Holy moly, the back-to-school shopping list feels endless, doesn’t it? Between school supplies, gym shoes, lunch boxes, new clothes, locker organization, water bottles, everyday shoes, first-day outfits, and backpacks, there’s a lot to buy. And if you’re like me, multiply that by several kids. It can definitely feel overwhelming.

After fifteen years of parenting, though, I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be. For me, the biggest source of stress was always the cost of everything on that list. The solution? Drumroll, please… Goodwill NCW.

You don’t have to buy everything brand new. So many back-to-school essentials can be thrifted for a fraction of the retail price. Here are a few of my favorite tips for making it work.

Make Back-to-School Shopping Fun

One thing I’ve learned is not to take all of my kids at once. That usually turns into chaos, and I leave feeling like I didn’t accomplish much. I can’t always make it a one-on-one date with each child, but I do try to keep the group small.

I let them pick out some of their favorite finds and try things on. My girls especially love this part. My boys…not so much. My fifteen-year-old definitely needs a little extra motivation, so I usually sweeten the deal with a special drink or an ice cream afterward.

And don’t expect to check everything off your list in one trip. I usually let them help pick out a few things, then fill in the gaps during my solo thrifting trips.

Make a Back-to-School Shopping Checklist

Whether it’s in your phone or on paper, make a checklist before you shop. Go through closets and leftover school supplies so you know what you actually need instead of buying duplicates. Check clothing and shoe sizes ahead of time so you can shop more efficiently.

And remember – you can thrift almost anything. I especially keep my eyes open for the bigger-ticket items like backpacks and shoes.

Back-to-School Backpack Shopping Tips

When I’m shopping for backpacks, I always look past the surface. I’m looking for quality.

Most people donate backpacks after using them for just one school year, and they usually haven’t washed them first. Crumbs, dirt, or pen marks don’t scare me. What I care about are working zippers, sturdy straps, and no holes.

One of my favorite backpack finds looked pretty rough at first. After giving it a good soak and scrub, it looked almost brand new. It’s held up beautifully for an entire school year, and my daughter loves it so much she’ll be using it again this year.  

Save Money on Back-to-School Shoes

The same rule applies here: don’t let a little dirt scare you away. A good cleaning and a Magic Eraser can work wonders.

I almost always thrift my kids’ gym shoes. Depending on the size you need, it may take a few visits to find the right pair. But every seasoned thrifter knows the best finds come from shopping consistently, so start early instead of waiting until the last minute.

Find Water Bottles, Lunch Boxes and More

This is where I almost always find water bottles, thermoses, and food containers that look barely used. If one of my kids needs a lunch box, I usually find those near the bags and purses.

One tip: always do the smell test before buying anything food-related. It only takes a second and can save you from bringing home something you won’t actually use.

Shop Back-to-School Clothes

Just like with everything else, check each piece carefully. Make sure there aren’t any stains, holes, missing buttons, or broken zippers.

I like to focus on quality basics that will get lots of wear, but I also think it’s important to let their personalities shine through. Since I’m not paying retail prices, it’s much easier to say yes when they fall in love with something that’s more fun than practical.

And don’t forget to check for school spirit wear! I found a sweatshirt for my daughter’s school that looked brand new. She wears it on spirit days, to sporting events, and throughout the school year.

Find Affordable School Electronics

I always browse this section because it seems like someone in my house needs headphones, a computer mouse, an alarm clock, or a calculator.

Check your list before you shop so you know exactly what you’re looking for. And if it plugs in, many Goodwill NCW locations have outlets where you can test it before buying.