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How to Ensure Back-to-School Shopping is Magical if Money is Tight

Peta Wales: Rethink back-to-school spending: Cut costs, shop smarter, teach kids valuable money skills, and start meaningful traditions without debt.

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Q: My kids are going back to school in a few weeks and can’t wait to go back-to-school shopping. However, I wish I could share their enthusiasm. As a single parent with two middle schoolers and one starting high school, I’m anxious that one shopping trip could end up costing more than my rent. This year especially, that’s just not something I can manage. I work in construction, and ever since the tariffs hit, overtime has completely dried up.  How can I make sure my kids still have a great back-to-school experience when I can’t afford to spend what I usually do? ~Jason

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A: Back-to-school shopping has long carried a hint of nostalgia, almost like a rite of passage that marks the end of summer with fresh pencils, new sneakers, and a first-day outfit hanging ready. Many of us grew up with the tradition of filling a cart, ticking off a long supply list, and splurging a little on the most important items. But each year is unique, and with current financial realities, it may not be practical to maintain traditions that don’t align with your financial situation.

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To keep the excitement and sense of new beginnings fresh, parents and caregivers across Canada are reimagining what this year’s back-to-school shopping season can look like. With that in mind, here are some ideas to help you spend less while holding onto the best parts of the tradition—keeping the excitement alive and creating new memories — proving that back-to-school can still feel magical without breaking the bank.

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Kick things off with a budgeting challenge

One of the easiest ways to stick to your budget is to buy less, so before the shopping begins, share with your kids in age-appropriate ways what you can realistically afford to spend this year. Whether that’s $75 or $200 per child, work together to make a shopping list that puts essentials first while leaving room for a few wants along the way. Turn it into a game by giving each child a shopping allowance and challenging them to prioritize needs versus wants. With guidance, even young children will enjoy a budgeting game or tracking expenses with a free app.

Talk about comparing quality between items, when brand names might be worth it, and how trade-offs, like choosing a $15 thrift-store backpack and customizing it with decals or charms over a $75 brand-name one, can free up money for something they really want. You might be surprised by how willing your kids are to compromise when they’re part of the decision-making, and the process can teach valuable financial lessons they’ll carry into adulthood.

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How to Use Back to School Shopping as a Lesson in Financial Literacy for Your Kids

Shop smarter, not harder

Buying less is easier if you shop at home first. Pull out whatever is left from last year, such as binders, notebooks, paper, coloured pens, rulers, lunch containers, or backpacks, and decide which items can be reused and what truly needs replacing. For items that need replacing, get creative about where to shop for them. With tech items, such as calculators or tablets, search for refurbished items or ask family and friends if they have any devices they could pass down. For more traditional school supplies, look for budget-friendly options, such as at thrift shops, discount stores, online marketplaces, and local swap groups, which can be gold mines for affordable clothing and supplies. Use apps to price match, and if possible, team up with friends to buy in bulk and split the savings.

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Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips That Can Save You Money

Encourage your kids to help each other narrow the list of what needs to be replaced this year, rather than simply assigning hand-me-downs. Then make new-to-you feel exciting with a personal touch. For example, plan a wardrobe remix night where kids dye faded jeans, add patches to jackets, or customize sneakers with fabric paint. Let kids decorate plain binders with washi tape and decals, or turn an old denim jacket into a pencil case. Small projects like this cost little but create big memories, and they give kids a sense of ownership over their things.

Focus on experiences, not just ‘stuff’

Another way to buy less is to spread out your purchases, picking up items only when they’re needed or allowing “school supplies” to do double duty. For instance, consider if a new backpack, jacket, or athletic equipment can wait until Christmas or a birthday, because kids don’t need to start September with everything they’ll use over the next 10 months. Keep in mind, the heart of back-to-school magic isn’t about showing up with bags full of brand-new things, it’s the excitement of a fresh start.

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You can build that feeling with low-cost traditions, such as a backyard picnic to set goals for the year, a library trip to kick off back-to-school reading, or a first-day breakfast with their favourite pancakes. Consider hosting a party with neighbours and friends to trade clothes, books, and gear. Even a simple first day survival kit made from things you already have, like sticky notes, snacks, a personalized planner printed off online, and a handwritten note hidden in a lunch kit, can make the first day feel special without overspending.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Back-to-School Budget

Tap into community resources if you need help

If your budget is especially tight, don’t hesitate to lean on community resources and programs offered through your school district. While spending less on back-to-school shopping can be a helpful reset for your finances, it may not cover everything, especially if tech items or uniforms are on the supply lists. Many districts, charities, and local organizations offer support, from free backpacks, musical instruments, and school supplies to hardship funds for laptops or loans of tablets and calculators. Apply as early as possible, since these programs often fill up quickly. Reaching out for help is a smart, proactive step that ensures your kids have what they need to start the year confidently.

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Teach Kids About Budgeting and Money Management

The bottom line on back-to-school shopping on a budget

A tight budget doesn’t have to dim the sparkle of back-to-school, and just because you’ve spent a lot in past years doesn’t mean you have to do the same this year. Traditions are measured by the joy and excitement they create, not by how much money leaves your bank account or how high your credit card balance is. Blend savvy shopping strategies with creative options and meaningful rituals to start new traditions that fit your budget while keeping the excitement alive. Avoid a tradition of debt by focusing on what truly matters to your family, and pave the way for a future free from financial stress.

Related reading:

How to Lower Fixed Expenses in Your Budget When Paying Off Debt

Budgeting Guidelines by Category: How Much Should You Spend?

What Does It Mean to Be Intentional With Your Spending?

Peta Wales is President and CEO of the Credit Counselling Society, a non-profit organization. For more information about managing your money or debt, contact Peta by emailcheck nomoredebts.org or call 1-888-527-8999.

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