Survey: Most parents spend up to $500/child on back-to-school

Austin, Texas -- A survey released Tuesday by coupon site RetailMeNot.com found that nearly 80% of parents spend up to $500 per child for back-to-school shopping.

Additionally, the survey – which was conducted with Ipsos Public Affairs – found that the majority of parents get the jump on the school year by starting their shopping in July and August (54%) versus after the school year begins.

A significant number of parents, 29%, find the back-to-school shopping experience to be either annoying or stressful.

Among the other key findings:

• A significant majority of parents (83%) use coupons when they shop;


• Nearly a quarter of parents (22%) start their back-to-school shopping in July, though 32% wait until August;


• Clothing tends to account for the bulk of parents' back-to-school budgets, with 35% saying they plan to spend the majority of their budgets on clothes;


• Nearly a third of parents (34%) say that school supplies will account for at least 30% of spending; and
  
  One in seven (15%) report that at least 30% of their budget will be put toward shoes.