Back To School Deals Austin

Jump To: School Start Dates | Tax Free Weekend | Local Giveaways & Community Events| Local Deals | National Retailer Offers | Meal Deals | Money Saving Tips | FAQs for Greater Houston Parents |

Back-to-school season is approaching, and in the Greater Austin area, that means gathering school supplies, hosting community drives, and opportunities for budget-friendly shopping across the city and suburbs. From Austin ISD events to Travis County giveaways in Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Round Rock, this 2025 guide highlights supplies, tax‑free shopping tips, retailer specials, and local family deals.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

When Is School Starting in Austin (2025–26)?

Students enrolled in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) will begin classes on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

For charter schools, the schedule starts a bit earlier. KIPP Texas Public Schools in the Austin region, along with IDEA Public Schools, will open their doors on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Start dates for private and faith-based schools in the area may differ, often ranging from August 7 to August 19, 2025, depending on the institution.

Texas Tax‑Free Weekend: What Counts & How to Maximize It

August 8–10 window

Texas’s annual back‑to‑school sales tax holiday runs from Friday, August 8, through midnight Sunday, August 10, 2025. During these three days, retailers across the state, including in Austin, are prohibited from collecting state or local sales tax on eligible purchases made within that window.

Qualifying vs excluded items

Qualifying purchases include most clothing and footwear, school supplies, and backpacks, as long as each individual item is priced under $100. Household aprons, adult diapers, pajamas, baby diapers, and cloth or disposable masks (non‑medical grade) are also eligible if under $100.

This exemption applies even if you buy multiple qualifying items within the limit, and there’s no cap on how many exempt items you can purchase during the holiday.

Excluded items include anything sold for $100 or more per item, as well as accessories like jewelry, purses, wallets, briefcases, luggage, watches, belts, and athletic or protective‑only clothing and footwear. Textbooks, computer bags, subscription clothing services, and repair services are also not tax‑exempt.

Online/mail order rules

Purchases made online, by mail, telephone, or special/custom order are fully eligible, as long as the payment is authorized during the tax‑free period.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges count toward the $100 cap on each item, so total price matters. If delivery fees push a qualifying item over $100, the entire purchase becomes taxable. (For instance, if you enter your credit card at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, the transaction is exempt. But if payment fails and is retried after midnight, the exemption no longer applies.)

Local impact and savings projections

In previous years, Texans saved hundreds of millions during the tax‑free weekend. In one year alone, estimates put statewide savings at around $143 million, contributing to over $1.8 billion in cumulative savings since the holiday began.

For deal‑hunters, combining tax exemption with retailer coupons or promotions can yield substantial savings, especially on typical back‑to‑school necessities like notebooks, jeans, sneakers, backpacks, and basic electronics accessories (within rules).

Local Giveaways & Community Events in Austin & Surrounding Areas

APD Back to School Event

Score school supplies, enter to win a bike and helmet from APD Operation Blue Santa, and meet your local heroes from APD, AFD, and EMS.

Back to School Celebration + Backpack Drive at the Carver

Head over to the Carver Museum on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for an exciting day packed with giveaways and community connection to kick off the new school year.

Back-to-School Bash at Virginia L Brown Rec Center

Get ready for an epic neighborhood bash running from 11 AM to 3 PM, featuring a DJ, thrilling field games like tug-of-war, sack races, and inflatable obstacle courses! Plus, your kids will score free backpack bundles with folders, lunch bags, and calculators.

They can also get their haircuts from a mobile barber, while parents can check in with counselors for mental health reasons.

Jordan’s Safe Place “Back 2 School” Bash

Dive into therapeutic crafts and mindfulness games to boost emotional resilience, plus grab free backpacks, school supplies, and even a fresh haircut.

Parents can also find valuable mental health resources and local support groups while enjoying healthy snacks and community tips, all before a reflective community sharing circle wraps things up at 2 PM.

Fresh Start Back to School

Roll through themed stations from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to grab free backpacks, school supplies, hygiene essentials, and even quick vision screenings. Plus, don’t miss the “Family Photo Stop” for a fun, in-car photo op, and connect with local nonprofits offering extra goodies and health information!

Back to School Giveaway

Starting at noon, grab free backpacks and school supplies at the entrance, then dive into roller skating, arcade games, or a special movie screening, all while enjoying live music, dance contests, and hourly prize raffles!

Chicago Public Schools Back to School Bash

Connect with your student’s school and local organizations, get answers about the upcoming year, access important services, and snag a free backpack with school supplies while enjoying delicious food and fun with school staff and other families.

Back to School Craft and Vendor Market

Jumpstart your fall shopping at this festive market, your one-stop spot for talented local makers, creative crafts, fun food vendors, and fantastic back-to-school inspiration, all nestled in the spacious Fareground!

Discover unique gifts or supplies for home, school, or after-school routines, all while supporting small businesses this Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, with free admission.

Back To School Splash at Goldfish Swim School – Northwest Hills

Get ready for a splashtastic afternoon with pool time, a bounce house, crafts, and games, all completely free with your RSVP – just bring your swimsuits, towels, and smiles!

Back to School Shopping Austin: Where to Shop for Deals

Below are top retailers and community resources in and around Austin (San Marcos and Leander included) where families typically find deep discounts, tax‑free pricing, and even free supplies for the upcoming school year.

Local Area Chains (Target, Walmart, H‑E‑B, Staples, Office Depot)

These major retailers in Austin, San Marcos, and Leander participate fully in the Texas tax‑free weekend (August 8–10), with automatic exemption applied at checkout. They also offer pre‑holiday circulars, exclusive coupons, and school-supply bundles, making them reliable stops for essentials under $100 each.

Many stores also match online supply lists or provide TeacherLists partnerships (notably H‑E‑B).

Best Buy and Tech Retailers

While computers don’t qualify for tax exemption, Best Buy and similar tech stores often run special promotions on accessories, headphones, backpacks, and wearable items during the tax‑free weekend, so pairing accessory deals with broader retailer coupons can add up in savings.

Discount and Off‑Price Apparel Stores

Stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory often carry clothing and footwear under $100 that qualify for tax holiday savings. They frequently stock seasonal basics like jeans, tees, and sneakers at reduced prices well before mid‑August.

Local Austin Boutiques & Pop‑Up Markets

Local independent stores, neighborhood consignment shops, and seasonal pop‑up markets often offer markdowns or bundle pricing on kids’ clothing and basics. Some will specifically promote back‑to‑school lines and match the tax‑free timeline to attract shoppers.

United Way Navigation Center & Local Giveaway Programs

United Way for Greater Austin’s Navigation Center compiles a calendar of free back‑to‑school events, supply drives, and giveaways across Central Texas. These resources are especially helpful for eligible families and include supply fairs hosted in surrounding suburbs as well.

Community Supply Events & United Way‑Affiliated Drives

In addition to the Navigation Center listings, local nonprofits often host drive-through events or resource fairs offering backpacks, school supplies, and clothing at no cost. While dates change each year, these events are commonly held in early August, before the tax‑free window closes.

Top National Retailer Offers (Locally Available)

Apple

Students and parents can save up to 10% on qualifying MacBooks, iMacs, or iPads when shopping at Apple Stores or online through the Apple Education Store. Plus, they can receive a complimentary accessory valued up to $179, or enjoy significant discounts on premium items like AirPods Pro 2.

Walmart

Discover a vast array of back-to-school essentials at Walmart, from budget-friendly school supplies starting at just 25 cents to new tech gadgets. You can also find impressive clearance deals on apparel and dorm room necessities.

Staples

During the Staples Summer Savings Event, parents and students can find exceptional back-to-school offers, with key essentials priced from just 25 cents. Yo can also take advantage of their buy one, get one 50% off deal on various writing instruments. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for weekly freebies.

Gap

Explore Gap’s extensive clearance event to find significant savings, with discounts of up to 60% on essential back-to-school clothing and accessories.

Nordstrom

For incredible back-to-school savings, explore Nordstrom’s deals in Austin, featuring fantastic discounts on new fall fashion and arrivals. Look for popular brands like Nike, Vans, and Converse for shoes, alongside amazing markdowns on beauty products and designer backpacks.

Target

Take advantage of significant back-to-school savings at Target, with discounts reaching up to 40% on school supplies and other essentials.

Adidas

Get ready for school with Adidas, offering up to 40% off on a wide selection of sneakers, athletic apparel, and even soccer jerseys.

Best Buy

Find fantastic savings on a variety of tech essentials for the school year at Best Buy.

eBay

During eBay’s special markdown event, students and parents can prepare for the new school year with incredible deals on electronics like iPads and laptops.

Macy’s

Explore Macy’s for amazing back-to-school savings, with up to 50% off a wide array of fashion items perfect for the new semester. You can also find excellent prices on crucial items such as backpacks, learning tools, and dorm decor.

American Eagle

Explore American Eagle’s fantastic back-to-school offers. The retailer is currently providing a substantial 30% discount on almost all items.

Columbia

Prepare for the academic year with 25% off on selected Columbia Sportswear styles. You simply need to use the code CLASSACT at checkout to unlock these savings on durable outdoor gear.

Converse

Enjoy 25% off on select Converse styles. Additionally, an extra 40% off sale items is available by applying the code BACK2SCHOOL at checkout.

Reebok

Find great savings at Reebok, with 35% off select full-price items and an extra 50% off on various sale styles. Just remember to use the code BTS at checkout to apply these discounts.

Kipling

Discover incredible back-to-school savings during Kipling’s special sale event. Students and parents can find exclusive discounts and markdowns across a wide range of popular Kipling items.

Meal Deals for Back to School

Instacart

Parents and students in San Antonio can get ready for the new school year during Instacart’s Back-to-School Deal Week, from August 11th to 17th. Simply place an order of $10 or more to receive complimentary daily lunchbox essentials and discover savings on a variety of popular snacks and lunch items.

HelloFresh

Simplify back-to-school meal preparation with a special offer from HelloFresh. By utilizing the code USATOCARAWAY on their third box, you will receive 10 free meals in addition to a complimentary Caraway pan.

Money-Saving Tips & Shopping Strategy

Back-to-school shopping can put a serious dent in any family’s budget, especially with rising prices on clothes, supplies, and tech accessories. But with a little planning and smart timing, it’s possible to cut costs without cutting corners.

Below are practical tips tailored for Austin families looking to stretch their dollars this school season.

• Make a checklist and stick to it
  Before heading to the store, review your child’s supply list from school or use a generic checklist as a guide. This helps avoid impulse purchases and duplicate buys.

• Shop during the Texas tax-free weekend (August 8–10)
  Time your major purchases like clothing, backpacks, and school supplies during the tax holiday to skip paying state and local sales tax on qualifying items.

• Compare prices online and in-store
  Use store apps or price comparison tools to check for the best deals. Sometimes online-exclusive bundles are cheaper than what’s available in stores, even at the same retailer.

• Take advantage of price-matching policies
  Many major stores in Austin (like Target and Walmart) offer price-matching if you find a lower advertised price at a competitor. Just bring proof of the lower price.

• Buy in bulk and split costs with other parents
  Warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club offer great bulk pricing on essentials like pencils, notebooks, and lunch snacks. Coordinate with other parents to divide supplies and save more.

• Use store loyalty programs and digital coupons
  Sign up for store rewards or download apps from H‑E‑B, Staples, Office Depot, and others to unlock exclusive discounts or earn cash back on qualifying purchases.

• Look for community giveaways and free supply events
  Check the United Way Navigation Center or dial 2-1-1 to find local school supply drives, many of which happen in early August around the Austin metro area.

• Shop early for selection, but late for discounts
  Early August has the best selection, but some of the deepest markdowns come just before school starts. Stock up on basics early, then grab clearance items later in the season.

• Reuse and recycle what you already have
  Go through last year’s supplies. Many items like scissors, rulers, folders, and lunchboxes don’t need to be replaced every year if they’re still in good shape.

• Wait to buy non-essentials
  Items like locker decor, trendy clothes, or extra gear can often wait until after school starts, when kids know what they actually need and what teachers allow.

Back to School FAQs for Austin Parents

1. When is the Texas Tax-Free Weekend for 2025?
   The tax-free weekend runs from August 8 to August 10, 2025. During this time, you can buy eligible school-related items without paying state or local sales tax.

2. What school supplies qualify for the tax exemption?
   Items like backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, and calculators qualify, so long as each item is under $100.

3. Do clothing and shoes qualify for the tax-free weekend?
   Yes. Most everyday clothing and footwear items under $100 per item are tax-exempt. However, accessories and specialty athletic gear (like cleats or pads) are excluded.

4. Can I shop online and still get the tax-free discount?
   Yes, online and mail-order purchases are eligible as long as the transaction is completed during the tax-free period and the item qualifies under the rules.

5. Are there any back-to-school giveaways in Austin?
   Yes. Organizations like United Way’s Navigation Center and other nonprofits host free supply drives and distribution events throughout August. These are especially common in suburbs like Pflugerville, Leander, and Round Rock.

6. Do major stores in Austin automatically remove tax at checkout?
   Yes. Retailers like Target, Walmart, H-E-B, and Office Depot apply the exemption automatically in-store and online (if shipping to a Texas address).

7. Are computers or tablets tax-free during this weekend?
   No. Computers, tablets, and most electronics are not covered under the back-to-school tax exemption, although retailers may run separate tech deals at the same time.

8. Can I use coupons and still get the tax-free discount?
   Yes. Coupons and store promotions can be combined with tax-free savings, as long as the item’s final price is still under $100.

9. Is there a spending limit for the total purchase?
   No. There is no overall limit on how much you can spend as long as each individual qualifying item is priced under $100.

10. Where can I find the best back-to-school deals in Austin?
    Look for promotions at major chains like Target, Walmart, and H-E-B, and check out community listings for local markets, pop-ups, and supply giveaways. Also, keep an eye on circulars and store apps starting in late July.

Looking for fun things around ATX? Check out our weekly updates with the best picks for Things to Do in Austin this Weekend — all curated by a local.