7 Smart Ways to Save on Back to School Clothes + Free Checklist

Just because you’re homeschooling doesn’t mean your kids don’t need back to school clothes! In fact, growing kids always seem to need new clothes, whether they’re learning at the kitchen table or heading off to a classroom.

Let’s be honest, clothes can get expensive fast.

If you’re looking for ways to save, you’re in the right place. This post will walk you through some of my favorite money-saving tips for back to school clothes-including the exact steps I’ve used with my own kids. You’ll also find a free printable checklist to help you track what your kids already have, what they still need, and how much you’re budgeting for each item.

Ready? Let’s get started!

In a Hurry? Here’s the Quick Version:

Yes, you can save big on back to school clothes-even if you’re homeschooling!
Here’s a sneak peek at a few smart ways to stretch your budget:

• Start by swapping or sharing clothes with friends, co-ops, or family.
• Set a simple clothing budget that can double as a real-life math lesson
• Shop smarter by using secondhand stores, store credit programs, and online sales
• Grab our free printable Back-to-School Clothes Checklist

Keep reading for all the details, our favorite store tips, and our checklist to help you save when you shop.

Where can I buy Back-to-School Clothes and Save Money?

If you’re hoping to save on back to school clothes, here’s your strategy: Start with free or low-cost options first, then work your way toward new items if you need them. You’ll be surprised how far you can stretch your budget with a little creativity.

1. Start with Clothing Swaps & Closet Raids (Always!)

Before you shop, start with what you already have (or can trade for free). Clothing swaps are a fantastic way to find new-to-you clothes without spending a penny. Many homeschool co-ops, churches, and community groups organize swaps where families bring in outgrown clothes and trade with others.

If you don’t have a swap nearby, why not suggest starting one? You can ask other parents in your homeschool group, co-op, church, or even a local playgroup if they’d be interested. It’s easier than you think and it’s a great way to build community while saving money.

Before the swap, raid your own closets. Check with older siblings, cousins, or friends to see if they have anything they’ve outgrown. If it fits a younger sibling, you’re set! If not, add it to the swap pile. It’s amazing how many clothes still have plenty of life left in them.

2. Set a Clothing Budget (and Get Your Kids Involved!)

Once you’ve swapped and sorted, it’s time to talk money. Before you head to the store – or even start browsing online – set a budget for back to school clothes. This one simple step can save you from those “oops, we spent way too much” moments later on.

Here’s something that worked really well in our family: When our girls were in about 3rd or 4th grade, we started giving them a clothing budget. We’d tell them exactly how much we were planning to spend, then let them do the math as they shopped.

They were allowed to try on anything they wanted but with one rule: Mom had final approval. I always had the last say when it came to things like modesty, graphic tee messages, and of course, price.

If they went over budget? They had to narrow down their picks and decide what really mattered. And if they really loved something that cost more than I was willing to pay, I’d let them decide-either chip in some of their own money or choose something else.

Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best life lessons we ever taught them: real-life math, decision-making, and budgeting. And now, as adults, I watch them make smart money choices and smile. It all started right there in the dressing room during back to school clothes shopping.

💡Print & Go Bonus: Back-to-School Clothes Checklist

Want to make this even easier? I’ve created a Print & Go Back-to-School Clothes Checklist to help you keep everything organized.

Whether you’re swapping, thrifting, or buying new, this checklist will help you stay on track-and stick to your budget.

3. Check Out Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops

Now that you have a budget, it’s time to stretch it as far as possible. Thrift stores and consignment shops are gold mines for saving money on back to school clothes.

You can often find great-quality clothes, sometimes with tags still on, for just a few dollars. From everyday play clothes to special event outfits and shoes, there’s usually something for every need-and every price range.

The best part? It’s almost like a treasure hunt! You never know what fun finds you’ll discover.

4. Trade in Old Clothes for Store Credit (Plan Ahead!)

This is one of my favorite tricks – especially if you shop at consignment stores regularly. Many of these shops will take your kids’ outgrown clothes, and as they sell, you can earn store credit to use later.

When my girls were younger, I made it a habit to bring in clothes they’d outgrown (or simply weren’t wearing) throughout the year. By the time back-to-school season rolled around, I often had a nice little store credit waiting for me-ready to stretch our budget even further.

It’s such a win-win. You clear out clutter and earn credit toward new-to-you clothes for the upcoming school year. If you start early and plan ahead, this can really pay off. I took advantage of this for years and found some of the cutest clothes for our girls this way!

5. Don’t Forget Amazon (Especially Prime Day!)

Amazon can be a super handy option for snagging back to school clothes-especially if you time it right! Every July, Amazon hosts Prime Day, where you’ll find big savings on kids’ clothes, shoes, and accessories.

If you’re a Prime member, you can also score free shipping and sometimes even Try Before You Buy options-meaning your kids can try clothes on at home before you commit.

Here’s a little trick: Start a wish list ahead of time with items you’re eyeing, then check back during Prime Day to see what’s on sale. It’s such a low-stress way to shop-and you might be surprised by the deals.

6. Watch for Major Retailer Sales

Most big stores kick off their back-to-school sales in July, and they’re worth checking out if you’re after new clothes. Keep an eye on:

• Old Navy – Great deals on basics like jeans, t-shirts, and leggings. Look for buy-one-get-one offers and loyalty rewards.
• Target – Trendy, affordable clothes with plenty of sales on matching sets and school-ready gear.
• Walmart – Always budget-friendly, but even more so during back-to-school season with extra rollbacks.
• Kohl’s – Known for stacking coupons, sales, and Kohl’s Cash-plus extra discounts if you sign up for their emails or app alerts.

Mom tip: Sign up for store emails early in the summer to grab the best back-to-school coupons as soon as they drop.

7. Hunt for Outlet Store Bargains

If you have outlet malls nearby, they’re a great spot to check for back to school clothes at discounted prices. Stores like Gap, Nike, and Carter’s often offer deep discounts on last season’s styles – but honestly, kids rarely notice (or care!).

Outlet stores are especially good for durable pieces like jeans, jackets, and sneakers that need to last.

Many outlets also offer extra back-to-school promotions or printable coupons from their websites, so check before you go. And don’t skip the clearance racks as you never know what amazing deals you’ll find there!

Smart Savings, Lasting Lessons

When you start with what’s free, set a budget, and shop wisely, it’s amazing how far your dollars can stretch on back to school clothes-all without sacrificing the clothes your kids need (or want!).

And best of all you may end up teaching your kids something even more valuable – how to make smart money choices that will stick with them for life.