School Supplies On A Budget: How I Spent Under $50 For 3 Kids

Most parents now spend over $143.77 per child on school supplies, according to the National Retail Federation. This year, I got everything my three kids needed for under $50 total. Here are five ways you can do it too, even with prices up.

1. Check Last Year’s Leftovers First

Before you buy anything, pull out all the old supplies from last year. Folders, scissors, and even half-used notebooks often have plenty of life left. This one step will cut your shopping list almost in half.

Go through backpacks and desk drawers. Toss what is broken, but save any item that still works. For us, I found enough folders, rulers, and colored pencils for all three kids. Only buy what you cannot reuse.

2. Join a Local Swap Group

Look for a school supply swap group in your neighborhood or school community. In 2026, most swap groups report over 90% participation and help families get what they need for free.

Bring in your leftover packs of crayons, extra binders, or outgrown lunchboxes. Trade for items on your list you do not have.

Most families who join a swap group get at least one major item for free or at a big discount. If your school does not have a group, ask in local parent Facebook groups or at your public library.

3. Use Price-Matching at Staples and Amazon

Staples and Amazon both offer price-matching on school supplies. At Staples, they will even beat competitor prices by 10% for identical items. Here is what to do:

• Make your supply list (see tip #4)
• Check Amazon for the lowest prices on each item
• Bring your list and screenshots to Staples
• At checkout, say exactly this:

“I found this same item on Amazon for a lower price. Can you price match or beat it?”

One price-match can save you $2 to $5 per item, especially on big packs of notebooks or markers. Combine this with any $5-off-$25 coupon from the Staples app for even bigger savings.

4. Stick to the Official Supply List Only

Schools often send long lists, but some items are optional or only needed for certain grades. Only buy what the teacher says is required.

If you are not sure, ask the teacher before shopping. Avoid buying extra or “just in case” items. This year, I skipped extra markers and index cards, which have gone up 42% in price since last year, according to the Groundwork Collaborative.

The fewer items you buy, the easier it is to stay under budget.

5. Set a Per-Child Limit and Track as You Go

Decide how much you can spend per child. For me, that was about $16 per kid for three kids. Take a calculator or use your phone to add up prices as you shop.

Families who set a firm per-child limit are more likely to stick to their budget, even as average spending rises. Tracking each item at the store keeps you from surprise totals at checkout. Tell your kids the limit before you shop. Let them help pick which colors or brands fit the budget.

Wrap-Up: Keep It Simple And Save

You do not have to spend $143 per child on school supplies. Reusing, swapping, price-matching, buying only what is needed, and setting a clear limit helped me keep three kids ready for school for under $50. Every dollar you do not spend on supplies is a dollar you keep for your family.

The free budget planner below makes it easy to set your own school supply budget and track what you spend for each child. Download it to plan your shopping and stay on track. Click the button below to get the free budget planner now.