The back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for parents. Between new school supplies, fresh uniforms, backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, tech gadgets, and more — costs can add up quickly. But with a little planning and the smart use of coupons, you can slash your expenses without compromising on quality.
Whether you’re shopping for a kindergartener or a college student, this guide will help you navigate the season with confidence and savings in your pocket. Let’s explore the top couponing tips for parents to make back-to-school shopping easier and more affordable.
1. Start with a Master List
Before diving into sales and searching for coupons, create a comprehensive checklist of everything your child needs — from notebooks and calculators to lunch containers and sports gear. Group items into categories (school supplies, clothing, electronics, etc.) and prioritize them.
By knowing exactly what you need, you avoid impulse buys and can search for specific coupons that match those products or brands.
2. Use Coupon Apps and Extensions
Today’s couponing is mostly digital. Several apps and browser extensions can help you find and apply coupons automatically.
Top couponing apps and tools:
- Honey – Automatically applies the best coupon codes at checkout.
- Rakuten – Offers cashback on top of discounts and coupons.
- RetailMeNot – A go-to for both online and in-store coupon codes.
- Flipp – Aggregates digital flyers and offers from local stores.
These tools work in the background, saving you time while you shop online or browse weekly ads.
3. Shop Tax-Free Weekend (If Available)
Many states in the U.S. offer Tax-Free Weekends just before the school year begins. This means you can shop for clothing, shoes, and school supplies without paying sales tax.
Combine this with manufacturer or store coupons, and you’ve got a powerful way to increase your savings.
4. Stack Coupons Whenever Possible
One of the most powerful couponing techniques is stacking, which means using multiple offers on a single item. Some stores allow you to combine:
- A manufacturer coupon
- A store coupon
- A store-wide discount
- Cashback offers
For example, if a backpack is $40:
- Manufacturer coupon: $10 off
- Store coupon: 10% off
- Cashback app: 5% back
You could potentially pay around $26 instead of $40.
Always check the store’s coupon policy, as not all retailers allow stacking.
5. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
Many major retailers — like Target, Walmart, Staples, and Office Depot — offer loyalty programs with exclusive coupons, early access to deals, and member-only discounts.
Pro tip: Create a separate email address for sign-ups to keep your personal inbox clutter-free. These memberships are usually free and can unlock tons of savings during the back-to-school season.
6. Follow Brands and Retailers on Social Media
Many companies now release flash sales, discount codes, and exclusive coupons via their social media channels. Following stores like Old Navy, Kohl’s, Amazon, or your local school supply shop on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can give you access to limited-time deals.
Some brands also reward engagement with coupon codes — liking, commenting, or sharing might even land you a direct message with a discount.
7. Use Printable Coupons for In-Store Shopping
While digital is king, printable coupons are still widely accepted. Websites like Coupons.com and SmartSource offer downloadable coupons you can print and use at brick-and-mortar stores.
This is especially helpful for grocery and pharmacy chains that still value traditional couponing.
8. Buy in Bulk (Smartly)
For items like pens, paper, folders, or tissues, bulk purchasing can significantly lower the per-unit cost — especially when paired with coupons.
Places like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale often have bundle deals. Use store-specific coupons or cashback cards to boost savings.
Consider teaming up with another parent to split large packs if you don’t need them all.
9. Don’t Ignore Second-Hand Options
School uniforms, books, calculators, and even backpacks can be expensive — but they don’t have to be new.
Check out:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Thrift stores
- Local parenting groups
- School resale events
And guess what? Some thrift chains like Goodwill or Savers also accept discount coupons or offer loyalty points.
10. Time Your Purchases Right
Prices fluctuate during the back-to-school period. Timing your shopping can make a difference.
Best times to buy:
- Late July to early August: Most school supplies go on sale.
- Mid-August: Clothing sales kick off (post-tax-free weekend).
- Early September: Backpack and lunchbox clearance sales.
If possible, wait to buy higher-priced items like laptops until after school starts — when retailers offer clearance or fall promotions.
11. Sign Up for Student Discounts
If you’re shopping for college-bound kids, check if your child is eligible for student discounts.
Brands like Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon Prime offer major price reductions for students. These often come with promo codes or exclusive coupons, which can be combined with back-to-school deals.
12. Monitor Store Flyers and Weekly Ads
Stores like Target, Walmart, and Walgreens issue weekly ads with new promotions and coupon alerts. These are often available via their websites or mobile apps.
Flipp, as mentioned earlier, is a great tool for comparing ads across multiple stores in your area to see where you’ll get the best value.
13. Don’t Forget Online Retailers
Amazon often has lightning deals, coupon clippings, and bundle discounts on back-to-school essentials. Be sure to check:
- Amazon’s “Back to School” hub
- Daily deals section
- Subscribe & Save items for ongoing school needs (like snacks or paper)
Use Honey or Keepa to track price drops and ensure you’re actually getting the best deal.
14. Store-Specific Tips
- Target: Offers a Circle App with exclusive coupons. Target also has a Teacher Prep Event with discounts.
- Walmart: Price match with competitors and rollbacks. Use Ibotta for cashback.
- Office Depot/Staples: Look out for “penny deals” on school supplies when you spend a minimum amount.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart couponing, a little planning, and the help of digital tools, parents can score amazing bargains while ensuring their kids are ready for a successful academic year.
Coupons are more than just paper clippings — they’re a lifestyle tool for financially savvy families.
So this year, shop smart, save big, and send your kids off to school fully equipped — without the financial stress.