Here are savings on back-to-school supplies that help offset inflationary price hikes

Dalia Faheid

If you’re a Tarrant County parent, you’re probably getting your kids ready to start school sometime between Aug. 9 and 17. That means you only have a week or two to buy everything on their lengthy school supply list, trendy outfits that will get their stamp of approval and their favorite snacks and lunches. But this year, everything is a lot more expensive than you remember.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington prices rose 2% in April and May, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last year, area prices jumped by 9%, the largest percent increase since December 1981.

“As they prepare for the upcoming school year, mounting inflation is a reminder of an unpredictable future. However, they’re prepared to spend,” reads the Deloitte 2022 back-to-school survey. “Parents plan to shop more in-store this year, relying less on social media and emerging tech tools. The pandemic caused many to reassess priorities, and sustainability and their child’s mental health are top of mind.”

With inflation affecting back-to-school products, here’s what to know as you shop for your children.

How much more expensive are school items?

While back-to-school spending is up 8% this year, according to the Deloitte survey, 57% of parents are concerned about inflation’s impact on the cost of school products. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average household will spend $864 on school supplies in 2022. Here’s how much pricier different items have gotten.

  • Stationery — up 13% over the past year

  • Snacks — up 14% over the past year

  • Food — up 10% over the past year

  • Boys’ apparel — up 7% over the past year

  • Girls’ apparel — up 2% over the past year

  • Infants’ and toddlers’ apparel — up 10% over the past year

  • Boys’ and girls’ footwear — up 7% over the past year

  • Sports equipment — up 8% over the past year

  • Music instruments and accessories — up 6% over the past year

How to save on school shopping

Follow these seven tips from Consumer Reports to cut costs as you shop for everything on your list.

  1. Wait to buy: Don’t buy everything before the first day. Ask teachers what’s needed right away and purchase the rest later.

  2. Take advantage of tax holidays: In Texas, the tax-free holiday lasts from Aug. 5 to 7. During the weekend, the tax exemption will apply to most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks under $100.

  3. Have a shopping plan: Take stock of what you have at home, then make a shopping list and budget. This will help you avoid unnecessary spending.

  4. Compare prices: Search for the best deal online, using tools like Google Shopping and ShopSavvy. Stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Target have price matching, which will also help you save.

  5. Spread out your shopping: While you may shop at big-box stores like Target and Walmart, other places to find school supplies are dollar stores, office supply stores and wholesale stores.

  6. Consider buying refurbished electronics: Look for a used computer, tablet or phone from a reputable seller.

  7. Keep an eye on sales: If something goes on sale after you buy it, you might be able to get some of your money back, depending on the retailer.

Back-to-school discounts, deals

  • Famous Footwear — Use code BACK2SCHOOL22 for up to $20 off a $100 purchase. Valid through Aug. 3.

  • Office Depot & OfficeMax — Print coupon for a $10 in-store discount on a qualifying purchase of $50 or more, or 20% off a qualifying purchase online.

  • Lenovo — Students save up to $100 with code BTS2022.

  • HP — Extra 5% off select products $599+ with code SCHOOLHP5. Extra 10% off select products $1,099+ with code SCHOOLHP10.

  • Target — Buy one get one 50% off kids’ shoes.

  • Amazon — From Aug. 15 to Sept. 1, Amazon Prime members can get up to 25% off select headphones.

  • Nike — Use code SCORE20 for an extra 20% off select styles.

  • Kohls — Members get an extra 20% off back-to-school clothing and shoes. Ends Aug. 4.

  • JCPenney — Get 25% off with code YAYBTS.

  • The Children’s Place — Members earn rewards on school essentials through Aug. 29.

Back-to-school shopping list

Take a look through this school supply list to help you save time on your shopping. This checklist has everything your child will need to start the school year, including apparel, electronics and stationery supplies.

  • Backpack

  • Lunch box or lunch bag

  • Pencil pouch

  • Highlighters

  • Crayons

  • Markers

  • Colored pencils

  • #2 pencils and mechanical pencils

  • Ballpoint pens

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

  • Erasers

  • Pencil sharpener

  • Index cards

  • Notebooks

  • Construction paper

  • Calculator

  • Calendar or planner

  • Graph paper

  • Folders

  • Hole punch

  • Protractor

  • Ruler

  • Wite-Out

  • Stapler and staples

  • Dictionary

  • Post-it Notes

  • Binder

  • Loose leaf paper

  • File dividers

  • Sneakers

  • Jacket or hoodie

  • Several pairs of leggings, jeans, pants, shorts and/or skirts

  • Several tops

  • Several pairs of socks

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Tissues

  • Wipes

  • USB

  • Headphones

  • Laptop or tablet and case

  • Printer, ink and printer paper

  • Book covers

  • Locker accessories

  • Face masks

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Umbrella

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