🎒 Back-to-School in DFW: How to Shop Smart, Save Big & Stay Sane

Back-to-school season is here in North Texas—and if you're a parent in Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, or Midlothian, you know the drill: the school calendars are set, the supply lists are long, and your wallet is already flinching.

But with a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can tackle school shopping without draining your bank account (or your patience). Here's how to make the most of the 2025 back-to-school rush across D/FW.

📅 First Day of School: August 13, 2025

Let’s start with the basics. All four of our key school districts kick off on Wednesday, August 13, 2025:

• Mansfield ISD

• Arlington ISD

• Burleson ISD

• Midlothian ISD

That gives you just enough time to knock out the shopping list—and maybe even sneak in one more summer outing.

💸 Tax-Free Weekend: August 8–10, 2025

Texas' annual Sales Tax Holiday is the MVP of back-to-school savings. From Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, you’ll pay zero sales tax on qualifying items priced under $100. That includes:

• Most school supplies

• Backpacks

• Clothing and shoes

And yes, it applies online, too. Just make sure the order is processed and shipped within the state of Texas during the tax-free window.

Pro Tip: Shop early Friday morning or late Sunday night to avoid peak traffic and long lines. And if you're ordering online, check estimated delivery dates before you hit "buy"—if shipping costs push the total item price over $100, it may lose tax-free status.

🛍️ How to Shop Strategically (Not Desperately)

Let’s be honest: walking blindly into a big-box store the weekend before school starts is a special kind of chaos. Here's how to outsmart the madness:

1. Stack Discounts Like a Pro

• Target Circle, Walmart+, Old Navy Rewards — all offer stackable deals or early access to markdowns.

• Teachers often get extra discounts on top of sales—don't forget to bring ID or sign up online.

2. Use Price Matching + Digital Coupons

• Many retailers will match competitor pricing—use your phone to show proof at checkout.

• Use apps like Honey, Rakuten, or RetailMeNot to auto-apply promo codes when shopping online.

3. Don’t Overbuy the Basics

Yes, glue sticks are cheap. No, your child does not need 24 of them today. Schools often over-list at the start and ask for restocks later in the year. Buy only what’s required now and circle back mid-fall when clearance prices hit.

4. Buy Generic When It Doesn’t Matter

Unless your kid’s teacher is very specific about brand (some are, especially for markers and folders), opt for generic. It’s the same paper and plastic, half the cost.

5. Go Digital Where You Can

Many schools now offer digital supply lists on their websites or through apps like TeacherLists or ClassTag. Pull it up on your phone and check items off as you shop—no paper, no confusion, no duplicates.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Bonus: Reduce the Stress

Shopping with kids? Bribe them with a reward at the end. Shopping solo? Grab a coffee and treat it like a mission. Either way, avoid peak weekend hours (11am–3pm) and try to knock it out early in the day or later in the evening.

And remember: the supplies will get bought. The first day will come. And eventually, the routines will settle in again.