By Valerie Williams, Contributor
It’s back-to-school season, and with inflation making wallets lighter, caregivers are definitely feeling the pinch. My son recently asked for a $75 backpack and a $150 pair of shoes—items that don’t exactly fit into my back-to-school budget. Instead of stressing, I’m turning to apps like OfferUp, one of the best resale platforms for parents, to find high-quality, unique items at a fraction of the cost. This year, I’ll be searching for secondhand kids' clothes, lunchboxes, calculators, and other supplies to save money and make back-to-school shopping a fun and rewarding experience.
It seems I’m not alone in wanting to save money on my kids’ school supplies. A new survey from Deloitte shows that families may be aiming to spend less this year on back-to-school items, including technology needs. On average, parents plan to spend $586 per child. Just imagine how much they could save if they embraced a few secondhand shopping tips, like finding gently used children’s items on OfferUp. Also of note—more than 7 in 10 survey respondents cited convenience as the number one factor in how they spend money during the back-to-school season. And what could be more convenient than shopping from an app on your phone?
With the long list of needs as kids head back to the classroom, it can feel overwhelming to purchase everything at full price. That’s why buying secondhand and browsing OfferUp posts is the affordable parenting solution this fall. You can find everything your kids need for back-to-school in gently used or even new condition, from clothing and backpacks to shoes, books, and more. Plus, thrifting for school supplies and clothes is a lot more fun than buying new—the term “the thrill of the hunt” definitely applies when exploring the listings on OfferUp.
The possibilities are endless when you buy school supplies secondhand. A quick search for school uniforms in my local area brings up amazing results, including bundles of like-new uniforms in various children’s sizes. By getting into a regular buy/sell routine—listing bundles of uniforms your child has outgrown and using that money to buy the sizes they now need—the savings can really add up.
Of course, it’s not just school uniforms - bundles of regular kids clothing can also help parents save big - and smart parents know that buying secondhand does not have to mean buying ratty, lower quality, or well-loved items. Sometimes, the “used” outfits for sale are brand-new or close to it, and often, a lot more unique and higher quality than anything currently on store shelves. Scoring vintage kids’ clothes can mean items that are well-made and will stand the test of time. Not to mention, finding a gem for sale on OfferUp that not every kid will have this fall is incredibly satisfying. If you want to avoid cheap, disposable clothing and go for items that will last longer, buying used can be the way to go.
My son has his eye on a ridiculously expensive backpack, but as a bit of a fashionista, he loves having unique items that not everyone else has. This doesn’t have to mean buying something brand-new and pricey. In fact, my chances of finding a unique or even vintage item skyrocket when I search OfferUp for secondhand school supplies. Plus, hunting for affordable finds together gives us valuable bonding time. We sit on the couch, scroll through options, and discuss budgeting—showing him that spending less doesn’t mean compromising on what we get. Thrifting for kids' clothes is just as fun, offering the chance to find unique pieces while practicing eco-conscious parenting. Saving money and the planet? There’s no downside.
Parents can save money on classroom items by buying secondhand. Ever checked the prices on scientific calculators at Target? Instead of spending a small fortune, look for secondhand calculators on OfferUp. If you have multiple kids who can use it, keep it for a while; otherwise, relist it after the school year ends. If they take good care of it, you might even recoup what you originally spent.
It’s not just the big-ticket items—smaller supplies like scissors, binders, and pencil boxes can also be found lightly used at significant savings. I often over-buy on these items to have replacements throughout the year. Take advantage of extra purchases like mine by checking OfferUp for deals.
One of the most important school supplies today? A MacBook or Chromebook. This is a great area to save by buying used. Be sure to ask the seller if you can inspect the device before finalizing the purchase. It’s also wise to check the seller’s reviews on OfferUp to ensure they’re trustworthy. If they have good feedback, you can feel confident that your “new” laptop will be a smart buy.
Now that you’re armed with all kinds of tips to save money on school supplies by nabbing them secondhand, make sure to buy yourself a little something with all the money you’ve saved. Download the OfferUp app (Apple Store or Google Play) and see what all the hype is about. From secondhand school supplies to designer purses to the latest Colleen Hoover novel, you can have an online shopping blast finding everything you want without breaking the bank.