It’s back- 10 years and going strong!
This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.
A backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 9, 2025, at Rio Seco School in Santee, starting at 9AM. It is a drive-thru event. People start lining up as early as 7:30AM, and the line moves FAST!
I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School supply giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!
Rebates have been around forever.
I remember my grandmother doing rebates when I was a kid. However, nowadays, you don’t need to send in a form with proof of purchase/UPC and a receipt; most rebates can be completed online or via text.
Sometimes you get lucky and get 100% back rebates, making your item free. You will find a lot of those with apps and websites like:
Ripple Street has tons of reFUNd programs where you can buy a product and receive the purchase price back. These are only available via their app.
If you consume alcohol, check out BYBE. It is available in most states. This app has rebates for beer, wine, and liquor.
Here are a few current rebates I found out about this week while starting my Back to school shopping:
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
I know it’s the beginning of July, but for some kiddos, they go back to school in a few weeks.
Most kiddos are going back to school in person, and that means- STUFF IS GOING TO GET LOST. Seriously. No one wants to paw through the lost and found boxes.
Keep the kiddo’s stuff safe with labels- And save some money. The Back-to-School Sale at Mabel’s Labels! Now through July 31st, you can take 25% OFF their best-selling school products.
Features of Mabel’s School Labels:
• Laundry Safe (both the washer and the dryer!)
• Dishwasher Safe
• Waterproof & Weatherproof
• Easy to Apply
• An Adhesive That Stays Stuck
• High-Performance Vinyl, Won’t Rip or Peel
• Personalized & Custom Designs
• Easy to Order
• FREE Shipping on All School Label Orders
• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Teacher Approved!
For some parents, the end of August and the beginning of September means Back to school time. With all of the moving parts, having an easy dinner that is tasty and comforting can be a welcome way to end the day.
Many casseroles and hot dishes can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge until it’s time to cook them in the oven, and some can be made in a crockpot!
Here are just a few of my favorite casseroles and hot dishes:
I love good deals. I recently stumbled across a few great deals on Amazon on back-to-school essentials.
As someone who works in a school, this is my number one deal- 72 Pack Black Whiteboard Erasable Markers at 50% off with coupon code 50T375GI. (deal ends 8/9/2024 at 11:59PM PDT)
I have already ordered this one- The charging cables in my house are out of control. Electronics Organizer bag 9.45″x7.09″x3.94″. 50% off with coupon code 507ITYG2. (deal ends Aug 11, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)
Daily and Weekly Planners in various pastel colors 8.4’x6.4″ 40% off with coupon code 40Y873CB. (deal ends 8/13/2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)
Sticky Notes – 12 Pads, 3”x3” – Colorful Self-Stick Post Notes 50% off with coupon code 50IOUFN5. (deal ends Aug 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)
Acrylic Paint Markers– These are awesome for painting rocks among other things. Two varieties 50% off with coupon code 50Q1I3IN. (deal ends Aug 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)
Acrylic Magnetic Whiteboard Acrylic Calendar, Monthly and Weekly Calendar – 16″x12″ Size- includes 6 Color Dry Erase Markers. 50% off with coupon code 50N7O8VA. (deal ends 8/18/2024 at 11:59 PM PDT)
Talk Back: I love hunting for good deals- If you are looking for a deal, please let me know- I’d love to help!
Y’all know I love JCP. They have great sales, an incredible loyalty program, and the Kids Zone!
The Kids Zone is an in-store program where kids can make and take a free craft in-store once a month.
Parents receive a 10% off in-store coupon. The best part is that the 10% off coupon can be stacked with other JCP coupons.
August’s craft is a cute pencil pouch and notebook!
Find your closest JCP location here.
And if you are a teacher, JCP is offering a 35% off coupon. You can learn more and sign up here.
It’s back for 2024!
This event is SUPER popular, and supplies run out quickly.
A backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 3, 2024 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event.
I’m working on collecting more info on Back to School giveaways, and I’ll have another post coming up soon!
I know we just finished school and there is a vast ocean of time before we need to buy supplies, however- Walmart has already dropped the prices on classroom supplies.
Seriously, from Crayola markers, to pencils, Filler paper, spiral bound notebooks, highlighters, and crayons. I’ve already placed my order!
And if you aren’t sure what is going to be on your kids back to school list, here are a few things that classrooms always need:
This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.
I know some of your kids have already started school for the 2022-2023 school year, but my kiddos don’t start for another few weeks.
The Back to School countdown has begun, and here is how we are saving money.
School Supplies: Most schools’ public supply lists by class on their website. Once you know who your child’s teacher is going to be, you can purchase supplies. Most teachers like trusted name-brand supplies like Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, Crayola washable markers, and Expo whiteboard markers. Here are a few of the stores that have great prices on school supplies!
Target: School supplies starting at $0.25
Walmart: Up to 75% off select school supplies
Office Depot and Office Max: Up to 60% off bestselling school supplies. Save 25% off on backpacks excluding Jansport
Michaels: Teacher Must-Haves, Art Supplies, and more all under $10.00
There will be several backpack giveaways throughout August. There is one tomorrow in Lemon Grove. Information can be found here.
There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of SMOAC on August 20, 2022 at Rio Seco School in Santee. It is a drive-thru event. 
Clothing/Shoes: If you are like me, you grab kids’ clothes at swaps all year, but there are some things that you need to buy new. Once you’ve set your budget for clothes/shoes/accessories, keep an eye out for BTS sales (which are in full swing right now).
Because Southern California doesn’t get chilly in the fall, a lot of the standard BTS clothing fare isn’t great for our kids- long pants, turtlenecks, sweaters, jean jackets- I’m sweating just thinking about those! Don’t forget to scope out the sale and clearance racks for shorts and short sleeve shirts!
I love shopping Kohl’s and JCPenney. They frequently have sales, coupon codes, and deals where you can earn Kohl’s Cash/JCP Rewards for future purchases. Earn even more cashback when you shop online and opt for in-store pickup. I like shopping through Mypoints or Ibotta (make sure to check out both of their browser extensions to help you earn points/cashback). This is also a hot tip for Target and Walmart shoppers!
If your budget is a little too tight, check out local clothing swaps! Porchlight is holding one on 8/27/2022 for womens’ and kids’ clothing. More information can be found here.
We also shop a lot at thrift stores- Amvets and DAV are two of my favorites here in San Diego.
Food: I know this might be weird to include, but kiddos have to have healthy food to function and grow. Thanks to the California Universal Meals program, all kids in k-12 education settings will receive free breakfast and lunch if wanted. And I will continue to post about free opportunities for food each month, and more often as they come across my desk. Feeding San Diego Tour is a great resource that has locations all over San Diego County!
My guy gets incredible haircuts at Raymond’s Barbershop from Larry the Barber. I love supporting local businesses, and Raymond’s is the best barbershop in East County.
Their annual free haircut event is back!
Because it’s a barbershop, they primarily work on boys, but if your kiddo needs a rockin’ short style, Raymond’s is the place.
Hewes Family Fun 