Back-to-School Shopping in 2025: The CashbackHQ Expert Guide

Hi, I’m Ben Rose—CashbackHQ’s in-house cashback expert and founder. Like many of you, I’ve been feeling the pinch during this back-to-school season. Between fresh kicks for gym class, a new laptop for my middle-schooler, and enough pencils to stock a small office, the costs really add up.

In fact, according to a July 2025 survey by NerdWallet, families are looking at an average spend of around $741—and WTOP pegs that closer to $858 once tech is factored in (WTOP News). So let’s talk about how to save some serious money.

Why Everything Costs More in 2025

It’s not your imagination—things really are pricier this year. Inflation’s a big part of the story, but so are supply chain hiccups and schools asking for more tech gear than ever.

Over half of parents find back-to-school shopping financially stressful.
Roughly 63% plan to rely on credit cards—and they’re hoping for cashback or points to soften the blow.
Many (myself included) are ditching old shopping habits to chase better deals.

Hack #1: Shop Tax-Free (Yes, Really)

One of the easiest ways to save is to take advantage of your state’s tax holiday. For my fellow Virginians, it’s August 1–3. If you’re in Maryland, mark August 10–16 on your calendar.

These events waive state sales tax on certain school supplies, clothing, and backpacks. Stack this with a cashback portal and a rewards card, and you’re in solid savings territory.

Hack #2: Use the Right Card (I’m Loving Rakuten’s Amex)

If you use Rakuten, the new Rakuten American Express® Credit Card is a must-have. Here’s what I like about it:

4% cashback on Rakuten purchases
5% back at Rakuten Dining spots
2% back on everyday groceries and dining
1% back on everything else

You’ll also get a $25 welcome bonus after your first $500 spend, and a $30 referral bonus for bringing in a friend. Not bad.

Where I’m Seeing the Best Cashback This Year

🍽️ Meal Kits

Let’s face it, nobody wants to cook after a full day of work and school. These meal kit deals are incredible:

HelloFresh: Up to 65% cashback on Rakuten
Green Chef: Up to 50% cashback
Blue Apron: Flat $30 cashback on TopCashback

Compare meal kit offers here

👟 Activewear & Apparel

My kids grow faster than I can keep up. Here’s where I’ve scored some wins:

Alo Yoga: 11% cashback via RebatesMe + $40 bonus
Adidas: 13% cashback via TopCashback
Puma, Under Armour: Around 10% back on several portals

Track real-time cashback on apparel

🔐 Digital Tools for College Students

VPNs are a no-brainer for campus Wi-Fi. I’ve helped several parents snag deals like:

PureVPN: 130% cashback on TopCashback (yes, that’s more than you spend!)
ExpressVPN: Up to 85% back

View top digital tool deals

Ben’s 5-Step Cashback Stack

Start with a great card. I rotate between Rakuten Amex and my Citi Double Cash.
Open a cashback portal in a clean browser tab—no plug-ins running that might interfere.
Apply a promo code. I check Honey or store apps like Target Circle.
Shop during bonus events. I look for tax-free weekends or Rakuten’s Big Give Week.
Let your kids help. Mine love trying to “beat” my cashback total each year. It’s fun—and educational.

Real Example: My $100 Back-to-School Cashback Stack

Here’s how I saved over $100 on just two orders:

HelloFresh: $100 meal kit order
→ $65 back from Rakuten
→ $4 back from Rakuten Amex
→ Final: $31
Alo Yoga: $120 order for back-to-school clothes
→ $13.20 cashback
→ $40 new user bonus
→ $2.40 from my card
→ Final: $64.40

Final Word from Ben

I get it—back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming. But with a little planning and the right tools, it’s totally possible to turn a spending spree into a savings opportunity.

Don’t shop blindly. Use tax holidays, take advantage of credit card promos, and always run your purchases through a cashback portal.

And when in doubt, check live rates and compare rewards at CashbackHQ.com. That’s what I do.

FAQs

🛒 How do cashback sites work?

Retailers pay sites like Rakuten or TopCashback a commission for sending traffic. When you buy, the cashback site gets paid—and they share a cut with you.
Common mistakes to avoid

💳 Can I stack credit card rewards and cashback?

You bet. It’s called double-dipping. You earn cashback from the portal and rewards from your credit card in the same transaction.

🗓 What are the tax holiday dates for 2025?

Virginia: August 1–3
Maryland: August 10–16

See you out there—and happy deal hunting!

Author
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Ben Rose

Ben Rose is the founder of CashbackHQ, the most powerful cashback comparison shopping portal on the Internet. He hails from San Francisco, CA, and is a lifelong deal hunter, obsessive cashback optimizer, and tireless side hustler. Over the past decade, Ben has helped over 100,000 shoppers earn an estimated $1.3 million in cashback rewards through strategic shopping techniques.