Back-to-School Savings: Budget-Friendly Basics & Smart Splurges

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, it’s the perfect time to stock up on essentials — like notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils — at unbeatable prices. Retailers like Walmart and Target offer dozens of school supplies for under $1, making it easier than ever to prep for the school year without overspending. Use these smart back-to-school savings tips to prep affordably and earn rewards while you shop.

Looking to stretch your budget even further? Shop during seasonal sales and make the Shopkick app part of your routine. You can earn kicks (Shopkick’s reward points) by scanning items, uploading receipts, or linking your retailer accounts for automatic rewards. Every kick earned brings you closer to savings on your next purchase.

Being budget-savvy has never been easier — or more rewarding!

Back-to-School Lunches That Stretch Your Budget

Packing school lunches doesn’t have to mean extra stress or cost. With a little planning, you can keep them creative and affordable.

Here’s how:

Buy in bulk: Crackers, juice boxes, and granola bars often cost less per unit in family-size packs
Use leftovers: Turn last night’s chicken into wraps, quesadillas, or rice bowls to save time and money
Shop smart brands: Many kick-eligible grocery items are perfect lunchbox staples

And of course, earn rewards along the way. Scan your lunchbox picks with Shopkick or upload your receipt to rack up kicks on the essentials you’re already buying.

Smart Back-to-School Splurges That Last

You don’t need to go bottom-of-the-barrel on every item. Sometimes, a little extra spend goes a long way.

Consider investing in:

A durable backpack: Look for reinforced straps and compartments that can handle the school year and beyond
Reusable lunch containers: These cut down on waste and future grocery list costs
Tech accessories: Headphones, calculators, or chargers are school-year staples. Shop online through Shopkick at Best Buy, Target, Staples, and more make these upgrades even more affordable

Smart splurges paired with kick rewards mean your budget works harder for you.

Maximize Your Kicks

Ready to unlock even more savings? Let Shopkick turn your shopping list into an extra rewarding checklist.

Use the app to:

Scan items while you shop
Upload receipts from any store
Link your accounts for automatic kick magic

From the smallest school supply to your biggest new tech investment, Shopkick helps you earn rewards while checking everything off your list. With Shopkick as your shopping companion, school prep becomes smarter, easier, and more rewarding.

Start kicking off the school year with smart savings today!

Sam Alvarez

Sam is a writer and marketing manager at Shopkick who loves a good deal almost as much as a good iced coffee. Her favorite place to earn kicks? Target, of course!