How to beat back to school illness
Below are some ways you might be able to beat the illness back to school.
No brand – Lifestyle
The 2025-2026 academic year is approaching soon. This will result in the cost of shopping back to school. According to a survey by coupon site Coupon Bird, parents and teachers are expected to spend significantly more this year than in 2024.
How much do parents spend?
On average, families are firing $774 per child for gear back to school. It’s up 10% from last year’s spending.
- New York – $1,348
- California – $1,304
- Florida – $1,237
- Massachusetts – $1,218
- Pennsylvania – $1,133
- Connecticut – $1,121
- North Carolina – $1,073
- Washington – $1,045
- Texas – $1,032
- Ohio – $1,026
Parents spend the least amount
- Louisiana – $327
- Mississippi – $356
- Kansas – $373
- North Dakota – $451
- hill! $483
- Wyoming – $484
- Delaware – $494
- Vermont – $500
- Hawaii – $501
- Alaska – $513
What do teachers spend?
Teachers currently fund classroom supply by covering approximately $1,021 a year from their own wallet. This is a noticeable increase from the $915 spent in 2024. To manage these growth costs, 30% of educators are taking on second jobs from 26% the previous year.
What the teacher purchases (self-pay)
- Classroom consumables (paper, pencils, etc.)
- Decoration
- Educational tools (books, games)
- snack
- Cleaning and emergency supplies
95% of teachers surveyed by Couponbird said they regularly use personal funds for classroom items. 30% have earned side jobs to cover these costs, while 82% say the reductions are harmful to student learning.
Teachers spend the most time
- Pennsylvania – $1,637
- North Carolina – $1,632
- Arizona – $1.581
- Texas – $1,550
- Missouri – $1,527
- Hawaii – $1,454
- Indiana – $1,445
- California – $1,444
- New York – $1,397
- Alaska – $1.288
The least amount of teachers spend
- Nebraska – $473
- West Virginia – $502
- Nohana Hawaii – $545
- Louisiana – $565
- South Dakota – $569
- Idaho – $632
- North Dakota – $725
- Montana – $779
- Iowa – $782
- Delaware – $789
Tips for saving money on school supplies
For parents:
- I’m shopping at the dollar store.
- Use online coupons.
- We are waiting for clearance sales in September.
For teachers:
- Find a teacher discount program.
- Join the Teacher Swap group on Facebook.
- Check out our local “free teacher” supply stores.
- Create and share your online wish list early.
