Back To School Savings Guide: How to Save Money This Semester

I don’t know about you, but at this time of year I always get very sentimental for my old college days (Go Dayton Flyers!). Our first week back at school was the most fun we had all year, but also one of the most stressful. With books to buy, supplies to organize, and new homework, the first week back at school can put a strain on any student or parent. Whether your child is entering the first grade or you’re embarking on your first year at grad school, we’ve got you covered with our back to school deals and a bunch of  student freebies that will maximize your money this year!

School Supplies

Barnes & Noble: Up to 90% off Textbooks
Buy.com: Sharpie marker and highlighter combo pack $8
CVS: ExtraCare card members have access to more deals on school supplies
Moosejaw: 30% off select North Face backpacks
Office Depot: Office Depot brand folders $0.10 each, free pencils with pencil sharpener purchase, and much more!
OfficeMax: Sharpie highlighter 4-pack $1, Bic Round Stic Grip pens $2, OfficeMax brand binders $4
Pottery Barn Kids: Free shipping on all backpacks and gear
Staples: Get select school supplies for just a penny when you spend $5 or more! Also, recycle  an old binder at your local Staples, and get a brand new one!
Walmart: $0.88 Back to School supply section can save you tons on pens, pencils, pencil cases, and so much more! Also check out the Kindergarten-3rd grade Back to School Backpack bundle for just $24!

Dorm & Apartment Essentials

Bed Bath and Beyond: Free shipping on thousands of college basics and essentials
PBTeen: Free shipping on dorm room essentials, up to 20% off pinboards and calendars, and shower curtains from just $24!
The Container Store: Save up to 30% during the Happy Home Organization Sale

Student Freebies

Amazon: FREE 6-month Amazon Prime trial with any .edu email address
Apple: FREE $50 gift card with the New iPad or FREE $100 gift card with any Mac computer
HP: FREE Xbox 360 with $699 on a qualifying HP PC for students, click this HP coupon link and enter the HP promo code XBOX360 at checkout to activate offer
Hulu: FREE 2-week Hulu Plus trial with any .edu email address
JC Penney: FREE haircuts for children ages 5-12 through August at your local JC Penney Salon
Mircrosoft Store: FREE Xbox 360 on PC priced at $699 or more

Many states offer tax free holidays on a wide variety of back to school items from computers to apparel to supplies. Ditching the tax on your back to school shopping can save you big time! Here is a list of the remaining Back-to-School Tax Free weekends:

Connecticut: August 19-25
Georgia: August 10-11
Maryland: August 12-18
Texas: August 17-19

If you’re a college student, check out our list of over 40 student discounts for everything from restaurants to apparel to travel and everything in between.

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About the Author: Caitlin Fox

Caitlin is the Senior Coupon Editor and resident pop culture junkie at BradsDeals. She gets a rush from finding a fantastic coupon code, adores her Beagle, Lucy, and loves to bake cupcakes for family and friends.