A school backpack can be SO stinking expensive!

And it can get confusing as to the best way to save money on them.

First of all, you need to know that the absolute best price on a school backpack is going to be found AFTER school starts when they are on clearance.

That means, if last year’s backpack isn’t too worn, consider making this purchase right after school starts. Or this year, be ahead and buy one for next year!

But I know, getting the best school backpack is important. Especially if you have teenagers who are consumed with looking “cool” around their friends.

And balancing the “cool” factor with the “cheap” factor is not an easy one, that’s for sure.

Because back-to-school backpacks are expensive, and I want to help you save more money on your back-to-school shopping this year.

Plus, when you learn how to save on school backpacks, you’ll be able to save on them for years to come!

And, when you learn how to shop for back-to-school backpacks for kids and students, you’ll be well aware of what is the best deal and when to buy it.

You can also find some of the best school backpacks for hiking, you’ll just have to do a little more digging.

Avoid Licensed Products

Back-to-school backpack licensed products are typically 20%-30% more expensive than their no-frill counterpart.

For your younger children who absolutely have to have Iron Man & Super Man on their new lunch bags or school backpacks, get creative and buy the school backpack in the base color scheme, and then hit the craft store to get some licensed ribbon or a key chain to add some decorations to it.

This will make them the cute school backpacks your kids will love, and so will your budget.

The other problem with buying any trendy licensed school backpack is that they “grow out” of them. In just six short months they might not like “Angry Birds” anymore and then they will want yet another new backpack.

For older children, getting plain leather (or faux leather) will save money and be much more versatile, and to save on brand-named backpacks keep reading…

Look In Unexpected Places

Sometimes our precious teens have their heart “set” on a special school backpack, you know, the one with the Nike “check” on the side or in “just the perfect pattern” from Vera Bradley.

In that case, the first place I look is on eBay. No, I do not get a used one, just search for your particular brand-name backpack and check the “new with tags” box over on the left side of the page (underneath “Condition”) and see if you can find a deal for their favorite school backpack.

Are you traveling over the summer or before school starts? Do a quick search to see if there is an outlet mall near you (or near a relative who can go hunt down a backpack for you).  We have several Premium Outlet shopping centers near us in Florida and you can find some deals at them too.

Also check Zappos.com (yep the online shoe company) because they carry a TON of backpacks at great prices. (Always check the sale or clearance area!)

Just knowing where to look to buy the best school backpacks for students can save you up to 50% off! And since teens are expensive enough, it’s how to save on school backpacks!

Think Ahead For Special Store Discounts

Many stores have reward or loyalty programs that allow you to earn rewards and then you can cash those in towards your school backpack. For example, Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a free Scorecard Reward Program that gives you a $10 reward certificate every time you earn 300 points. Each dollar you spend at Dick’s earns one point, and they often send out special coupons for bonus points when you shop, meaning you’ll earn that $10 even faster.

Maybe you have a child (or two or three) that are in sports and you can buy their sporting equipment at Dick’s in order to earn rewards that then help offset the costs of a Nike Backpack? Sometimes you have to get thinking outside of the box to get extra savings.

Similarly, but without needing as much forethought, once you know where your child wants to purchase their backpack, do a quick search for a discount gift card to see if you can buy that first before you pay for their backpack. Remember to always purchase a gift card for a dollar amount that is LESS than the cost of the backpack so that you don’t leave any unused balance on the card.

“Stack” The Discounts To Save The Most

Many department stores offer great discounts which would help you save on that school backpack too. Stores such as JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Sears offer sales that can be stacked with a “Percentage Off Threshold Coupon” (such as $10 off a $40 total purchase) along with a percentage off.

For example at Kohl’s (this is NOT a current deal, this is just an example)
1. They will offer a great 50% Off Sale or Clearance
2. Then, a 30% off discount code to use (i.e. SUNTAN30) as a Kohl’s cardholder or non-cardholders get 15% off using a different coupon code)
3. On top of those discounts, you can save $10 off a $40 total by using code BTS10
4. Plus, you can earn $10 Kohl’s Cash with every $50 you spend (this promotion happens regularly)

And all the discounts can be used when you order online! Don’t forget to look for a FREE Shipping code or choose in-store pick up as a FREE shipping option that saves you time from browsing inside the store!

It’s so easy to just pay full price for the best school backpack products, but if you don’t have to, save yourself some money for all the other things on your back to school supply list.

And if you get the best school backpacks for students, you might be saving yourself money next year by not having to buy another one!

Because back-to-school backpacks are expensive, and I want to help you save more money on your back-to-school shopping this year.

Plus, when you learn how to save on school backpacks, you’ll be able to save on them for years to come!

More Money-Saving Back To School Articles To Read:

A New “Do” Doesn’t Have To Cost An Arm & A Leg Before You Start The New School Year!