Can you believe summer is almost over for a lot of our member families?
We're already seeing ads for back-to-school supplies, including notebooks, clothes and computers.
Before you start shopping for a new backpack with your student, do some research of your own! School supplies can add up quickly, especially if your student wants anything fancy, but there are a lot of ways you can save money before the first day of school.
Here are five opportunities:
1. Shop Your Closets
Before shopping, go through closets and drawers to find out what your student already has. It's likely that you'll find a few unused notebooks, pens, pencils and more in your house. You can cross those items off your shopping list!
While you're digging through closets and drawers, have your child try on their old fall clothing! If there are things that still fit, that's great! If not, there's still good news: Vintage is in right now. Kids might have a lot of fun shopping your local thrift shops for unique finds.
2. Stick to the School List (and Shop Discount Stores First)
Your child's school usually will provide a specific list of what students will need, including how many pencils, folders, notebooks and more. This will help you avoid buying too much.
3. Try Your 'Buy Nothing' Group
Most communities have a 'Buy Nothing" group, often on Facebook. Search "Buy Nothing" and the name of your town to find yours! The Buy Nothing group is where local residents give each other items they aren't using anymore, from toys to clothes to household items. You can score some free items and declutter your own home at the same time!
4. Take Advantage of Tax-Free Weekend
Here in Virginia, tax-free shopping weekend is August 7 - 9. From 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 7 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, you get a break from paying sales taxes on all sorts of things, including school supplies and new clothes! (Emergency preparedness items and some appliances are on the tax-free list, too.) For more information, go to www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday. Our Maryland members get a break, too! Maryland's Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs August 9 - 15, 2026. For more information, go to www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/comptroller/programs for complete details.
Remember to be on the lookout for additional sales! Check the websites of your favorite stores for sales and take advantage of loyalty and rewards programs. For things like pencils and folders, try the local dollar store instead of an office supply store, where items might be more expensive.
5. Use Student Discounts and Buy Refurbished
An increasing number of technology companies and stores like Apple and Best Buy offer student discounts. Consider buying certified used or guaranteed refurbished tech, because you can get a "like new" computer or tablet for less. Plus, those items often come with a warranty to protect you.
Give Back While You Shop
While you're checking items off your own list, consider grabbing a few extras for a family who could use the help. We're hosting a Back-to-School Supplies Drive to help stock classrooms and backpacks for students across our communities.
- Harrisonburg-area members: Drop off supplies at our Harrisonburg Regional Branch on Monday, August 3.
- Northern Virginia members: You've got a little more time! Bring supplies to our Eisenhower Avenue, Seminary Road or Duke Street branches any time through August 9.
Notebooks, pencils, folders, backpacks and other classroom essentials are all welcome. It's a small way to make sure every student in our community starts the year ready to learn.
As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year builds, we hope these tips help your family save a little extra along the way. Whether it's finding hidden treasures in the back of a closet, taking advantage of tax-free weekend, or dropping off a few supplies to help a neighbor in need, every bit adds up. Here's to soaking up the last of these summer days, and to a smooth, successful start to the school year ahead!
