Best Budget Back to School Buys for Big Families

Shop the best budget back to school buys for big families—bulk supplies, multi-packs, and smart organizers to simplify the school season in 2025.

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Back-to-school shopping can be stressful for any parent—but for big families, it’s a full-on mission. The best budget back to school buys for big families in 2025 combine quality, quantity, and affordability to help parents get everything their kids need without blowing the budget.

Whether you're shopping for a mix of elementary, middle, and high schoolers—or trying to avoid chaos on the first day—these smart buys keep everyone stocked up and stress-free.

Top Picks Comparison Table

Product

Key Feature

Buy Link

Amazon Basics Bulk Pencil Pack (150 ct)

Durable, pre-sharpened, and perfect for multi-kid homes

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Five Star 6-Pack Notebooks

High-quality notebooks in multiple colors

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Bentgo Kids Lunchbox Bundle (Set of 2)

BPA-free, leak-resistant, and dishwasher-safe

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1. Amazon Basics Pre-Sharpened Pencil Pack (150 ct)

Amazon Basics Pre-Sharpened Pencil Pack (150 ct) Alt text: Large 150-count pack of pre-sharpened yellow pencils, ideal for families with multiple students or classrooms needing reliable writing supplies.

Every kid needs pencils—lots of them. This mega pack of pre-sharpened pencils is perfect for households with multiple students. No more last-minute scrambling for supplies.

Why parents love it: Reliable quality in bulk at a great price point.

2. Five Star 6-Pack Spiral Notebooks

Five Star 6-Pack Spiral Notebooks Alt text: Set of six durable spiral-bound notebooks with colorful reinforced covers, perfect for organizing school subjects or dividing between kids.

These durable notebooks hold up all year, with reinforced covers and strong spirals. Each pack comes in multiple colors, making it easy to assign by child or subject.

Why parents love it: A bulk deal on name-brand quality that won’t fall apart mid-semester.

3. Bentgo Kids Lunchbox Bundle (Set of 2)

Bentgo Kids Lunchbox Bundle (Set of 2) Alt text: Set of two colorful, leak-proof bento-style lunchboxes with compartments and snap closures, great for school lunches and portion control.

These bento-style lunchboxes are leak-proof, colorful, and built for school. The compartments help with portioning, and the snap-lid design makes it easy for small hands.

Why parents love it: Prepping lunches is quicker, cleaner, and more organized with multiple kids.

4. Mead Folders with Pockets (6-Pack)

Mead Folders with Pockets (6-Pack) Alt text: Six colorful two-pocket folders designed for organizing homework, handouts, and school paperwork by child or subject.

Assign a color per child or per subject. These sturdy two-pocket folders are perfect for keeping homework, permission slips, and project materials tidy.

Why parents love it: Simple, affordable, and helpful for keeping things sorted across grade levels.

5. Crayola Back to School Art Supply Set

Crayola Back to School Art Supply Set Alt text: All-in-one Crayola art supply kit including crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue, and scissors for classroom or at-home creativity.

Includes crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue, and scissors—all from a trusted brand. Great for families with elementary school kids and multiple classrooms to stock.

Why parents love it: Everything in one pack—no piecing together supplies store by store.

6. Large Rolling Backpack with Laptop Compartment

Large Rolling Backpack with Laptop Compartment Alt text: Spacious rolling backpack with extendable handle and laptop compartment, designed to carry heavy school loads with ease.

For older kids who have to carry heavy loads, a rolling backpack saves backs and shoulders. These spacious bags also fit Chromebooks or tablets.

Why parents love it: Holds everything without complaints—and they’re durable enough to last.

7. Paper Mate InkJoy Pens

Paper Mate InkJoy Pens Alt text: Bulk pack of smooth-writing Paper Mate InkJoy pens in assorted colors, perfect for note-taking, homework, and school assignments.

Smooth-writing pens in bulk—perfect for note-taking, homework, and handouts. A great deal for big families with older students.

Why parents love it: One purchase lasts for months and keeps the supply drawer stocked.

8. Stackable Plastic Bins for Each Child

Stackable Plastic Bins for Each Child Alt text: Stackable storage bins labeled for kids, ideal for organizing supplies, outfits, or projects to streamline school mornings.

Use these bins to sort supplies, projects, or weekly outfits. Labeled by child, they make mornings smoother and keep chaos to a minimum.

Why parents love it: Organization meets sanity—and they’re under budget.

9. Dry Erase Boards with Markers

Dry Erase Boards with Markers Alt text: Reusable dry erase boards with markers for at-home learning, daily practice, or schedule tracking, easy to clean and fun to use.

Perfect for at-home practice, schedules, or homework help. Reusable, easy to clean, and a great screen-free option for extra learning time.

Why parents love it: Encourages daily learning in a fun and flexible way.

10. Reusable Water Bottles (Set of 6)

Reusable Water Bottles (Set of 6) Alt text: Set of six BPA-free reusable water bottles with flip-top lids and colorful designs, great for school, sports, and daily hydration.

BPA-free bottles with pop-up lids and fun colors—perfect for avoiding lost water bottles (again). Dishwasher-safe and designed for active school days.

Why parents love it: One order, multiple kids covered. No more single-bottle panic.

Stock Up Without Stress

These best budget back to school buys for big families prove that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. Whether you’re managing multiple supply lists or just looking for efficient bulk solutions, these picks help streamline the process and set your family up for a successful school year—without breaking the bank.

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