Charlie has graduated so I didn’t need to go #BacktoSchoolShopping this year I thought. But Charlie ripped his last pair of jean so I needed to run to Walmart to pick up a pair of jeans for Charlie. Plus, my brother is visiting and he wanted to go clothes shopping.
We got up early this morning and went to Walmart and they were not busy at all. But as people get off this evening I know all the stores will be packed with people shopping for back to school items. I thought I would share 🛍️ Survival Tips for Tax-Free Weekend Shopping. If you have other tips or hacks to help parents out please leave them in the comments and I will add them to my list.
Remember Tax-Free Weekend can be a goldmine for savings—but only if you shop smart. Here are some essential facts and strategies to help you make the most out of Tax-Free Weekend for you and your family and friends.
🧠Know What Qualifies
Not everything is tax-exempt! In Texas, for example, the following items qualify if priced under $100 per item:
Everyday clothing and footwear (e.g., jeans, shirts, sneakers)
Casual athletic wear (e.g., swimsuits, jogging suits)
School backpacks (limit: 10 per purchase unless certified for school use)
School supplies like pens, notebooks, and binders
Cloth or disposable face masks
Items not included:
Accessories (jewelry, watches, handbags)
Specialized sports gear (football pads, golf cleats)
Clothing rentals or services like alterations and cleaning2
đź•’ Shop Strategically
Avoid peak hours: Early mornings or late evenings are best to dodge crowds
Use online shopping: Many States, including Texas, allow tax-free benefits for online purchases—as long as the transaction is completed during the holiday.
Watch shipping costs: Shipping fees count toward the $100 limit. A $95 item + $5 shipping = no exemption
đź’¸ Stack Your Savings
Retailers often run additional promotions during tax-free weekends. Look for coupons, BOGO deals, and clearance items
Combine tax-free savings with store loyalty programs or cash-back apps for extra value
đź“‹ Plan Ahead
Make a list of needed items and check prices in advance
Compare prices across stores to avoid impulse buys
Set a budget—tax-free doesn’t mean free-for-all
If you want help building a shopping list or finding the best deals in your area? I can help with that too.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
