From glue sticks to graph paper, school supplies can quickly stretch a teacher’s or parent’s budget. But with the right tools, you can cut those costs significantly—without cutting quality. By combining store sales with cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, it’s possible to save on everything from notebooks to backpacks.

Here’s how to stack your savings and make every supply run count.

1. Start with Store Sales and Weekly Ads

Before diving into cashback tools, check local store ads and school supply sales. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Office Depot offer weekly deals on pens, folders, binders, and more—especially in late summer.

Sign up for loyalty programs at places like Target Circle or Office Depot Rewards to receive early access and personalized coupons.

2. Use Fluz to Buy Discounted Gift Cards Instantly

Once you know where you’re shopping, pay with a discounted digital gift card from Fluz to earn cashback on the total amount.

Examples:

• Buy an Office Depot gift card online to cover notebooks, dry erase boards, and more
  
• Get cashback at Staples for school organizers, paper supplies, and calculators
  
• Use a Target gift card or Walmart gift card from Fluz to stock up on classroom basics and lunchbox essentials
  

Fluz delivers gift cards instantly and allows you to purchase the exact amount needed—ideal for back-to-school shopping lists that vary in price.

3. Activate Ibotta Offers Before Checkout

Ibotta offers cashback for common school items like glue, pens, snacks, and cleaning supplies. Before you shop:

• Browse offers by retailer (Target, Walmart, etc.)
  
• Activate items you plan to buy
  
• Submit your receipt in the app after your purchase or link your store account for automatic rewards
  

Ibotta also regularly features limited-time bonuses for back-to-school shopping, making it even easier to stack savings.

4. Shop Online with Rakuten for Bigger Orders

If you’re buying in bulk or purchasing tech items like calculators or headphones, shop through Rakuten to earn additional cashback at online retailers including:

• Staples
• Office Depot
• Best Buy

Use Rakuten’s browser extension so you never miss a cashback opportunity when checking out online.

5. Real-World Example: Stacking for Maximum Savings

Let’s say you need $50 worth of school supplies from Staples:

• You find items on sale through Staples’ weekly ad
  
• You buy a $50 Staples gift card from Fluz and earn cashback
  
• You check out through Rakuten for added online cashback
  
• You activate Ibotta offers for any snacks, wipes, or school essentials and submit your receipt
  

In total, you’ve layered store discounts with three cashback apps—boosting your savings with almost no extra effort.

Final Tip: Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

The key to maximizing school supply savings is planning. Make your list early, watch for sales, and be open to shopping at multiple stores. With Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta in your toolkit, even the longest supply list becomes more affordable.