Facebook Community
Change Log
Help Center
Don’t miss: 20 Bestselling back-to-school essentials
As the back-to-school season approaches, shoppers and retailers alike gear up for one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Whether you're a parent preparing your child for a new academic year or a store owner looking to stock up on the most popular items, understanding the trends and essentials that drive this market is key.
In this blog, we’ll dive into when back-to-school shopping typically begins, explore the scale of spending during this time, and highlight the 20 bestselling essentials every store should have. Plus, we’ll share tips on boosting your sales with free back-to-school designs to make your offerings stand out. Let’s get started!
When does back-to-school shopping begin?
Back-to-school shopping usually kicks off several weeks before the new school year starts. For most families, the prime shopping window begins in late July and extends through August. This timing allows parents to take advantage of summer sales, clearance events, and promotions that retailers offer to attract early shoppers.
Retailers often start rolling out back-to-school campaigns as early as June to capture early-bird buyers and spread out the shopping season. Additionally, some parents prefer to shop closer to school start dates in early to mid-August to ensure supplies and clothing meet the latest needs of their children.
It's important for retailers and shoppers alike to recognize this flexible timeline, as the demand for back-to-school essentials fluctuates based on factors such as the region, school calendars, and even the rise of online shopping influencing purchasing habits.
How big is back-to-school spending?
Back-to-school spending in 2025 continues to be a major retail event in the U.S., with families allocating significant budgets to prepare for the new school year. Here are key highlights of this spending season:
-
The average household plans to spend around $466 on back-to-school items.
-
Total U.S. spending is expected to reach about $30.9 billion, slightly down from last year.
-
Families with K-12 students typically budget about $858 for clothes, shoes, electronics, and school supplies.
-
College students’ families plan to spend roughly $1,326 on average.
-
Shoppers are starting earlier and hunting for deals to offset rising costs and inflation.
-
Popular shopping venues include online retailers, mass merchants, discount stores, and growing interest in resale and thrift shops.
This spending surge makes back-to-school shopping the second largest retail season after the year-end holidays.
20 Best-selling back-to-school essentials for your store
It’s time to fill your shop with trending school supplies that students, parents, and teachers will actually love. From elementary school must-haves to college dorm-ready gear, this list is packed with high-quality, personalized products that belong on every school supply list.
1. Backpacks
Backpacks remain the backbone of a student's daily routine, combining function with personal style. This year, there’s a strong preference for backpacks that offer durability, ergonomic support, and specialized compartments for laptops, tablets, and other tech devices. Iconic brand like Fjällräven's Kånken offer a perfect fusion of timeless style and rugged construction.
Eco-conscious shoppers are also drawn to backpacks made from sustainable or recycled materials. To elevate your offering, consider adding customization options like embroidered names or fun patches, which are highly popular among today’s students looking for unique accessories.
2. Pencil Cases
Pencil cases don't just organize pens; they express the user's style. Soft, canvas pencil cases with minimalist designs and multiple compartments, or hard cases with 3D designs, are a big trend. Transparent pencil cases have also become popular, helping students easily find what they need inside.
3. Insulated Water Bottles
As health and environmental consciousness increase, reusable lunch boxes and water bottles have become school essentials. Insulated lunch bags that maintain temperature and spill-proof water bottles with easy-to-use tops are particularly sought after.
Parents and students favor fun and vibrant designs along with high-performance brands like Hydro Flask and Bentgo, known for durability and eco-friendly materials. Pairing these with accessories such as bottle carriers or thermal sleeves can create attractive bundles that encourage repeat purchases and enhance customer satisfaction.
4. Notebooks and Planners
Notebooks are fundamental tools for students, helping them capture and organize knowledge. For 2025, notebooks with spiral or sewn bindings, sturdy covers, and high-quality paper are particularly favored. Many customers seek eco-friendly options made with recycled materials, aligning with growing sustainability trends.
Some famous brands such as Mead, Five Star, and Pen+Gear provide a wide range of sizes and designs to meet diverse needs. Bright covers with motivational quotes or modern art designs add an extra layer of appeal, making these notebooks a staple for all grade levels.
5. Crayons & Colored Pencils
No back-to-school list is complete without art supplies that spark creativity. Safety is paramount for younger students, so non-toxic, washable crayons remain the gold standard, with Crayola leading in this space. For older students, high-quality colored pencils featuring smooth blendability and rich pigments are essential for art classes and creative projects.
Environmentally conscious consumers are also leaning towards products with recycled or sustainable packaging. Offering a range of sets from beginner to advanced allows your store to cater to all artistic skill levels and interests.
6. Folders & Binders
Folders and binders are indispensable for students who want to keep their assignments meticulously sorted. Durable folders made from polypropylene or recycled plastic often feature secure snap closures and multiple pockets to prevent papers from slipping out. Binders with sturdy rings, customizable covers, and built-in dividers enable efficient categorization of subjects and projects. T
rendy patterns, inspirational quotes, and eco-conscious materials appeal to environmentally aware shoppers and style-conscious students. Offering a range of sizes, from slim report covers to large binders, enhances versatility for elementary through college customers.
Learn more: 15 Back to School Marketing Ideas Guaranteed to Captivate Gen Z
7. Planners & Academic Calendars
Planning tools have become vital as students balance complex schedules. Academic planners with pre-dated pages for the school year, weekly and monthly overviews, plus areas for goal-setting, to-do lists, and reminders offer comprehensive organization.
Brands that incorporate motivational quotes and fun graphics also boost student engagement and consistency in use. Digital planners that sync with mobile devices cater to tech-savvy users, allowing for reminders and notes on the go. Including undated planners appeals to those who prefer flexible start dates and longer usage.
8. Calculators
Scientific calculators are essential for subjects ranging from basic math to advanced calculus. Models from Texas Instruments and Casio provide durable construction, easy-to-navigate interfaces, and capable functions such as exponents, roots, and trigonometry.
For students in higher grades, graphing calculators with color displays and programming options enhance learning and exam preparation. With many schools requiring specific models for testing, carrying a selection of trusted brands and models ensures customers can find what meets their academic needs.
9. Tech Accessories
With technology integral to education, accessories complement electronic devices to improve usability and protection. Laptop sleeves crafted from padded, water-resistant materials safeguard devices while enhancing portability.
Wireless mice and Bluetooth headphones with ergonomic designs and long battery life improve comfort during study or virtual classes. USB drives in compact, rugged designs provide reliable data transfer, with large storage capacities becoming increasingly important. Bundling tech accessories as back-to-school kits provides convenience and encourages higher transaction values.
Learn more: Top 100 Shopify Electronics Store Examples
10. Lunch Bags & Snack Containers
Reusable lunch bags and snack containers combine health-consciousness with convenience. Insulated bags keep meals fresh and at the desired temperature, often including multiple compartments for organization. Leak-proof containers with secure locking lids maintain freshness and prevent spills.
Bright, cheerful designs featuring popular characters or modern patterns attract children and teens alike. Lightweight, easy-to-clean materials like BPA-free plastic or stainless steel appeal to parents mindful of safety and environmental impact.
11. Highlighters & Markers
Effective study requires clarity, and highlighters and markers help students identify and color-code key information. Non-toxic inks that resist fading and bleed-through are standard customer expectations. Multipacks featuring a broad spectrum of vivid colors allow students to create organized, visually appealing notes and mind maps. Dual-tip markers offer brush tips on one end for coloring and fine tips for detailed writing, blending versatility with convenience.
12. Hand Sanitizers & Face Masks
Health-conscious parents continue prioritizing hygiene with portable sanitizers and comfortable face masks as back-to-school staples. Sanitizers with moisturizing agents reduce skin dryness from frequent use, and appealing scents boost user experience.
Face masks featuring adjustable straps, breathable materials, and child-friendly designs encourage compliance. Reusable fabric masks with washable prints or customizable options meet demands for style and sustainability.
13. USB Flash Drives & External Hard Drives
As students rely more on digital work, data storage solutions are critical. Compact USB flash drives with fast read/write speeds and high capacities allow teachers and students to easily share assignments and projects. External hard drives support larger files and backups, perfect for college students dealing with multimedia or research data. Rugged designs with protective covers offer durability for day-to-day use, and secure encryption features appeal to privacy-conscious buyers.
14. Study Lamps & Desk Organizers
Proper lighting is essential to avoid eye strain during long study sessions. Adjustable LED study lamps with multiple brightness levels and color temperature settings support comfortable reading and writing environments. Eye-care features that reduce flicker and blue light exposure add health benefits. Desk organizers keep stationery, papers, and gadgets orderly, enhancing productivity by minimizing clutter. Combining lamps with matching organizers in bundled deals caters to families setting up dedicated study areas at home.
15. Waterproof Phone Cases
Smartphones are invaluable tools for students, so protecting them is a priority. Waterproof and shockproof cases offer protection against water damage, drops, and impacts, ensuring devices stay safe during busy school days. Trendy designs—from sleek minimalism to bold patterns—allow students to reflect their style while keeping phones secure. Cases with reinforced corners and raised edges further protect fragile screens and cameras, making them essential accessories for tech-savvy teens.
16. Sticky Notes & Index Tabs
Sticky notes and index tabs help students highlight key information and organize materials efficiently. Self-adhesive notes come in various shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, providing versatility for marking pages, creating to-do lists, or brainstorming ideas. Index tabs facilitate quick navigation through textbooks and binders, improving study speed and comprehension. Value packs offering assorted sizes and colors are especially popular, encouraging repeat purchases.
17. Educational Workbooks & Activity Kits
Supplemental educational resources help reinforce classroom lessons and foster independent learning. Workbooks focusing on math, reading comprehension, science experiments, and language skills offer structured practice. Interactive activity kits combine hands-on learning with creativity, keeping students engaged. Many parents seek materials aligned with school curricula, so providing trusted branded workbooks or kits tailored by grade level enhances confidence and sales.
18. Wireless Chargers & Power Banks
With the increasing use of mobile devices for schoolwork, charging solutions are essential. Wireless chargers offer convenient, cable-free power-ups compatible with many smartphones and tablets. Power banks provide reliable on-the-go charging with large capacities and fast-charging technology, ensuring students never run out of battery during the school day. Sleek, portable designs with multiple USB ports accommodate charging several devices simultaneously.
19. Comfortable School Shoes
Good footwear is crucial for student comfort during long hours on campus. Sneakers and shoes with breathable fabrics, ample cushioning, and proper arch support minimize fatigue and foot pain. Brands known for blending style with comfort, such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, consistently appeal to students. Offering a range of colors and sizes, along with durable soles suited to various activities, expands customer reach.
Learn more: 350+ Creative Shoe Store Names To Put Your Best Foot Forward in 2025
20. Personalized Stationery Sets
Customized stationery appeals to students looking to showcase their individuality while staying organized. Sets that include pens, notebooks, stickers, and labels with names, initials, or favorite motifs add a personal charm. Personalization options help your store stand out from competitors and foster customer loyalty. These sets are also excellent gift choices, often purchased for birthdays or special occasions.
How to increase sales with free back-to-school designs
As competition heats up during the back-to-school season, even the most popular products need the right presentation to stand out. A well-structured storefront not only makes shopping easier but also encourages repeat purchases. Below are some practical approaches to help merchants maximize seasonal sales.
1. Create Engaging Social Media Content
Social media is your most powerful tool for reaching students and parents. Use free, back-to-school themed templates to create stunning visuals for your posts and stories on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Announce new arrivals, promote special discounts, or create fun polls and quizzes to engage your audience. A cohesive, well-designed social media feed will instantly make your brand look more professional and trustworthy.
2. Revamp Your Website & Online Store
Give your website a seasonal makeover with a back-to-school banner on your homepage. Using a powerful page builder like Gempages allows you to easily create a professional-looking landing page or a dedicated section for your back-to-school collection, no coding required. Use high-quality, free stock photos of students or school supplies to create an inviting atmosphere. You can also use free design tools to create product mockups, showing how your custom designs would look on notebooks, t-shirts, or tote bags. This visual appeal helps customers imagine themselves using your products and encourages them to add items to their cart.
3. Enhance Your Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to drive conversions. Use free back-to-school graphics in your email newsletters to announce promotions, new product launches, or offer exclusive coupons. A beautifully designed email is more likely to be opened and clicked, directing traffic back to your store.
4. Where to Find Free Designs
You don't have to be a graphic designer to create stunning visuals. There are numerous websites offering free design resources:
-
Canva: A user-friendly platform with thousands of free templates for social media, posters, and flyers.
-
Freepik: A great resource for free vectors, icons, and illustrations.
-
Unsplash & Pexels: Websites offering a vast library of high-quality, free stock photos.
By consistently applying these free designs across your marketing channels, you’ll not only attract more customers but also build a strong, memorable brand that keeps them coming back for more.
Conclusion
The back-to-school season is a golden opportunity for retailers, and with the right strategy, you can turn this shopping rush into your most profitable time of the year. By understanding the sheer scale of back-to-school spending and knowing exactly which products are in high demand, you are already one step ahead.
FAQs
