Parents globally are grappling with the rising costs of back-to-school shopping amidst inflation. In the US, a survey by Understood.org reveals that 89% of parents are stressed about the season, with significant concerns from those with neurodivergent children regarding the adequacy of school support. Canadian parents are spending an average of $743, up from last year, with many resorting to strategies like using sales and coupons to manage costs. In the UAE, parents face high expenses on uniforms and school supplies, while in Chicago, the average spending per child has risen to $747, driven largely by tech product purchases. Despite inflation cooling, the cumulative financial burden of school supplies and extracurricular activities remains significant across different regions.