Back to school tax free weekend shopping list 2026: what to buy to save on school essentials

The back to school tax free weekend in August 2026 is your best chance to stock up on everything your kids—or you—need for the upcoming school year, from elementary to college, without paying state sales tax in many U.S. states. This back to school tax free weekend shopping list 2026 will help you organize your purchases by category, prioritizing essentials while taking advantage of deals on school supplies, clothing, technology, and basic necessities.

Participating states and exact dates vary (for example, Florida typically holds it in early August, Texas in mid-August, and Virginia in late August), but most exempt taxes on clothing, footwear, backpacks, school supplies, and in some cases, computers and tablets. Check your state’s rules before shopping, as some limit the price per item (e.g., clothing up to $100 in Florida) or exclude certain products.

How to use this list in Foco

Import this list as a 'work' in Foco and assign it a color to track it in your Panorama view. Use the Kanban view to organize tasks by category (supplies, clothing, tech) or the List view to sort by priority. Use voice capture to add items on the go: say 'Buy spiral notebooks, priority urgent, tag supplies,' and Foco will create the task with the details. If you find an online deal, forward the email to your u-xxxx@in.heyfoco.com address (Plus plan only) to turn it into a task with the link attached.

• Check your state’s tax-free weekend dates and rules (visit your state’s Department of Revenue website)
• Take inventory of what you already have at home (supplies, clothes, backpacks) to avoid duplicate purchases
• Create a list for each student with their specific needs (e.g., school uniform, graphing calculator for high school)
• Prioritize items with price limits in your state (e.g., clothing up to $100 per item in Florida)
• Buy basic school supplies: notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, markers, scissors, glue, and a basic calculator
• Purchase durable backpacks and lunchboxes (verify if they’re tax-exempt in your state)
• Shop for back-to-school clothing: uniforms, jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, and socks
• Add tech essentials: laptop or tablet (if included in your state’s exemption), headphones, mouse, and protective case
• Include organization items: planner, dividers, binders, and pencil cases
• Buy personal hygiene products for school: tissues, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes
• Get art or project supplies: paints, brushes, construction paper, and rulers
• Look for deals on textbooks or required school materials (check if they’re tax-exempt)
• Purchase dorm essentials for college students: bedding, desk organizers, and study lamps
• Check promotions at stores like Walmart, Target, Staples, Best Buy, and Amazon before heading out (some offer extra discounts)
• Bring a printed or Foco list to avoid forgetting items or impulse buys
• Pay with a credit or debit card to earn points or cashback (if applicable)
• Save all receipts in a physical or digital folder for returns or warranties
• Set reminders in Foco for post-shopping tasks: wash new clothes, label supplies, or install software on devices