Families are paying record prices for back-to-school supplies this year

It’s the time of year when parents everywhere are scrambling to make sure they’re checking everything off the school supplies list before their kids go back to school. Unfortunately this year, prices are higher than ever on simple classroom necessities.

A new study conducted by WorldRemit shows that the cost of school supplies in the US this year has soared 28% compared to 2022.  It also shows that 40% of countries will pay more than their monthly income on school supplies this year—a startling figure.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports back-to-school shopping is expected to reach record levels. Spending for back-to-school is expected to reach an all-time high of $41.5 billion. Last year that number was $36.9 billion.

Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35 and a new high, per the NRF.

Prices for basic necessities like crayons, highlighters, pens, and pencils have increased an average of 18.5% between August 2022 and June 2023. According to data provided to The L.A. Times by market analytics firm NielsenIQ, the cost of planners, binders and folders increased by an average of 48.5% in that same period.

With prices of supplies higher than ever and the average U.S. salary still not aligning with inflation, many families are searching for deals online and in discount stores.

“Even though consumers plan to spend more on school and college-related items this year, they are still looking to find the best value and deals,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “Consumers are stretching their dollars by comparing prices, considering off-brand or store-brand items, and are more likely to shop at discount stores than last year.”

How can families save on school supplies?

Teachers often have to cover the cost of classroom supplies out of their own pockets, which is why they often enlist the help of Amazon Wish Lists—this allows community members to chip in on items for their children’s classrooms individually.

So what can parents do to help with back-to-school costs?

• Keep an eye on weekly ads. Labor Day sales may be a good way to get what you need at a lower cost, too.

• Utilize cash-back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to boost your savings.

• Check out your local Buy Nothing groups or Marketplace on Facebook.

• Buy in bulk and split the cost with the parents of your kids’ classmates for a lower-per-unit cost.
  

Here are some other ways to save on your back-to-school necessities through Amazon.

Bundles Galore

• $69.99

Mega Back to School Supply Kit Bundle

Why bother going from store to store when you can get it all in one spot without leaving your house? This amazing back-to-school bundle includes quality brand name supplies like Crayola, Elmer’s, Dixon Ticonderoga, Fiskars, PaperMate and Sharpie. It’s perfect for any grade!

SHOP

Crayola

• $12.99

Back-to-School supply pack

It’s no coincidence that “Crayola” and “creative” begin with “C.” This awesome kit comes with 80 pieces: markers, crayons, colored pencils, oh my! This kit will surely last longer than the first month of the school year, and your kids (and their teachers) will thank you for it.

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Crayola

• $22.95

Basic back-to-school bundle

This kit has everything you need for creativity and functionality! It comes with a 24 count of Crayola crayons, a 10 pack of markers, a dozen colored pencils, an Elmer’s glue stick, and a pair of scissors perfect for small student hands.

SHOP