If you’ve gone school shopping lately and felt your jaw drop at the checkout… you’re not alone. Prices for even the basics—pencils, backpacks, notebooks—have quietly crept up, and suddenly a quick school supply run can feel more like a full-blown budget crisis.
As a family, we’ve definitely noticed it. Between shopping for Liam’s classroom and keeping extra learning materials on hand for home, the list feels longer—and more expensive—every year.
So we’re approaching things a little differently this back-to-school season: we’re planning smarter, buying more intentionally, and using a checklist (two actually!) to stay focused and avoid overbuying.
📈 Yes, It’s Not Just You – School Supplies Are More Expensive
According to recent U.S. data, prices on school-related goods have gone up anywhere from 20% to nearly 30% over the past few years. That includes things like:
- ✏️ Pencils & art supplies
- 🖍️ Markers and highlighters
- 📄 Notebooks & paper
- 🎒 Backpacks and lunch bags
Here’s a look at just how much those prices have climbed:
Even if you’re buying store-brand items or reusing what you can, the price hikes add up quickly—especially if you have more than one child.
✅ Our 2-Checklist Strategy to Stay on Track (and on Budget)
We’ve started using two printable checklists to help organize what we really need—for both school and learning at home.
🏫 Back to School Supplies Checklist
This covers all the school essentials: backpacks, notebooks, folders, and everything your child actually brings to class.
➡️ Download the School Checklist
🧠 Learning Supplies Checklist
This list is more about tools that make learning fun and engaging at home—things like mini whiteboards, dot markers, and playdough tools. Perfect for preschoolers or early learners.
➡️ Download the Learning Checklist
By separating the two, we don’t end up overbuying or forgetting something important—and we can better plan when and where to shop.
💡 5 Quick Tips to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
We’re also doing a few extra things this year to help ease the cost:
- Start early. Grab items when they go on sale—even mid-summer.
- Reuse and refresh. Check what you already have from last year before buying new.
- Buy in bundles. Team up with a friend and split a pack of markers or glue sticks.
- Compare online prices. Some basics are cheaper when ordered ahead.
- Stick to your checklist! Impulse buys add up fast. If it’s not on the list, pause before adding it to the cart.
💬 You’re Not Alone in This
Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and stress for most families. If you’re feeling the pressure of rising prices and long lists, know that you’re not the only one.
We hope our checklists and tips help make your prep a little smoother—and a lot more budget-friendly.
✨ Wishing your family a joyful and organized start to the school year!
With love,
The Liam’s Classroom Family ❤️
