Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping: Smart, Durable Picks

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Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming and expensive, but choosing a few smart, durable products makes a big difference. Below are reliable, widely available items that hold up through the school year — along with who benefits most from each pick and why they help you save over time.

1. Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers

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Best for younger students and art projects: these markers are designed to wash out of most clothing and from skin more easily than permanent markers. That means fewer stained shirts and less need to replace supplies mid-year.

Buying tips: look for multi-packs so you have extras for classrooms and craft centers, and keep a smaller set in a pencil case for homework.

2. Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils

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Best for elementary and standardized-test practice: Ticonderoga pencils are known for good-quality lead and durable wood that resists breakage. Fewer snapped tips mean fewer replacements and less time spent sharpening during class.

Buying tips: buy in a larger box for classrooms or shared family use and pair with a sturdy sharpener to reduce waste.

3. Bic Round Stic Ballpoint Pens

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Best for everyday writing and older students: these pens are simple, reliable, and widely available in single-color and multi-color packs. Their consistent performance means fewer tosses and shorter supply lists.

Buying tips: choose packs with a few extras to cover lost pens and keep a separate stash for homework and backpacks.

4. Five Star Spiral Notebooks

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Best for middle and high school students who carry multiple classes: Five Star notebooks are built with sturdier covers and stronger spirals so pages stay intact longer. A notebook that survives a full semester replaces the need for multiple cheaper ones.

Buying tips: select a mix of college-ruled and wide-ruled depending on the student’s needs, and consider color-coding by subject to simplify organization.

5. JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

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Best for families seeking a durable, no-fuss backpack: JanSport’s classic styles are simple, roomy, and known for lasting through the school year and beyond. A sturdy backpack reduces the need to replace worn bags mid-year.

Buying tips: pick a neutral color or pattern that can be used for several years and check for comfortable straps to protect the child’s back over time.

6. Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle

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Best for all ages to reduce single-use bottles: Nalgene bottles are durable, easy to clean, and fit most lunchboxes. A reusable bottle can save money over buying drinks and is less likely to leak or be thrown away after a single use.

Buying tips: choose a size that fits into school cup holders and consider a familiar design so kids are less likely to forget it at school.

7. Thermos Vacuum Insulated Food Jar

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Best for students who bring hot or cold lunches: a good Thermos can keep food at a safe temperature for hours, reducing trips to buy food and shrinking daily lunch costs. It’s also useful for soups, pasta, and hot breakfasts on the go.

Buying tips: pick an appropriately sized jar for your child’s appetite and choose models with easy-to-clean lids and wide openings.

8. Post-it Super Sticky Notes

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Best for organization, study habits, and reminders: Post-it Super Sticky Notes cling better to textbooks, binders, and planners, so students can annotate without marking pages permanently. Reusable reminders and study cues cut down on lost notes and missed assignments.

Buying tips: buy assorted sizes and colors to create a simple color-code system for subjects or priorities.

Practical buying advice

Start by checking what you already have: backpacks, calculators, scissors, and organizers often survive another year. Make a short prioritized list per student—must-haves first, wants later—and buy only what’s necessary at the start of term. When comparing options, check unit sizes (pencils per box, pages per notebook) rather than only package price to get real value.

Buy multipacks for core consumables like pencils, pens, and markers to reduce cost per item and keep spares on hand. Favor durable items for high-use categories (backpacks, water bottles, lunch gear) because a sturdier item that lasts two years is usually a better value than a cheaper one that needs replacing quickly.

Look for neutral, classic choices that can be handed down or reused for siblings. Consider assembling a small repair kit—tape, a basic sewing kit, and glue—so torn straps or loose hems don’t force an immediate replacement. Finally, involve students in decisions when appropriate: they’re more likely to take care of things they chose themselves.

With a little planning and a few durable staples, back-to-school shopping can cost less and be less stressful. Focus on items that last, buy sensible quantities, and reuse what still works — small choices add up to big savings over the school year.