The back-to-school season is one of the most expensive times of the year for families. Between supplies, clothing, lunch essentials, and tech gear, it’s easy for spending to spiral out of control. Fortunately, shopping at variety stores can help you check off your entire list—without blowing your budget. With a smart plan and a few key tools, you can save money, avoid stress, and still set students up for success.

Here’s how to shop smarter this school year.

1. Start with your school’s supply list

Before heading to the store, download your child’s specific supply list from their school website or classroom page. Many districts provide downloadable PDFs or digital lists like those found on TeacherLists. Sticking to an itemized list prevents overspending on unnecessary extras.

2. Stock up at the right variety stores

You don’t need to visit high-end retailers to get quality supplies. Stores like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Five Below, and Dollar General stock a wide selection of essentials such as:

• Notebooks and folders
  
• Pencils, pens, and markers
  
• Glue sticks, scissors, and rulers
  
• Lunch containers and snack bags
  
• Backpacks and lunch boxes (at select locations)
  

Many of these stores offer seasonal displays with school items up front, especially during July and August.

3. Shop early for the best selection

Back-to-school deals often start as early as mid-July and peak by mid-August. Shopping early helps you avoid last-minute crowds and ensures better availability of high-demand items like index cards, calculators, and dry-erase markers.

4. Use store coupons and loyalty programs

Most variety stores offer digital coupon programs to help you save even more:

• CVS ExtraCare provides exclusive savings and personalized coupons.
  
• myWalgreens rewards points on qualifying purchases.
  

These savings can often be applied to back-to-school products, especially when paired with weekly sales.

5. Buy in multiples and divide the cost

If you have more than one child or are teaming up with a friend, buy larger packs of pencils, notebooks, or glue sticks and divide them up. Buying in bulk is often more cost-effective at stores like Dollar General or Family Dollar.

6. Don’t forget to check cashback opportunities

Some rebate and cashback apps reward you for school supply purchases—even on sale or store-brand items. Tools like Ibotta and Rakuten frequently include relevant offers during back-to-school season.

You can also pay using digital gift cards purchased through Fluz to stack even more savings. For example:

• Earn cashback at Dollar General by using a Fluz gift card
  
• Get cashback at CVS when picking up supplies or health items
  
• Use a Walgreens gift card to combine sale pricing and rewards
  

Fluz allows you to purchase gift cards for the exact amount needed, making it easier to stay within your school supply budget while earning rewards instantly.

7. Reuse and recycle supplies when possible

Before buying new, check drawers, closets, and backpacks for gently used folders, scissors, or unused pens from last year. Reusing even a few items can cut your spending in half.

8. Build a weekly checklist—not just a shopping list

Spreading purchases across multiple weeks lets you take advantage of rotating sales and limits unnecessary impulse buys. This approach is especially helpful when managing budgets for multiple children.

School success doesn’t have to be expensive

With smart planning, a list-first mindset, and savvy tools like digital coupons and cashback apps, back-to-school shopping can be both affordable and stress-free. Variety stores offer quality, convenience, and real savings—especially when you know where to look.