Grace Waterman is among millions of TikTok moms budgeting ahead of the school year.
Many have shared their back-to-school hauls on social media, setting tight budgets to limit overspending, and visiting multiple stores to find the best deals. Others have resorted to recycling supplies from last year and purchasing all-inclusive school packs from Amazon to cover the essentials.
“We’re going back-to-school shopping on a budget,” Waterman explained in her shopping spree video. “I have two kids, one who is about to be in kindergarten and one who is going to be in pre-school.”
At her first stop, she picked up a handful of affordable basics, including two $7 licensed character backpacks, lunch boxes, Play-Doh, markers, crayons, and glue sticks, which came to roughly $57. She has experience budgeting, but still expressed some concerns over prices — and she’s not the only one.
A late July survey from U.S. News found that 85% of Americans are concerned about back-to-school prices with the threat of tariffs looming.
Trump’s looming ‘Liberation Day’ tariff agenda is set to take effect on August 1, imposing a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all countries, along with significantly higher duties on dozens of specific nations. Economists have already warned that tariffs could spike the price of common school supplies.
“My goal is to stick within a budget of $200. I have no idea if this is possible,” she admitted. “I feel like I can achieve it, because I have a game plan.”
Like many other parents, Waterman was also concerned that she “could be late to the game,” and that certain items may already be out of stock. Another recent survey revealed that 62% of shoppers plan to start their back-to-school shopping before August, which is the highest percentage ever recorded.
Waterman admitted that it’s challenging to choose between name brands and more affordable options. With her eldest starting public school, she has felt more pressure to buy him certain clothing.
“Should I stick with my budget for it? Or, should I splurge and go get him new shoes?” she asked her followers. “You know how kids are. Is this an issue for Kindergartners? I don’t know. I’m having a lot of mom guilt around it.”
During her Walmart haul, she happened to come across some pairs of trendy, affordable sneakers, and even one pair that looked quite similar to Asics for her younger daughter. Those were easier purchases.
Water bottles, on the other hand, were shockingly expensive. She spotted one for almost $20, before finding a $5 deal on leak-proof Zak tumblers.
“I got four water bottles total instead of just two. If there’s anything that I learned from last year with my oldest, it’s to always have a backup; they either leave one at school or they lose one,” she explained.
Her Walmart total came to $124, after adding some more pairs of sneakers and essentials like Expo markers, pencils, and scissors. Once back in her car, the mom-of-two added up her totals from both stores with a slight sigh of relief.
“I’m at $181, so I’m cutting it a little bit close,” she shared. “If I want to stick within my $200 budget, I have $20 left to go clothes shopping.”
Waterman is not the only shopper struggling to find solid back-to-school deals. With the school season looming, shopping in person has become increasingly difficult. Certain retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, have dedicated back-to-school sections with daily deals to help parents save.
Shop essentials from Waterman’s list below, plus more affordable school supplies from Amazon and Walmart.
Best Back-to-School Deals Under $15
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened
As recommended by teachers, Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils —pre-sharpened and ready to go —are the kind of no-nonsense essential that makes day one easier. It’s a simple deal, but a smart one: quality that lasts, minus the hassle.
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks
A classroom staple that just works, these purple glue sticks are easy for kids to use on a variety of projects. It goes on purple so they see where it’s been, dries clear so their work stays neat. It’s a smart, stress-free pick for any back-to-school list.
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Assorted Colors
Play-Doh is a colorful classic that earns its spot on any back-to-school list. Whether it’s for classroom projects or after-school play, it keeps little hands busy and imaginations active. This 10-pack also comes in a variety of colors for all your kiddos’ creations.
Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box
With a whopping 50,000 reviews and counting, the Bentgo Classic All-in-One Stackable Lunch Box is the ultimate portable option for school. With separate compartments and a sleek design, it keeps meals fresh and mess-free. It’s a smart, reusable choice that simplifies the morning routine.
Post-it Super Sticky Notes Assorted Bright Colors
Keep things organized with a stack of Post-it Super Sticky Notes. These come in assorted bright colors and make school and after-school life a little bit easier — teacher-approved, ADHD-friendly, and super sticky so you can’t miss them.
Crayola Broad Line Markers (12 Count) Washable Markers for Kids
With bright, bold colors and washable ink, these Crayola markers make creativity super fun — and cleanup a breeze. Perfect for doodles, drawings, and colorful masterpieces, they’re ready for all the big ideas and little hands.
Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator
For more advanced math classes, grab the Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator. Impressively, it’s 44% off and a No. 1 Amazon best-seller. Plus, it includes everything you’d need — from logs to degrees and radians.
Color Transparent Ruler Plastic Rulers
These colorful rulers are another back-to-school essential, delivering accurate measurements for everything from notes to sketches. The clear, durable design makes them easy to use and hard to break. A straightforward, reliable tool every student needs in their pencil case.
Kids’ Headphones with Microphone, Foldable Stereo
Pick up a pair of headphones designed with kids in mind. Perfect for remote learning, video calls, or winding down with music or audiobooks, they offer clear sound in a lightweight, travel-friendly design. Foldable, durable, and made to keep up, they’re built for school days and beyond.
Paper Mate InkJoy Bright Gel Pens (6-Pack)
Add a pop of color and smooth writing to every note and doodle with Paper Mate InkJoy Bright Gel Pens. With vibrant, bright ink that flows effortlessly, they make writing feel fun and fresh. Perfect for school and journaling.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
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