CVS is running a buy-one-get-one promotion on back-to-school supplies, making it a smart time for parents to fill their carts with essentials. The sale covers common items like binders, planners, tissues, and other classroom staples that kids need throughout the year.

Back-to-school shopping ranks among the biggest expenses families face before fall semester starts. The National Retail Federation estimates back-to-school spending averages around $900 per household. BOGO deals cut those costs substantially, especially when you're buying multiple items your kids actually use.

Planners help older kids stay organized. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that students who use structured planning tools maintain better grades and report lower stress levels. Binders and folders keep papers from getting lost. Tissues might seem small, but schools request them year-round for classroom supplies, so stocking up means fewer mid-year requests for parents to fill.

The timing matters. Back-to-school shopping starts in late July and peaks in early August, when retailers compete hardest for attention. BOGO sales during these windows offer better value than regular pricing found later in the year. Parents who wait until mid-August often see fewer deals and picked-over inventory.

Smart shopping means checking your stockpile first. Many households already have binders or pencils from previous years. The BOGO structure works best when you actually need multiples of what's on sale. Tissues, in particular, get used throughout the year, so buying extra now saves money compared to regular drugstore prices later.

For families budgeting carefully, combining BOGO sales with loyalty programs maximizes savings. CVS's ExtraBucks rewards program often stacks with sales. Check the store's app or website for additional digital coupons before checkout.

These promotions run for limited windows. Parents shopping early and checking what