Back to School Shopping, Without the Back-to-School Price Tag

It’s that time of year again for back-to-school shopping. That means school supply lists, new backpacks, “does this still fit?” closet checks, and a budget that somehow never stretches as far as September needs it to.

You shouldn’t have to choose between outfitting your kids for the new school year and keeping your wallet intact. That’s where Goodwill comes in

The Hunt Is Half the Fun

Back-to-school shopping at Goodwill is its own kind of shopping trip. Bring the kids. Let them pick out their own “first day” outfit from the racks, there’s something different about a kid who chose their look versus one who just got handed it.

Goodwill also has backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, notebooks, even furniture for a first dorm room or a home study nook, and most importantly – great deals. If you shop with intention, your back-to-school haul can cost a fraction of what it would anywhere else.

A few tips for this season’s hunt:

• Shop early and shop often. Inventory turns over fast, so the best finds don’t wait around.
• Check the kids’ section on weekday mornings, when shelves are freshly stocked.
• Don’t skip the housewares aisle! Desk lamps, storage bins, and organizers show up more often than you’d think.
• Bring a list, but leave room to be surprised.

Where Your Money Actually Goes

Here’s what a lot of shoppers don’t know: every purchase at Goodwill does more than fill a cart. It funds job training and education programs across the region including The Excel Center. The Excel center is our tuition-free adult high school where adults who didn’t finish high school can return to the classroom and earn their diploma. 

So that backpack you just bought? It’s not just gear for your kid’s first day. It’s part of what makes someone else’s graduation day possible.

For Teachers, Too

If you’re a teacher stocking a classroom out of your own pocket, Goodwill is one of the most overlooked resources for classroom basics like bookshelves, storage bins, extra chairs, art supplies, and books. Setting up a reading corner or building out a supply closet doesn’t have to break the budget.

Perfect gifts for teachers are already on the shelves!

This Season, Shop With a Little More Purpose

Back-to-school season is chaotic enough without adding financial stress to the mix. Whether you’re outfitting one kid or five, furnishing a classroom, or just trying to make September a little easier on the family budget, Goodwill’s got you covered.

Stop by your nearest Goodwill of the Chesapeake store and get ready for the new school year without the new school year price tag. Find a store near you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate old school supplies and clothes at the same time I shop? Yes! All locations accept donations during regular store hours, so you can drop off what your family has outgrown while you shop for what’s next. It’s a good way to close the loop each season.

Is there a best time of year or week to shop for back-to-school deals? Inventory turns over quickly and tends to be freshest in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, with morning restocks (especially on weekdays) often having the best selection. Checking in more than once during the season is usually worth it.

Can teachers get anything special for classroom setup? Many teachers find Goodwill a reliable, budget-friendly source for classroom basics from storage, shelving, books, to supplies especially when furnishing a classroom out of pocket.

Where does the money from my purchase actually go? Proceeds from sales fund job training and education programs across the region, including The Excel Center (our tuition-free adult high school), reentry workforce programs, and bilingual workforce support on the Eastern Shore.