Tax Free Weekend 2025

31 Ways to Get Free & Discounted School Supplies in 2025

Back-to-school season can sneak up fast . . . and those supply lists seem to get longer (and more expensive) every year. Between backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and lunch gear, the average family can easily spend hundreds before the first bell rings. 

But here's the good news: You don’t have to pay full price to set your child up for success. From national retailers to local nonprofits — and plenty of smart savings tricks in between — there are more ways than ever to save on school supplies. 

🎒 Shop smart at big-name retailers 

Many retailers host buy one, get one free” (BOGO) sales in August and September. Find out when these sales are happening and use coupons to maximize your savings. 

1. Walmart rollback prices 

Walmart kicks off back-to-school season with major markdowns on essentials like notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks. 

2. Target’s School List 

Assist This free tool matches your child’s supply list to in-stock deals — and you can order it all in one click. 

3. Staples’ back-to-school guarantee 

Staples often runs twenty-five-cent deals and price matches competitors, helping you save on the spot. 

4. Office Depot/OfficeMax promotions

 Check their weekly ad for deep discounts on folders, markers, and backpacks. 

5. Amazon’s back-to-school deals 

Look for Lightning Deals and Subscribe & Save bundles on bulk items and lunchbox snacks. 

6. Store loyalty programs 

Join programs like Target Circle™ or Staples Easy Rewards for exclusive coupons and early access to sales. 

Tip: Pair up with another parent, purchase two of every school item, and split the cost to make the most out of BOGO sales. 

🏫 Tap into community resources 

Local charities and businesses often host events to collect and distribute school supplies. If you’re unsure which organizations are helping families in your area, try contacting your local food bank, radio station, news channel, or school board for guidance. 

7. United Way School Supply Drive 

Contact your local United Way chapter or your child’s school for details on the distribution program. Most chapters work directly with the schools to hand out backpacks and other supplies. 

8. Salvation Army giveaways 

Many locations offer school supply kits for eligible families. Call your local branch for details. 

9. City and county back-to-school fairs 

Hosted by school districts or local governments, these events may include free supplies, haircuts, and even immunizations. 

10. Public libraries and rec centers 

You might find end-of-summer events offering school gear and books. 

11. Ask your child’s school 

Schools often collect supply donations or invite sponsors to shop for families in need. 

12. Faith-based organizations 

Churches, mosques, and community groups often host their own giveaway events. 

Some Advance America stores host backpack drives to give away free backpacks filled with school essentials. Contact your nearest location to see if they’re hosting one this year. 

💻 Go digital for big discounts 

You don’t have to clip paper coupons to score great deals. There are plenty of ways to save just by shopping online. 

13. Cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta 

Get cash back on supplies you’re already buying — even if you shop online. 

14. Coupon browser extensions 

Free extensions like Honey and Capital One Shopping search for coupon codes and apply them automatically at checkout. 

15. Coupon websites 

Try RetailMeNot or Coupons.com for printable or digital discounts on name brands. 

16. Brand email lists 

Sign up for updates from companies like Crayola or Elmer’s to score coupons and freebies. 

17. Store apps = secret deals 

Download retailer apps (Target, Walgreens, Dollar General) for exclusive, app-only savings. 

➢RELATED: How to Save More Money in 2025 

Don’t forget social media! Follow brands and stores on your favorite platforms. Sometimes they post exclusive, time-limited discounts. 

🛒 Stretch your budget at every turn

 You don’t have to rely on big-box or office supply stores for school shopping. 

18. Thrift and consignment stores 

Gently used backpacks, lunch bags, and even clothes for a fraction of the cost. 

19. Dollar stores for the win 

Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Five Below are all great for stocking up on basics like folders, erasers, sticky notes, and art supplies. 

20. Bulk-buy with other parents 

Split big packs of pens or notebooks with another family to reduce your per-item cost. 

21. Reuse what you already have 

Check last year’s backpack and pencil case before buying new. 

22. Clearance shopping all year 

Snag school supplies on sale in the off-season, especially after holidays or during spring resets. 

23. Consider store-brand supplies 

Store brands like Pen+Gear (Walmart) or Up&Up (Target) often offer the same quality at lower prices. 

➢RELATED: 5 Steps to Create a Budget 

Skip the pricey hobby stores — dollar stores are a goldmine of affordable art supplies for school projects! 

🤝 Think outside the big box

 If you know a small business owner, ask if they have extra office supplies to share. Online marketplaces are also great places to discover free or low-cost office and art supplies — just be sure to choose a public meeting spot (like a police or fire station) when buying from internet strangers. 

24. ‘Buy Nothing’ groups 

Search for local groups on Facebook or your local Nextdoor community, as people often give away extras. 

25. Host a school supply swap 

Invite friends and neighbors to meet up and trade. This is a good way to get rid of supplies you don’t need and score items you do. 

26. Check community freecycle pages 

Browse Craigslist’s “free” section or local online boards. 

27. Try a ‘Library of Things’ 

Some towns lend out calculators, tech devices, or art supplies through public libraries. 

Share your school supply list with friends and family — they may have extra items or gently used clothes their kids have outgrown. 

🗓️ Time your purchases 

When you shop can be just as crucial as where. 

Ready for tax-free shopping?

School supplies? Dorm décor? A fresh pair of kicks? 

Tell us: What are you planning to grab tax-free this year?

28. Stock up during tax-free holidays 

Many states waive sales tax on school supplies in July or August. See if your state is participating this year and plan your big shopping trip accordingly. 

 

Image
Tax Free Weekend States 2025

29. Watch for educator sales 

Retailers like Michaels and Staples offer teacher discounts that sometimes extend to homeschool families or parents. 

30. End-of-season clearance 

If you can wait a week or two after school starts, leftovers often go on deep discount. 

31. Manufacturer rebates 

Brands like Avery or Sharpie occasionally run back-to-school rebate promotions. Just be sure to keep those receipts! 

Don’t miss out on big savings! Mark your state’s tax-free shopping weekend on your calendar and set reminders.

💡Small savings = big wins 

The best way to save on school supplies is to start early, stay flexible, and mix and match your resources. Whether you're using a coupon app, swapping with neighbors, or showing up to a community fair, every little bit helps. 

And remember — you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve got your back. 

Apply online 

Find a store

Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.

Bree Ewers headshot About the author

Bree Ewers is a senior editor, copywriter, and content writer whose work has been featured across the media, small business, and financial industries. She operates Nomad Freelance Content from her home office in Portland, Oregon.

The Advance America advantage

Since 1997, Advance America has helped millions of hardworking people with a variety of financial solutions including Payday Loans, Online Loans, Installment Loans, Title Loans and Personal Lines of Credit.
157+ million
loans issued
800+ stores
and online loans
25+ years
providing loans