From pencils and notebooks to lunchboxes and backpacks, families are finding that school supplies cost noticeably more than they used to.
Back-to-school shopping has become another place where inflation is making itself felt. Parents aren’t necessarily buying more than they did in previous years, but the same basic list of supplies can cost substantially more.
The Financial Post points to inflation and the broader cost-of-living squeeze as major reasons families are feeling the pressure, particularly when back-to-school expenses arrive alongside housing, food and other household costs. For parents with multiple children, even relatively small increases on individual items can quickly add up.
The price increases aren’t limited to flashy items. PBS NewsHour’s comparison of everyday school supplies found that products ranging from pencils and lunchboxes to backpacks have become more expensive, giving parents another reason to experience “sticker shock” when they see the total at checkout.
How Much More Are Parents Paying?
Looking at the longer-term picture makes today’s prices particularly striking. Historical consumer-price data for educational books and supplies shows that prices have risen considerably over the past decade, meaning a dollar spent on school supplies today buys considerably less than it once did.
A comparison from ABC7 New York also illustrates just how dramatically back-to-school shopping has changed over generations, contrasting prices from previous decades with what families pay today. Trapper Keepers (binders) that typically cost $15–$25 today would have cost about $9.33–$15.54 in 1994, while lunchboxes now costing $10–$22 would have been roughly $6.22–$13.68 then. Even notebooks show a striking difference, with today’s prices ranging from about $1 to $10 or more, compared with 60 cents or less in 1994.
How Parents Can Beat the Sticker Shock
The good news is that parents don’t necessarily have to buy everything on the list brand-new. Start by checking what children already have at home—partially used notebooks, working binders, pencil cases, calculators and backpacks may not need replacing.
Parents can also compare prices between stores, take advantage of sales and avoid buying everything during one shopping trip. Buying generic versions of basic supplies can save money, while more expensive purchases can sometimes be postponed until they’re actually needed.
Finally, involve older children in the process. Giving kids a budget and asking them to help prioritize necessities versus “wants” can turn an expensive shopping trip into a practical lesson about money.
The goal isn’t to make back-to-school shopping miserable—it’s to recognize that the sticker shock is real and plan accordingly. A little inventory-taking and price comparison can help families start the school year without starting it in debt.
