Hey there, mamas (and any dads sneaking a peek—welcome!)
The school year is creeping up faster than my girls can outgrow their shoes, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking about backpacks, pencils, new outfits, and trying to stretch every dollar.
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. There are some fantastic deals happening right now that can help us get everything our kids need without the stress.
I’ve rounded up the best back-to-school deals for 2026 so you can shop smarter, save bigger, and maybe even treat yourself to a fancy coffee while you’re at it.
Let’s dive in!
School Supplies: Stock Up Without the Shock
Office supply stores and big-box retailers are rolling out their classic loss-leader deals—perfect for filling those supply lists.
- Target — Supplies starting at just $0.50 (think crayons, glue sticks, folders, and notebooks). Look for their Back-to-School “idays” event with extra percentage-off promotions on select items.
- Walmart — Extremely competitive prices on basics. Their school supply sales often kick in strong in late June/early July with pencils, paper, and backpacks at rock-bottom prices.
- Staples & Office Depot/OfficeMax — Great for bulk buys and weekly deals on composition books, pens, and binders. Watch for their “25¢” supply sales that pop up regularly.
- Amazon — Prime members can find bundles and lightning deals on everything from lunchboxes to art supplies, often with fast shipping.
Pro tip: Print (or screenshot) your child’s official supply list and shop with it in hand. Buy a little extra of the basics—trust me, they disappear fast!
Clothing & Shoes: Fresh Looks for Less
Kids grow like weeds, so refreshing their wardrobes is a must.
- Old Navy — Frequent sales with up to 50% off jeans, tees, uniforms, and activewear.
- Target — 20–30% off kids’ apparel and shoes during peak events.
- Amazon & Walmart — Strong selections with up to 70% off popular brands in some categories.
- Abercrombie Kids & similar stores — Higher-quality pieces with solid discounts (sometimes 40–60% off).
Don’t forget athletic shoes for PE and recess—Nike and Adidas often run solid promotions too.
Tech & Big-Ticket Items
Heading into higher grades or college?
- Best Buy — Strong laptop and tablet deals, often with student discounts or bundles.
- Apple — Back-to-school education pricing (free AirPods or gift cards with qualifying purchases).
- Other retailers — Look for deals on headphones, calculators, and printers.
Backpacks, Lunchboxes & Extras
JanSport and other favorites often go on sale.
Pottery Barn Kids and similar have cute character or themed options at a discount.
Don’t overlook teacher appreciation gifts while you’re shopping—small treats are always appreciated!
Mary’s Smart Shopping Tips
- Sales Tax Holidays — If you’re in a state like Texas, check dates (often early August) for tax-free clothing, shoes, and supplies under certain amounts.
- Loyalty Programs — Target Circle, Walmart+, and store apps can stack extra savings.
- Buy Early but Not Too Early — Mid-to-late July often has the sweetest spot for selection and pricing.
- Secondhand & Hand-Me-Downs — Gently used items from friends or local buy/sell groups can stretch your budget even further.
Shopping for three girls has taught me that a little planning goes a long way. Taking a few minutes to compare deals can save hundreds over the years; which is money we can put toward family fun instead!
What’s on your must-have list this year? Are you team uniform or team “let them express themselves”?
Drop your favorite deal finds or shopping hacks in the comments…I’d love to hear them and share with other mamas.
Here’s to a smooth, joyful, and budget-friendly start to the school year!
With love,
Mary
More Than a Mommy
Visit MaryBockert.com for more family resources, budget-friendly ideas, and real-talk parenting moments.
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