With back-to-school season fast approaching, Houston parents are looking for ways to cut costs on school supplies and clothing. From Texas’ annual tax-free weekend to thrifting secondhand finds and taking advantage of local supply giveaways, there are several ways families can stretch their budgets and get students ready for the new school year without overspending.
The state’s annual tax-free weekend runs from August 8 through August 10, giving shoppers a chance to skip sales tax on many back-to-school essentials.
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MORE DETAILS: What to know if you’re planning on back-to-school shopping during Texas’ tax-free weekend
What qualifies as tax-free?
Shoppers can expect tax exemptions on:
- Clothing and footwear (shirts, jeans, athletic socks, cowboy boots)
- Backpacks designed for student use (up to $100)
- School supplies (notebooks, pens, calculators, art supplies)
- Fabric and disposable face masks
Items that don’t qualify
Certain items are excluded, including:
- Items priced at $100 or more
- Special-purpose clothing (football pads, golf cleats)
- Accessories (jewelry, handbags, wallets, watches, luggage)
- Computers, software, and textbooks
- Sewing supplies like fabric, buttons, and thread
For online purchases, the total price including shipping must remain under $100 for the item to qualify. The item must also be paid for or ordered during the tax-free weekend.
In addition to the tax-free weekend, families can find even more ways to save by shopping secondhand. Many thrift stores across Houston are stocked with gently-used or even brand-new clothing items, often still with tags. Backpacks, school uniforms, and everyday essentials like jeans and t-shirts can be found at a fraction of retail prices. Online resale platforms like Poshmark also offer a wide selection of kids’ clothing and accessories, making it possible to score high-quality items without paying full price.
For families looking for extra assistance, several organizations throughout Houston are hosting back-to-school giveaways that provide free or heavily discounted school supplies. Community groups, local nonprofits, and school districts often organize distribution events where students can receive essentials like backpacks, notebooks, and writing supplies at no cost.
Many of these events also include health fairs that offer free vaccinations, vision screenings, and other resources to help children start the school year ready and prepared.
READ MORE: Health fairs, giveaways, and vaccines: Houston preps for back-to-school season
Shoppers can maximize savings by stacking tax-free discounts with back-to-school sales and storewide promotions on supplies, lunchboxes, and shoes.