• Craigslist: Search your area for scientific calculators, pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, glue, folders, and binders. You can message sellers and arrange safe pick-ups.

• Goodwill stores: You’ll see new donations every day. Backpacks, shoes, lunch gear, and clothes fill the shelves. Prices stay low and you might find name brands.

• Homeschool Classifieds: If you need curriculum, this site lists used books and materials for subjects like phonics, grammar, algebra, and chemistry. Prices are usually fixed and fair.

• Geartrade: Looking for a sturdy backpack? You’ll find name brands like JanSport and Under Armour at up to 55% off. Buying here also helps the planet by keeping gear out of landfills.

Tip: Always check the condition of items before you buy. Many sellers post clear photos and details, so you know what you’re getting.

Shop Safely

You want to keep your family safe while shopping secondhand. Meeting strangers or buying used items can feel risky, but you can take simple steps to protect yourself.

• Meet in public places like a busy parking lot or inside a store.

• Bring a friend or family member with you.

• Inspect items before you pay. Look for damage, missing parts, or signs of wear.

• Use cash or secure payment apps. Avoid sharing personal information.

• Wash or sanitize supplies, backpacks, and clothes before your child uses them.

You save money and help the environment when you shop secondhand. With a little caution, you can score great deals and keep your kids ready for school.

8. Use Rewards Cards

Choose the Right Card

Rewards cards help you save more during the Back-to-School Season. Each card works a little differently, so pick one that fits how you shop. Some cards give you cash back every time you buy something. Others give you extra points for certain stores or types of shopping. Look at this table to see how some popular cards compare:

Tip: Go to your card’s website to see if there are special Back-to-School Season deals or extra rewards at big stores. Keep your receipts in case you need to return something or get a rebate.

Redeem Points

You can use your rewards to save real money if you use your points the right way. Here are some easy ways to get the most from your rewards cards:

1. Use cards with bonus categories when you buy school stuff, like at office supply stores or grocery stores.

2. Trade your points for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, or Walmart to help pay for school things.

3. Shop when your card gives extra points for certain items to earn more.

4. Try to get sign-up bonuses by spending during the Back-to-School Season.

5. Put points from different cards together to get more value.

6. Shop online through your card’s portal to get extra rewards or discounts.

7. If you let your teen use your card, make sure you set rules so they spend safely.

You can make your money go further and get more for every dollar by using rewards cards in a smart way. A little planning helps a lot!

9. Avoid Overspending

Stick to Your List

Overspending can sneak up on you during back-to-school shopping. You walk into a store for notebooks and walk out with a cart full of extras. The best way to keep your wallet happy? Stick to your list.

Here’s how you can avoid going over budget:

1. Make a detailed shopping list. Write down everything your kids need for school. Check what you already have at home so you don’t buy duplicates.

2. Separate needs from wants. Focus on essentials first. If your child wants a fancy backpack but last year’s still works, skip the upgrade.

3. Wait before buying extras. If you see something not on your list, give yourself a day to think about it. Most impulse buys lose their appeal after a little time.

4. Shop during tax-free weekends and sales. You save more when you plan your shopping around these events.

5. Monitor your spending. Keep an eye on your credit card balance or cash envelope. This helps you avoid surprises later.

Tip: Sticking to your list is the easiest way to dodge impulse buys and keep your budget on track. You’ll feel proud when you see how much you saved!

Teach Smart Habits

Back-to-school shopping is a great time to teach your kids about money. When you involve them in the process, you help them build smart habits for life.

• Let your kids help make the shopping list. They learn how to plan and organize.

• Talk about the difference between wants and needs. Set a budget together and let them help decide what’s most important.

• Take inventory of last year’s supplies. Show your kids how reusing and recycling saves money and helps the planet.

• Look for bargains as a team. Hunt for sales, compare prices online, and check for community programs that offer free or discounted supplies.

• Buy in bulk and share with others. Your kids see how teamwork can stretch a dollar.

• Invest in quality where it matters. Teach them that sometimes it’s smarter to buy one sturdy backpack than several cheap ones.

When you shop together, you’re not just saving money—you’re teaching your kids how to be smart, responsible shoppers. These lessons will stick with them long after the school year begins.

You can make the Back-to-School Season easier and more affordable with a few smart moves. Try these strategies:

• Start shopping early to grab the best deals and avoid last-minute stress.

• Use cashback apps, digital coupons, and tax-free days to save more.

• Buy in bulk with other families and choose generic brands for extra value.

• Involve your kids in planning and take inventory at home to skip unnecessary buys.

A little planning goes a long way. You’ll feel less pressure and keep more money in your pocket.

FAQ

What is a cashback portal and how do I use it?

A cashback portal is a website that gives you money back when you shop through their links. You just sign up, click on your favorite store, and shop as usual. The portal tracks your purchase and adds cashback to your account.

Can I use coupons and cashback together?

Yes! You can stack coupons, promo codes, and cashback offers for extra savings. Always apply your coupon first, then shop through a cashback portal or app. This way, you get the best deal possible.

Are cashback apps safe to use?

Most popular cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta are safe. They use secure connections and protect your information. Always download apps from official stores and read reviews before signing up.

How do I find out if my state has a tax-free weekend?

Check your state’s official website or search “tax-free weekend [your state].” Many news sites and stores also post the dates and rules. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss out!

What should I do if I overspend on back-to-school shopping?

Don’t worry! Review your receipts and return any unused or extra items. Next time, stick to your list and set a clear budget. You can always save more by planning ahead.