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Here’s Why School Supplies Continue to Cost More and More Every Year

May 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Heres Why School Supplies Continue to Cost More and More Every Year

Every year, parents brace for the back-to-school season—not just for the new routines, but for the rising cost of everything from pencils to backpacks. What used to be a quick \$20 run to the store has ballooned into a triple-digit shopping spree for many families. The truth is, school supplies continue to cost more every year, and it’s not just inflation. A mix of economic shifts, changing classroom expectations, and marketing trends has turned basic supplies into big business. If you’ve been wondering why your back-to-school bill keeps growing, here’s what’s really driving the increase.

1. Inflation Hits Every Industry—Including Education

One of the most obvious reasons school supplies continue to cost more is general inflation. Just like groceries, gas, and rent, the price of manufacturing and distributing goods is going up. Companies that produce notebooks, markers, and glue sticks are passing those higher costs on to consumers. Shipping delays and rising labor costs only add to the problem. While inflation affects everything, parents feel it sharply during back-to-school season when multiple purchases stack up quickly.

2. Teachers Rely More on Parent-Supplied Materials

School budgets are tighter than ever, and many teachers are forced to ask families to supply more of what classrooms used to provide. From cleaning wipes to paper towels to printer paper, school supply lists have expanded beyond the basics. As schools shift more responsibility onto parents, the demand—and cost—goes up. It’s not uncommon for parents to purchase classroom materials that serve 20 students, not just their own child. The more that’s added to the list, the more school supplies continue to cost more.

3. Trendy and Branded Items Drive Prices Higher

That sparkly pencil pouch with a popular cartoon character? It costs significantly more than the generic version. Retailers know how to market to kids, and children often influence purchasing decisions. While basic supplies haven’t changed much in function, branding and design can double or triple the price. When kids beg for trending items and parents want to avoid a meltdown, budgets can quickly balloon. Even simple items like folders and lunchboxes are often more about style than substance.

4. Supply Chain Disruptions Are Still Rippling Through

Global supply chain issues that started during the pandemic haven’t fully recovered. Shortages of materials like plastic and paper, combined with slowdowns at shipping ports, have driven up prices for everyday goods. School supplies continue to cost more in part because it’s harder and more expensive to produce and transport them. When fewer items are available, prices naturally climb due to higher demand. These disruptions are often invisible to consumers but deeply impact what ends up on shelves.

5. More Tech Means More Expenses

Today’s school supply lists often include earbuds, USB drives, or even tablets, especially in districts that expect students to engage in digital learning. As classrooms become more tech-focused, the financial burden shifts to families to provide those tools. Tech accessories aren’t just more expensive—they often need to be replaced more frequently. As schools integrate more online learning, traditional supply lists grow to include items that stretch the budget even further. This digital shift is a key reason school supplies continue to cost more year after year.

6. Bulk Buying Isn’t Always the Best Deal

Buying in bulk seems like a smart money-saving move, but it can backfire. Some teachers request very specific brands or types of items, meaning that value packs go unused or aren’t acceptable. Additionally, warehouse stores often carry larger quantities than needed, which may cost more upfront even if the per-item price is lower. It’s not uncommon for families to overbuy, leading to waste rather than savings. Even when trying to save, many parents end up spending more than planned.

7. Uniform Policies and Dress Codes Add Up

While not technically “supplies,” clothing expenses tied to school are often included in families’ back-to-school budgeting. Many schools have strict dress codes or uniform requirements, forcing parents to purchase specific styles or brands. These items can be surprisingly pricey, especially if you have to buy multiple outfits, shoes, or accessories. When combined with traditional supplies, these expenses help explain why school supplies continue to cost more each year. It’s a hidden cost that often gets overlooked in average price estimates.

8. More Grade Levels, More Specialized Needs

As kids grow, so do their school supply needs. Older students may require scientific calculators, graph paper, art supplies, or more advanced writing tools. These specialty items often come with higher price tags and aren’t reusable year to year. Parents of multiple children in different grades feel this impact even more. It’s not just the quantity of supplies—it’s the complexity that causes school supplies to continue to cost more as students move through the system.

Why the Back-to-School Budget Feels Heavier Every Year

What once felt like a manageable seasonal task has turned into a full-blown financial event. From inflation to branded trends to shifting school policies, there’s no single reason school supplies continue to cost more—it’s the combined weight of many small changes over time. While some of these factors are out of your hands, being a savvy shopper, avoiding brand traps, and coordinating with teachers can help lighten the load. When families and schools work together, it’s easier to keep costs in check and focus on what really matters: giving kids the tools they need to learn and succeed.

Have you noticed your back-to-school costs rising? What tips have helped you manage the growing expense? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read More:

12 Reasons Why Your Kids are Behind Academically

10 Surprising Facts About How Much School Uniforms Really Cost

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Finances Tagged With: Back To School Shopping, education costs, family finances, parenting expenses, rising prices, school budgeting, school supply costs, student supplies

Saving Money With Back to School Shopping

August 13, 2013 | 4 Comments

back to schoolI can’t believe we’re already nearing the end of the summer. This past week the flyers were delivered and jam-packed full with back to school shopping deals. I feel like we were just talking about Easter! Time goes too fast.

When it comes to grade school, back to school is a time of year when pressure is put on parents. Kids need to go to school and they will require some new items for their pending academic year but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as your children will have you believe. Kids have a funny way of making it seem like they couldn’t possibly succeed without ‘x’ item and guess what? As parents, we will occasionally get duped by our kids. We will inevitably purchase an item we didn’t have to, sometimes because we’re suckers and believe them and sometimes because we just love them. Back to school shopping can be very expensive but there are a few ways to save!

 

Budget

This isn’t exactly about saving money per se, but if you know your child will be needing new supplies every year, budget for it! Determine how much money will be spent on each child and budget the amount equally over the year so you’re not faced with a huge bill come school shopping time. This should include any supplies, clothes and gadgets they will need. Once you’ve set a budget shopping will be a lot less stressful, especially if you’re able to set ground rules with kids in advance.

 

Wait for Sales

The normal price for a pack of looseleaf paper at my local Walmart is $1.79/pack, this week it is on sale for $0.15. Needless to say if I was shopping for my child I would be buying enough paper to last the next 10 years at that price.

In many places, there are also tax free days for back to school shopping, which can at least give you a little break on the taxes you pay on your school supplies.

 

Reuse

When I was in elementary school I needed a new backpack every year. I’d find a flaw in my current one just so mom could buy me a snazzy new one. Eventually she caught on and bought me a good quality backpack with the stipulation that I took care of it and it was to be the last one she ever bought me. Fair enough. That bag ended up lasting me all the way through university, money well spent.

Same thing goes with things like sneakers ad clothes, unless your child is growing a legitimately doesn’t fit in their current size, or their shoes are really falling apart they don’t need a new pair just because it’s the start of a new year. Though I respect wanting a new outfit or two for the new year it doesn’t have to be a full wardrobe overhaul.

 

Share What Can Be Shared

If you have more than one child to shop for, and there are items that can be shared, capitalize on this. Each child does not need their own computer. Trust me, I know they will have a very elaborate explanation as to why they do, but unless you have a household of five plus children all in school, one computer for the children will suffice.

Back to school is a stressful time for families with the drastic change in routines, shopping for supplies shouldn’t be!

How do you save on back to school shopping for your kids?

Catherine
Catherine

Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.

plungedindebt.com

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: Back To School Shopping, children, Saving Money, school

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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