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 Septembe...