Jason Wyatt
How to Save Money on Back-to-School Clothes (Without Breaking the Bank)
Back-to-school season is exciting—until the receipts start piling up. Clothes shopping is one of the most expensive parts of preparing for the school year. From kindergarteners to college freshmen, every kid needs something new to wear, and parents feel the pressure.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to go broke getting your kids ready for school.
This blog is packed with practical ways to save on school clothes for kids ages 4 to 20. We’re skipping the fluff and giving you straight-up advice you can act on today.
✅ Quick Action Checklist
- Check closets and make a list
- Set a budget by child
- Shop thrift and clearance first
- Stack coupons, cashback, and sales
- Check for tax-free weekends
- Sell or trade what doesn’t fit
- Let each child pick one cool item
Bookmark this checklist before you shop.
1. Set a Budget (and Actually Stick to It)
Sounds obvious, but most families skip this step. You need a real number, not a guess.
- Break it down by kid
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves
- Include school year add-ons (like winter gear or sportswear)
Once you’ve got that number, don’t go over it. Use a prepaid debit card or cash envelope if you need to.
Pro tip: Try apps like GoodBudget or YNAB to track school expenses.
2. Inventory What You Already Have
Before you hit the stores, go through the closets.
- What still fits?
- What can be layered or reused?
- What’s been barely worn?
Make a list of actual needs. Keep it in your phone so you don’t impulse-buy when the sales hit.
“We saved over $300 this year just by shopping off-season and checking Facebook Marketplace.” — Lauren, mom of 3
3. Shop Off-Season When You Can
Retailers practically give away winter gear in the spring and summer clothes in the fall.
If you can guess your child’s size ahead of time, stock up when prices hit rock bottom.
- Shop clearance sections at Target, Old Navy, and JCPenney
- Filter by size, gender, and season
- Look for “final sale” or last call deals
Check this bundle of 3 hoodies on Target for $18
4. Embrace the Thrift Life
Kids grow fast. Clothes don’t need to be brand new.
- Visit local thrift stores and consignment shops
- Try online thrift platforms like Kidizen or ThredUP
- Follow local Facebook Marketplace deals or neighborhood groups
You can often find:
- Gently used designer items
- Never-worn clearance tag pieces
- School uniforms and basics at a steep discount
5. Trade and Hand-Me-Down Smart
If you have more than one kid, hand-me-downs are gold. But don’t stop there.
- Start a local clothing swap with friends or school parents
- Ask your network if they have outgrown items in good shape
- Offer your own extras in exchange
“We got an entire wardrobe for my 6-year-old just by swapping with a neighbor.” — Jasmine, mother of 2
6. Sell or Trade What Doesn’t Fit
Last year’s clothes can fund this year’s wardrobe.
- Sell on Kidizen, Poshmark, or eBay
- Local consignment shops like Once Upon a Child or Plato’s Closet often pay cash on the spot
Some stores will even give you store credit with a bonus to use immediately on new clothes.
7. Watch for Tax-Free Shopping Holidays
Many states offer tax-free weekends in late July or early August for back-to-school purchases.
- You can save 5% to 10% just by shopping during the right weekend
- Includes clothes, shoes, and sometimes even backpacks
Check this tax holiday list by state to see when yours kicks in.
8. Stack the Deals: Coupons + Cashback + Sales
Don’t shop without stacking. Here’s the winning combo:
- Start with a sale item
- Apply a coupon code (check RetailMeNot or Honey)
- Use a cashback site like Rakuten
That $20 pair of jeans? It might cost you $12 if you play it right.
9. Buy Basics in Bulk
For items like socks, underwear, t-shirts, and leggings — buy in multipacks.
- Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Amazon all offer bundle deals
Example:
10-pack of kids’ ankle socks on Amazon for $9
10. Let the Kids Pick One Thing
You want to save. They want to look cool.
Give your child the freedom to choose one special item they’re excited about:
- A trendy hoodie
- Cool sneakers
- A graphic tee with their favorite character or phrase
This keeps them happy while you control the rest of the budget.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Try to Do It All
You don’t need a brand-new wardrobe by the first day of school.
Start with the essentials. Add as you go. And remember: the smartest parents shop with a plan, not panic.
Even if money’s tight this year, there are ways to stretch your dollars and still send your kids to school looking sharp.
Know a parent who’s dreading back-to-school shopping? Send them this post — they’ll thank you later.
Need a Little Extra Cash This Season?
If you’re still feeling the squeeze, here’s something to consider:
I found a part-time system that earns me up to $600 per sale using just my phone and Wi-Fi. No products to ship. No complicated tech. Just pre-written ads, automation, and hustle.
It’s real. I use it. And if you’re looking for a side hustle to help cover school shopping (and more), check out the blueprint.
