The National Retail Federation says families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average $687.72 per kid on back-to-school shopping this year. EEK! That can definitely put a dent in your wallet.
One way to save a little cash is by shopping during your state’s Tax-Free Weekend. In Texas, our tax-free holiday weekend is Aug. 11th-13th.
Now, before you head out to be amongst the masses of other TAX-FREE WEEKEND shoppers, we’ve got some shopping strategies to help you SAVE some cash and not LOSE your mind!
Tax-FREE Weekend Shopping Tips and Tricks
- Texas readers, be sure to check out the official list of included/excluded items provided by the Texas Comptrollers Office. As in previous years, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes. That’ll save you about $8 on every $100 you spend.
- Take note of what’s already in your closets and make a list of must-have items.
- Outline key items of clothing that can be mixed and matched. Choose two or three favorite colors and pair with neutrals so you can mix and match your wardrobe.
- Visit your school’s website and print off the school supply list. I keep all my boys’ lists on a clipboard and mark items with a highlighter whenever purchases are made. It’s a simple way to stay organized and hopefully not miss items.
- Take advantage of stores offering extra incentives like “extra ___% off already reduced merchandise” or buy a store gift card, get a mall gift card.
- Pack snacks! There’s nothing worse than being HANGRY while dealing with crowds, kids and long lines. Keep your mind sharp and tummy satisfied with a stash of trail mix or cheese sticks.
- Be productive. While standing in line, plan ahead and decide which store you’re hitting next. Open up their app and see what coupons you can find.
- Keep the Shopkick app open to earn “kicks” just by walking into participating stores. Those kicks can be redeemed for prizes like gift cards, movie tickets, and even Coach bags!
I visited Grapevine Mills Tuesday morning with Samantha Chatman of NBC5 and gave you a look at some of the deals you’ll find this tax-free weekend.
Want a chance to WIN a $100 Grapevine Mills Gift Card, plus (4) LEGOLAND/Sea Life Tickets???
- Enter your email address below.*
- Comment on the Facebook LIVE video over on the ModMomTV Facebook page and tell us some of the back-to-school items you’re buying this year.*
- Follow the steps to earn bonus entries.
- Wait with eager anticipation for an email saying, “Congratulations, you WON!!!”
*Both are required to be eligible to win.
Here’s a peek at just some of the sale items we talked about at Grapevine Mills…
LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium Celebrate Back-To-School With Special Offers
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers with valid ID or pay stub will receive FREE admission to both LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine August 13–20. Friends and family can purchase additional tickets for $10, plus tax. Offer valid for up to 6 guests per attraction.
School Supply Drive
Before heading back to school, take the family to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium between the dates of August 13-20 and enjoy $5 off admission when you donate a school supply, in their original packaging, from this list. Supplies will be donated to Title I students in the Grapevine Independent School District. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one $5 discount per person per visit.
Offers only available at the door, not for purchase online.
I so need this $100.00 gift card. My daughter is going back to college and I have a little boy that would love to go the aquarium.
Thanks so much for the tips! My kids are growing like weeds and have out grown everything! Uniforms, shoes, backpacks and school supplies for all three of my kids.