Back To School Shopping On A Budget
Back-to-school season brings fresh excitement, new routines, and (let’s be honest) a long list of supplies that can add up quickly. And for Arizona families, school often starts earlier than in other states, which means the shopping scramble hits fast. The good news is that it’s completely possible to get everything students need without breaking the bank.
Whether you’ve got one kid or a whole crew to shop for, there are smart, creative ways to save without skimping on what they need or want. Here are some tried-and-true tips for back-to-school shopping on a budget in Arizona.
1. Nellis Auction
If you’re not familiar with Nellis Auction, here’s fair warning — you’re going to get addicted, and you’re going to want to bookmark it now. It’s an Arizona-based liquidation auction site that sells everything from school supplies to backpacks, Chromebooks, lunchboxes, and even shoes.
You place bids online and pick up your winnings in person at one of their Valley warehouses. Items are usually overstock or customer returns from major retailers, which means you can snag brand-new or like-new stuff at a fraction of the price.
Yes, you’ll need to read descriptions carefully and factor in the time to pick up your items, but if you’re up for a little bit of online treasure hunting, Nellis can be an amazing budget-friendly option. Not to mention the pickup process is super easy.
It’s possible to score name-brand shoes, reusable water bottles, and even a desk chair for under twenty bucks. Just don’t tell everyone. Let’s keep it semi-secret.
2. Goodwill ½ Price Days
Arizona Goodwills are underrated when it comes to school shopping, especially for clothes. And if you time your trip around their 50% off days (usually every other Saturday), you can walk out with a whole outfit haul for under twenty-five dollars.
You’ll find everything from school uniforms to jeans, graphic tees, and shoes. Some stores even have new items with tags still attached. Bonus points if you score a cute backpack or a decent lunchbox.
Keep in mind, you’ll want to go early. And bring a friend or teen who’s up for digging because half the fun is in the hunt.
3. Dollar Tree
If you’ve only been using Dollar Tree for birthday balloons and gift bags, it’s time to look again. Their school supply section is actually really solid.
You can stock up on basics like notebooks, folders, highlighters, pens, glue sticks, scissors, and even planners. All for just $1.25. They’ve also got things like stickers, flashcards, and even classroom decor.
Pro tip: Don’t skip their book section because there are some real gems in there.
4. School Supply Swaps (They’re a Thing, and They’re Awesome)
If you haven’t heard of a school supply swap, you’re missing out.
It’s basically like a clothing swap, but for backpacks, supplies, and even lunch containers. Parents bring gently used or extra items they no longer need and trade for things they do.
Some neighborhood Facebook groups or parenting circles organize these before school starts, especially in places with lots of school aged families. Community centers, churches, or even homeschool co-ops sometimes host free back-to-school events that include swap tables.
It’s good for the planet, your wallet, and your sanity.
5. Don’t Forget: The Real Deals Come After Back-to-School
Everyone talks about July and early August deals, but some of the best prices actually pop up after the big rush.
We’re talking deep clearance at Target, Walmart, and even office stores. Stores slash prices to get rid of extra inventory. You can grab crayons for a quarter, binders for under a buck, and backpacks at ridiculously low prices.
If you can, grab extras. Stock up on glue sticks, pens, folders, and notebooks while they’re pennies on the dollar. You’ll be so glad you did when your kid tells you in November that they lost their scissors or need another notebook by tomorrow.
Even if you don’t need everything right now, it’s smart to build a mini stash for later in the year.
At the end of the day, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. If you’re strategic and a little flexible, you can get everything your kids need without draining your bank account.
So hit up that Goodwill, browse the Nellis listings, and maybe even host a supply swap of your own. You’ve got this, and your wallet will thank you. Let the new school year begin!