Back-to-School Shopping 2025

Back-to-School Shopping 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Timing, Budgets & Must-Have Lists

Last updated: August 20, 2025

Every year parents ask the same four questions.

What month is back-to-school shopping? 

When should I start?

What do I need?

How much should I spend?

Below you’ll find fresh, data-driven answers based on 2025 surveys and retailer trends so you can land every item on your list without blowing the budget.

When Is Back-to-School Shopping Season?

While Labor Day used to mark the finish line, 2025 data from Zeta Global shows that back-to-school is now a four-month retail marathon:

- June – 25 % of parents start early to lock in deals and spread costs.  

- July – 15 % continue the momentum.  

- August – 25 % shop traditional tax-free weekends and mid-season sales.  

- September – 35 % finish last-minute as teachers finalize supply lists.

Bottom line: Begin planning in June, start purchasing by mid-July, and keep a small reserve for September surprises.

How Much Should You Budget?

| Student Type        | 2025 Average Spend | Core Categories Included |

|---------------------|-------------------|--------------------------|

| K–12                | $890 per child    | supplies, clothing, electronics, shoes |

| College             | $1,366 per student| dorm gear, tech, textbooks, meal plans |

Pro tip: Allocate 70 % of your budget July–August and hold 30 % for restocking crayons that snap on day one or the calculator the math teacher suddenly requires.

Printable 2025 Back-to-School Checklist

Elementary & Middle School

- Backpack (ergonomic, 15–20 % of body weight max)  

- Reusable water bottle (BPA-free)  

- #2 pencils, erasers, glue sticks, crayons (Crayola/Ticonderoga recommended)  

- Wide-ruled notebooks & pocket folders  

- Headphones (over-ear, volume-limiting)  

- Gym shoes + one dress-code outfit  

- Lunchbox with freezer packs

High School

- Scientific or graphing calculator  

- Laptop/tablet + protective sleeve  

- Highlighters, pens, sticky notes  

- USB-C charger/power bank  

- Planner or app subscription for scheduling  

- Two pairs of jeans + layering tops  

- Reusable face masks (if district policy changes)

College Dorm Starter Kit

- Twin XL bedding (sheets, mattress pad, comforter)  

- Shower caddy & flip-flops  

- Mini-fridge/microwave (check dorm rules)  

- Noise-canceling headphones  

- Desk lamp with USB ports  

- Power strip (UL-listed, surge-protected)  

- First-aid & laundry essentials

10 Money-Saving Hacks That Still Work in 2025

1. Inventory First – Empty last year’s backpacks; you’ll usually find half-used notebooks and perfectly good rulers.  

2. Tax-Free Weekends – 19 states offer them in late July/early August; save 5–10 % instantly.  

3. Price Match & Stack Coupons – Target, Staples and Walmart still allow double-dipping online codes with in-store matches.  

4. Buy Now, Wear Later – Snag winter coats on clearance in August; stash 1 size up for spring growth spurts.  

5. Bulk Splitting – Split 48-count glue-stick packs with three other families; cost drops to $0.25 each.  

6. Secondhand Tech – Apple-refurbished iPads average 15 % less and include a 1-year warranty.  

7. Student Discounts – Verify with UNiDAYS or Student Beans for up to 20 % off Dell, Nike, and Spotify.  

8. Cash-Back Apps – Rakuten and Honey are averaging 8 % back on back-to-school categories this week.  

9. Shop Late – Labor Day clearances can drop prices another 30 % on clothing and décor.  

10. Teach Kids to Budget – Give older children a prepaid debit card with the exact budget; they learn trade-offs between brand-name shoes and extra supplies.

2025 Trend Alert: Eco & Tech Upgrades

-Eco-friendly supplies made from recycled plastics are outselling traditional options 2-to-1 on Amazon.  

-AI-powered shopping lists – Apps like AnyList now sync with school PDFs and auto-coupon as you shop.  

-Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) usage is up 31 %; use only if you can auto-pay within 6 weeks to avoid fees.

Quick Reference FAQ

Q: What month is back-to-school shopping?  

A: June–September, with the biggest spikes in late August and early September.

Q: When should you start shopping for back to school?

A: Start planning in June, purchasing in July, and finish by mid-September.

Q: What should I get for back-to-school shopping?

A: Refer to the printable checklist above tailored to your child’s grade.

Q: What is a good budget for back-to-school shopping?

A:$890 per K-12 child and $1,366 per college student in 2025, but adjust ±20 % based on local cost of living.

Ready to head to the store? Download the free 2025 Back-to-School Checklist PDF and Budget Calculator Spreadsheet to stay on track. Happy shopping—and here’s to a stress-free first day!