Full backpacks and full bank accounts: OfferUp’s guide to back-to-school savings

It’s about time to pack up the pool floaties and put away the camping gear, because school’s almost in session. Between all of the textbooks, electronics and art supplies on your shopping list, back-to-school season is guaranteed to come with a steep price tag. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, shoppers this year are spending an average of $688 on school supplies. But before you head straight for Target and drain your bank account, make sure to check and see what items are selling in your neighborhood for less.
Here are a few back-to-school necessities and unique finds you can snag on OfferUp:
- TI-83 calculator: If your child is entering middle school, it’s likely a graphic calculator is on your shopping list. Instead of spending upward of $90 at retail stores, search OfferUp to find one for only $35.
- Clothes and accessories: Kids seemingly scuff up their shoes, dirty their backpacks and grow out of their jeans within the first week back at school. Rather than pouring a ton of money into brand new items that’ll naturally take some wear and tear, find a sturdy backpack for only $20, a cute pair of jeans for less than $10 and a fun, sassy pair of shoes for less than retail price on OfferUp.
- Art supplies: Let your child channel their inner creativity by supplying them with different kinds of arts and crafts for school. Sharpies, paint brushes, glue sticks, scissors and more can all be found from friends in your neighborhood.
- Pencil box: Make sure everything stays organized by picking up a pencil box for your child to store at their desk. Find one on OfferUp and decorate it with paint and stickers for a fun DIY project before school starts.
- Vintage lunchbox: Is your little one obsessed with Marvel comics and movies? Whether they adore Wonder Woman or want to be like Spiderman, score vintage items on OfferUp like this superhero lunchbox.
Nearly 40 percent of parents say it’s difficult to meet their children’s upcoming expenses. Instead of stressing over the price of your child’s back-to-school list, find simple ways to cut down the cost like buying second-hand. Let OfferUp help make school shopping easier and find great deals closer than you may think.
