Discounts and Money-Saving Tips for Back-to-School Season

It’s August, which means a new school year is on the minds of parents, students and teachers. Particularly, back-to-school spending, which is up in 2026. This increase has prompted teachers and families to search for supply discounts and other ways to save money this fall. 

While school districts provide some classroom resources, many educators still spend hundreds of dollars each year to create an engaging learning environment. Last year, neaToday found teachers spend an average of $500 to $900 out of pocket on classroom supplies.

These costs add up, which is why educators appreciate the discounts made available to them by major retailers. Teachers also share their supply hacks, which are simple tricks to help school supplies last longer.

To ease teacher pocketbooks, we’ve rounded up the best discounts available and some of these clever hacks.

The best back-to-school retailer discounts

Teachers can stretch their classroom budgets with a wide range of back-to-school discounts from retailers and education brands. Bookstores like Bookmans, Books-A-Million, Half Price Books and ThriftBooks offer savings on books and classroom resources, while Michaels, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Target and Walmart provide discounts on school supplies, craft materials and classroom essentials. 

 

Bookmans

Sign up for Project: Educate and receive 20% off purchases from all Bookmans entertainment exchanges–not just classroom materials.
 

Books-A-Million 

Teachers get plenty of perks through Books-A-Million, like 20% off in-store purchases, free shipping on eligible online purchases, special offers during Educator Week, plus regular online and in-store specials. 
 

Canva

Teachers can sign up for a free CanvaPro account with a school email address to gain access to dozens of lesson plans, poster designs and more. 
 

Half-Price Books

In addition to the already-reduced prices available, Half-Price Books offers teachers an additional 10% discount that can be used the entire year. 
 

Michaels 

The popular craft store takes care of teachers all year with a special back-to-school 20% discount or 15% standard discount. 
 

Microsoft Office 

Teachers receive Microsoft Office 365 for free, plus 10% off Surface devices. 
 

Office Depot/Office Max 

Teachers can access discounts year-round with Office Depot or Office Max. Receive 20% off one qualifying full-price or sale item, plus 25% back on qualifying purchases when teachers join the rewards program. 
 

Target 

Target kicked off the back-to-school and back-to-college season with its largest assortment yet. Teachers who are part of the free Target Circle membership receive 20% off one storewide purchase for teachers through Sept. 12. 
 

ThriftBooks

Not only do teachers find books at a discounted rate on this site, but ThriftBooks also donates a free used book for every fourth book purchased. Prices range between $3 and $22 for children’s books, with most falling between $4 and $5.
 

Vooks

Teachers receive a 50% discount on monthly or annual Vooks subscriptions. Vooks focuses on immersive, gently animated, lovingly narrated storybooks. 
 

Walmart 

Walmart is helping families, students, and teachers save during the 2026 back-to-school season with its lowest prices on classroom essentials since 2019. Select items start at just 25 cents, along with more than 1,300 additional rollbacks. 

Money-saving supply hacks

Some of the best teacher hacks don't cost anything except a little time. Teachers can extend the lifespan of classroom supplies by simply adjusting how they present supplies to students. 

Below are a few examples of tiny tweaks that go a long way.

Purchase purple glue sticks

Purple glue sticks allow students to see where they've applied glue before it dries clear. This reduces waste while encouraging neater projects.
 

Choose high-polymer erasers

High-polymer erasers erase more cleanly than inexpensive alternatives and last much longer, helping reduce the number of replacements needed throughout the year.
 

Draw a smiley on glue sticks

A simple smiley face helps younger students line up the cap correctly, ensuring glue sticks are fully sealed and don't dry out.
 

Number every glue stick

Write matching numbers on both the glue stick and its cap. Students can quickly identify missing caps during cleanup, helping supplies last longer.
 

Wrap a rubber band around hand sanitizer 

Wrap a rubber band around the pump to limit how much sanitizer is dispensed with each push. This simple classroom hack can double the life of each bottle.
 

Tape marker sets together

Tape or secure classroom marker sets together so colors stay together instead of disappearing throughout the school year.
 

Cut large erasers in half

Splitting erasers gives students a perfectly usable size while doubling your supply.
 

Store glitter in salt and pepper shakers

Instead of pouring glitter directly from the container, transfer it into inexpensive salt and pepper shakers. Students use less, resulting in fewer spills and less waste.
 

Use drink carriers for art projects 

Recycled drink caddies make excellent organizers for paint cups, brushes and supplies, helping reduce classroom mess during creative projects.

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.