Teachers typically spend more than $655 each year on classroom supplies, giving their classrooms resources and an identity, according to Education Week. Back-to-school spending could increase this year with the threat of new tariffs increasing the cost of many imported goods.
A recent CNBC analysis found that prices for supplies such as lead pencils and art materials rose about four percent since the start of 2024. Marking tools increased by more than six percent.
Here are five tips to be a thrifty shopper:
1) Track local discounts
From Canva to Michaels, many companies and retailers offer one-time or recurring discounts for teachers. Track sales at chains like Walmart and Staples for items such as pencils, and buy books during your local public library’s book sales.
2) Use crowdsourcing
Amazon teacher gift lists are a popular way to supply your classrooms. Teachers can add any Amazon product to their list, share it with their network, and send personalized thank-you notes to people who buy a gift.
DonorsChoose is a nonprofit that sends classroom materials directly to teachers. Teachers can submit projects — getting a new rug or providing their students with folders — and anyone can donate money to a specific request. Katie Bisbee, the organization’s chief revenue and marketing officer, says without DonorsChoose, some teachers may spend more than $1,400 on school supplies.
Get Your Teach On, a professional development organization, created a ‘Clear The List’ webpage where anyone can purchase an item off a teacher’s Amazon wish list.
3) Recycle supplies
Finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose classroom materials can make a big difference. Classroom decorations or organizational items can come from thrift stores and consignment stores. Teachers can also involve students in reusing efforts through competitions. Which class can collect the most recyclable materials, Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, an associate editor of MIT Press’ Education Finance and Policy, suggests.
“I have bigger kids now who don’t need multiple boxes of markers and colored pencils that I had during COVID to do the coloring book, so [it] doesn’t always have to be in fashion,” Sattin-Baja says. “There’s a way to make it environmentally conscious and also community building.”
There are ways to creatively reuse classroom items. Classrooms can be designed around niche themes like animals. One teacher recommends rainbow themed decorations for classrooms so teachers can reuse the materials annually.
4) Tap into your community
Teacher unions, Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and school parent teacher associations (when active) can help teachers find free or discounted supplies even year-round that can be stocked in supply rooms until needed. Similar to baby and bridal showers, educators can throw teacher showers to help lower the cost of back-to-school spending.
5) Resist the urge to splurge
With prices expected to rise, some teachers may want to stock up early. Sattin-Baja advises teachers to weigh that impulse carefully and consider personal finances.
“I understand wanting to stockpile [the things] you know you need a lot of,” Sattin-Baja says, “but folks don’t necessarily have the money up front to spend twice what they thought they were, trying to avoid higher prices in six months.”
It makes sense for teachers to stock up on items they’ll use throughout the year, such as pencils and folders, but not buy items that may end up being “junk” in their classroom, says one teacher.
“Everything that you buy should be functional,” she says. “You should not just be buying things because they’re cute. That’ll help you save money. Remember, you’re going to collect things throughout the school year.”
Education Week
