Families spend $890 on back-to-school supplies amid inflation

Back-to-school season this year is hitting wallets harder than ever, with the National Retail Federation projecting families will spend an average of $890 on supplies, clothes and tech—a record high driven by inflation and rising retail prices. Retailers from Amazon to Walmart have unleashed early “back-to-school” sales, slashing prices on everything from $1 notebooks to $500 laptops. This year’s deals launched weeks earlier than usual, as stores try to lure shoppers amid slowing consumer spending and high inventory levels.

Behind the discounts is a perfect storm of factors: post-pandemic supply chain catch-up, shipping bottlenecks, and rising costs for raw materials like plastic, paper and electronics components. Teachers and parents are especially squeezed, with many still paying off last year’s bills while prepping for fall. Sales data shows a 12% jump in school supply prices since 2022, outpacing general inflation. Experts warn that not all “deals” are real—some stores mark up prices before slashing them to mimic savings. Consumer watchdogs like Consumer Reports recommend checking unit prices and comparing prices across platforms before buying.

The best real deals this year are on basic supplies: Crayola crayons at 25 cents a box, Elmer’s glue for $1.50, and three-ring binders at $3. Tech items like graphing calculators and Chromebooks have seen modest discounts, but prices remain stubbornly high due to global chip shortages. Teachers are being targeted with deep discounts on classroom essentials, with staplers for $5 and laminators under $20. Parents are advised to skip trendy “character” notebooks and designer backpacks, which rarely go on sale and don’t improve learning. Some stores are pushing loyalty programs to lock in repeat shoppers, offering cash back on future purchases if you buy early.

What comes next is a race to the bottom. Analysts expect more price cuts as summer ends and unsold inventory piles up. By late August, most “back-to-school” sections will shrink, replaced by Halloween displays. Digital tools like price trackers and browser extensions can help families avoid impulse buys. For those on tight budgets, dollar stores and thrift shops are becoming go-to sources for gently used backpacks and school clothes. The real win isn’t finding the cheapest item—it’s sticking to a list and resisting markdowns on things you don’t need.