Which Back-to-School Items Has Inflation Impacted Most?

Back-to-school shopping is a significant annual financial undertaking for many U.S. families. This period typically involves purchasing a range of items, including new clothing, essential school supplies, and various electronics. In 2024, American families collectively allocated an estimated $38.8 billion towards K-12 back-to-school expenditures, with the average household budgeting approximately $874.68 for these purchases. Inflation has influenced consumer purchasing power, causing the cost of goods and services to rise. Many shoppers have directly observed this trend, with 59% of back-to-school consumers in 2025 attributing increased prices to inflationary pressures.

Apparel and Footwear Costs

Clothing and footwear prices for students have seen substantial increases due to inflation. In 2025, 62% of back-to-school shoppers reported noticing higher prices for apparel. Since 2020, the cost of clothes for boys has climbed by nearly 16%, while girls’ clothing prices have risen by 13%. Shoe prices have also experienced a 12% increase during the same period. This is largely driven by tariff-related increases, which can elevate shoe prices by 20% to 40%. These rising costs are also influenced by broader economic factors such as increased expenses for raw materials like cotton and synthetic fabrics, higher labor costs in manufacturing, and elevated shipping and logistics charges.

Electronics and Gadget Prices

Electronics and computer supplies frequently constitute a substantial portion of back-to-school spending. In 2024, households that purchased these items spent an average of $309.35, contributing to a total of $13.7 billion in K-12 electronics spending. A notable 61% of shoppers in 2025 observed higher prices for electronics. This upward trend is connected to several underlying factors within the global supply chain.

Ongoing semiconductor shortages have significantly contributed to increased production costs, which are then passed on to consumers. This affects a range of devices, including laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. Demand for consumer electronics surged during the pandemic due to the shift towards remote learning and work, further straining the already complex supply chain. Geopolitical tensions and unforeseen events, such as factory disruptions, have also impacted the availability and cost of these components. As a result, prices for computers, accessories, and smart devices have seen a rise, reflecting ongoing market pressures.

School Supplies and Backpack Expenses

Traditional school supplies and backpacks, while often more affordable, have also experienced inflationary pressures. In 2024, school supply items averaged $141.62 per household. Prices for these essentials have increased by 25% since 2020, with 57% of shoppers in 2025 reporting higher costs.

Specific items have seen considerable price jumps; for instance, the cost of planners, binders, and folders increased by an average of 48.5% between August 2022 and June 2023. During the same period, the price of “paper and forms” rose by 80%, and writing tools, including crayons, highlighters, pens, and pencils, saw an 18.5% increase. These increases stem from factors such as rising costs for paper pulp and plastic materials, alongside elevated transportation expenses.

Strategies for Back-to-School Savings

Families can employ several strategies to manage the impact of inflation on their back-to-school budgets:
Establishing a clear budget before shopping and adhering to it can help prioritize purchases and prevent overspending. Involving children in the budgeting process can also teach them about financial planning and trade-offs.
Comparing prices across various retailers, both in-store and online, can help identify the best deals, with many utilizing price-matching tools or apps.
Taking advantage of sales and discounts throughout the shopping season is also beneficial. Many states offer tax-free weekends, typically in July or August, allowing shoppers to save on qualifying items like clothing, footwear, school supplies, and even some computers, often within specified price limits.
Reusing items from previous school years, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, or gently used supplies, can significantly reduce costs.
Opting for generic or store brands, which have gained market share, often provides a more economical alternative to national brands without compromising quality.
Buying non-perishable supplies in bulk can also lead to savings per unit.
Spreading out purchases over time, rather than buying everything at once, allows for opportunistic shopping and taking advantage of post-Labor Day clearance sales.