10+ Ways to Fund Back to School Shopping

It can be easy to get caught up in the hype of back to school shopping and blow your budget easily.

 

First, the coupons and savings!


Download these apps to save on everything you need:

  • CamelCamelCamel: This money-saving app is a price tracking tool for Amazon. Through the website or browser extension, users get access to charts and details of price history for virtually every product listed for sale on Amazon.
  • Ebates: Ebates is one of the most popular shopping portals on the Web and offers up to 40 percent cash back on purchases at more than 2,000 partner stores. There are no complicated points to worry about, just a simple percentage cash back program on eligible purchases.
  • Swagbucks: This money-saving app includes a custom search engine (pretty much like Google with different advertisements) that gives you points for searching, plus you can earn points from online surveys and shopping at partner stores. Those points quickly add up to free gift cards for stores like Amazon or cash back in your PayPal account.
  • Shopkick: For those who do a mix of online and offline shopping, Shopkick is a top money-saving app to know about. You can earn rewards points, called Kicks, from a wide range of activities. Some options include walking into a physical store, buying eligible items and uploading your receipt, shopping at online partner stores and watching online videos.
  • Download Fetch Rewards free here: http://www.fetchrewards.com
  • Enter my referral code, R3QDP, during signup and you'll get 2,000 Fetch Points ($2.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt.
  • Honey: Honey is a browser plugin for Chrome, Firefox and Opera browsers that helps you save money by automatically applying coupon codes at the checkout stage of online shopping. Sorry Internet Explorer users, you have to upgrade to something better to use Honey - Chrome is a solid choice for most Web users.

 

Here are some tips for keeping your budget in check:

 

  • Clothing

Retailers would like us to think that a brand new back to school wardrobe is a necessity. But many parts of the country are still in summer-weather mode, even in September. So instead of picking up cold-weather items, such as jackets, just get the basics, such as jeans, new shoes and some shirts. See what is in the wardrobe already and build on that. We are in OH and my son is back in school end of August. I'm sure he will be wearing shorts well into September.

Old Navy, Gap Kids, and The Children's Place have really great sales this time of year. They also rotate merchandise often -- ask when they do their markdowns so you can get the deals. And I've found really low-priced children's clothing at Target, like $1.48 for a shirt, $2.48 for a pair of jeans.

- Check out Target Cartwheel coupons for more savings

  • School supplies

Many times, teachers send home school supply lists of items they want their students to have.

For example, here is the back to school list for 1st grade this coming school year:

This list can be daunting. Last year, even with my supply of paper, pencils, etc, I still had to go out and pick up a few things. What is the best way to save? I checked my stockpile first and gathered up the items I already had.

Then for the remainder of the list, I checked the Sunday ads and went to those stores. Staples, Officemax, Office Depot, Target and Walmart usually have the best prices. Typically each year, I usually only get what's on the list. A few weeks into September, many stores start clearancing school supplies to very low prices. This is when I stock up and fill my shelves for the upcoming year.

 - Check out Target Cartwheel coupons for more savings

One trick I have used for years is getting the next year's school supply list ahead of time and buying on clearance. For example when my son was in 3rd grade, I was already buying ahead for 4th and 5th grade, when supplies went on clearance.

  • Backpacks and Lunch bags

I've found that Lands' End and LL Bean have the best, high quality backpacks. Also be sure to check out Costco and Sam's Club. 

 

  • Stocking the pantry

Grocery stores like to get in on the back to school hype too and push snack packs of food, cereal, etc. Only stock up on items you know you will use and don't fall for the hype! Here are some snack packs that the kids will love:

  • Trail mix. Combine your child’s favorite whole grain cereals with pretzels, raisins, or other dried fruit.
  • Baked chips or whole grain crackers, packaged into child-sized portions.
  • Homemade popcorn.
  • Homemade cookies.
  • Sandwich rolls (tortillas with sandwich fillings, sliced).
  • Cheese sticks

- Free $20 to try out Instacart- Free Groceries delivered right to your home!

- Download Ibotta to save on groceries

-Download Fetch Rewards free here: http://www.fetchrewards.com

  • Enter my referral code, R3QDP, during signup and you'll get 2,000 Fetch Points ($2.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt.

 

  • Hold a swap party with your friends

Get together with your friends with children of a similar age and swap your gently used clothing.

 

  • Check out craigslist.org or ebay for more deals

 

If there is an item your child needs, but you don't want to pay retail, check out those two sites first!

Back to School Tax Free Shopping 2019

Alabama July 19 - 21
Arkansas August 3 - 4
Connecticut* August 18 - 24
Florida* August 2 - 4
Iowa August 2 - 3
Maryland August 11 - 17
Massachusetts* August 10 - 11
Mississippi* July 26 - 27
Missouri* August 2 - 4
New Mexico* August 2 - 4
Ohio August 2 - 4
Oklahoma* August 2 - 4
South Carolina* August 2 - 4
Tennessee July 26 - 28
Texas August 9 - 11
Virginia August 2 - 4
Wisconsin* July 31 - August 4

What is Tax Free Weekend?

Here is a general list of the items included and where you can get more information on your specific state’s Tax Free Holiday.

  • School Supplies
  • Backpacks
  • Clothing
  • Jackets
  • Computers
  • Laptops
  • Printers

Teacher Discounts and Freebies

These rewards programs will save you some money.

Office Depot and Office Max: In July and August, Office Depot and Office Max have a few weeks where teachers can get up to 25 percent off their purchases. They also at that time have a Teacher VIP savings card to save more throughout the year.

Staples: Staples has a Teacher Rewards Program that gives you 5 percent back in rewards and 10 percent back in rewards for teaching and art supplies. You also get free shipping at staples.com.

The Container Store: Join The Container Store's Organized Teacher Discount Program, and you'll get special discounts emailed to you throughout the year. Just for joining you'll get your first offer that you can redeem in-store, online, or by phone.

Michaels: Teachers get 15 percent off their purchases at Michaels every day.

Jo-Ann: Sign-up for Jo-Ann's Teacher Rewards and you'll get a rewards discount card that will get you 15 percent off your purchase every day of the year.

Ben Franklin Crafts: Teachers get 10 percent off classroom materials every day at Ben Franklin.

Hobby Lobby: Hobby Lobby gives teachers 10 percent off but they must pay with an organization check.

Party City: You can get 10 percent-20 percent off at Party City, but you'll need a signed letterhead from school to get it.

A.C. Moore: Teachers get 15 percent off sale and regular price purchases at A.C. Moore.

Lakeshore Learning: Teacher's Club members at Lakeshore Learning get 15 percent off everything in-store.

Dick Blick: Educators and students get 10 percent off at Dick Blick every day.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS


Remember to check with your local bookstores and papers to see if they have a teacher discount.

Barnes & Noble: Through the B&N Educators program, teachers get 20 percent off the publisher's list price for purchase for classroom use and 25 percent off during Educator Appreciation Days.

Half Price Books: Teachers and librarians are eligible for an Educator Discount Card that will get them 10 percent off their purchases all year long.

Book Warehouse: Book Warehouse has an Educator's Book Club that will get them 15 percent off everything in store.

Bookmans: Bookmans' Project Educate gives a 20 percent discount on all purchases for teachers.

Books-A-Million: Books-A-Million's Educator's Discount Program gives educations, librarians, and homeschoolers a 20 percent discount on classroom items and books.

The New York Times: Teachers, as well as students, can get a special rate on The New York Times subscriptions.

The Wall Street Journal: Educators get special rates on subscriptions to The Wall Street Journal.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON CLOTHING AND SHOES


Most schools have dress codes for teachers and luckily some of the clothing and shoe stores have realized that teachers would appreciate a discount.

J.Crew: Teachers and college students get 15 percent off at J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and J.Crew Mercantile.

LOFT: Sign-up for the LOFT Loves Teachers program and you'll get 15 percent off all purchase as well as teacher appreciation nights, sweepstakes, and free style guides.

Aerosoles: Show your teacher ID or pay stub when you checkout at Aerosoles and you'll get 15 percent off any footwear priced $39.99 or higher.

Talbots: Teachers get 15 percent off their purchases of full-priced items at Talbots.

Banana Republic: Both teachers and students get 15 percent off full-priced purchases.

Madewell: Teachers and college students can get 15 percent off with a valid school ID.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON WIRELESS SERVICE


Just for being an educator you may qualify for a discount on your wireless service. Enter your phone number and email address and see if you qualify.

Many times your school will need to have a contract with them for you to get a personal discount.

Verizon: Verizon Wireless also offers a discount for some education employees.

AT&T: Enter your school email address and you'll see if you can get a discount of up to 20 percent on service, devices, and accessories.

T-Mobile: K-12 staff, college staff, and college students are eligible to save on smartphones at T-Mobile.

Sprint: Enter your phone number to see if you are eligible for a teacher discount.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON SOFTWARE AND ELECTRONICS


Apple Store: Apple Store for Education offers discounts to teachers, school staff, and homeschool teachers. Included ar MacBooks, iPads, accessories, and more.

Bose: Teachers will get a discount of up to 15 percent at Bose including speakers, earbuds, headphones, music systems, and sound systems.

Adobe: Educators can get special discounts on Adobe software for personal use.

Lenovo: Students and faculty can save on computers, laptops, and tablets from Lenovo. Just select your state and school to see what offers are available.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS


Teachers want to have fun and they can do it even on a shoestring budget with these discounts on hotels and attractions.

Marriott: Teachers are eligible for Marriot's government discount that will save you on even personal stays.

LaQuinta: Teachers can get LaQuinta's government rate at more than 800 LaQunitas around the country.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts: Teachers and educators can get 20 percent off the best available rate at Preferred Hotels & Resorts.Resorts.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin: Teachers get special low rates to these two Walt Disney World hotels.

SeaWorld: Teachers can get into SeaWorld for free when they get a SeaWorld Teacher Card.

Legoland: Teachers can get into free at Legoland in both California and Florida.

Art Institute of Chicago: Illinois educators, teaching artists, and homeschool parents can get free tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago.

10 Free Back to School Apps

10 Back to School Apps:

  1. My Homework (free) – This app helps kids keep track of homework, when it’s due, if it’s done. It syncs to your computer, so parents can monitor it too! Great to help keep kids on track.
  2. Dictionary.com (free) – This is great to have when you don’t have that huge dictionary handy. Also a must have when writing reports and other assignments, and great when reading to look up word meanings.
  3. Evernote (free) – Evernote is a life saver for many things but is even better for school. You can take notes, store pictures of important papers, and more. Everything is searchable and syncs to your computer!
  4. Graphing Calculator (free) – Many upper math classes require a graphic calculator. This app is great if your child forgets their calculator or you don’t have the money to shell out for one. Can’t beat free!
  5. School A to Z (free) – This app is like having a personal tutor at your fingertips. Enter your questions and get answers almost instantly. Wish I had this one is school!
  6. Brain Booster App (free) – This app is a must have for on the go. Brain boosting games are perfect when you are waiting in line, on long car drives, or need a few minutes of quite time!
  7. Overdrive App (free) – This app is great for renting education books needed for research. They make great reference books that are very easy to use!
  8. Student Tracker Life 360 Locator (free) – Perfect app to help keep track of younger kids walking home, or walking to and from the school bus. Also great on vacation.
  9. Course Smart (free) – This app hold your text books. Most textbooks are on here and it’s so much easier than carrying around the big heavy things!
  10. gFlashPro (free) – This app allows you to build flash cards using spreadsheets. You can also find many pre- made sets in the app and share the flash card sets you make with friends and family.

 

30+ Freebies For Teachers

These rewards programs will save you some money.

Office Depot and Office Max: In July and August, Office Depot and Office Max have a few weeks where teachers can get up to 25 percent off their purchases. They also at that time have a Teacher VIP savings card to save more throughout the year.

Staples: Staples has a Teacher Rewards Program that gives you 5 percent back in rewards and 10 percent back in rewards for teaching and art supplies. You also get free shipping at staples.com.

The Container Store: Join The Container Store's Organized Teacher Discount Program, and you'll get special discounts emailed to you throughout the year. Just for joining you'll get your first offer that you can redeem in-store, online, or by phone.

Michaels: Teachers get 15 percent off their purchases at Michaels every day.

Jo-Ann: Sign-up for Jo-Ann's Teacher Rewards and you'll get a rewards discount card that will get you 15 percent off your purchase every day of the year.

Ben Franklin Crafts: Teachers get 10 percent off classroom materials every day at Ben Franklin.

Hobby Lobby: Hobby Lobby gives teachers 10 percent off but they must pay with an organization check.

Party City: You can get 10 percent-20 percent off at Party City, but you'll need a signed letterhead from school to get it.

A.C. Moore: Teachers get 15 percent off sale and regular price purchases at A.C. Moore.

Lakeshore Learning: Teacher's Club members at Lakeshore Learning get 15 percent off everything in-store.

 

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS


Remember to check with your local bookstores and papers to see if they have a teacher discount.

Barnes & Noble: Through the B&N Educators program, teachers get 20 percent off the publisher's list price for purchase for classroom use and 25 percent off during Educator Appreciation Days.

Half Price Books: Teachers and librarians are eligible for an Educator Discount Card that will get them 10 percent off their purchases all year long.

Book Warehouse: Book Warehouse has an Educator's Book Club that will get them 15 percent off everything in store.

Bookmans: Bookmans' Project Educate gives a 20 percent discount on all purchases for teachers.

Books-A-Million: Books-A-Million's Educator's Discount Program gives educations, librarians, and homeschoolers a 20 percent discount on classroom items and books.

The New York Times: Teachers, as well as students, can get a special rate on The New York Times subscriptions.

The Wall Street Journal: Educators get special rates on subscriptions to The Wall Street Journal.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON CLOTHING AND SHOES


Most schools have dress codes for teachers and luckily some of the clothing and shoe stores have realized that teachers would appreciate a discount.

J.Crew: Teachers and college students get 15 percent off at J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and J.Crew Mercantile.

LOFT: Sign-up for the LOFT Loves Teachers program and you'll get 15 percent off all purchase as well as teacher appreciation nights, sweepstakes, and free style guides.

Aerosoles: Show your teacher ID or pay stub when you checkout at Aerosoles and you'll get 15 percent off any footwear priced $39.99 or higher.

Talbots: Teachers get 15 percent off their purchases of full-priced items at Talbots.

Banana Republic: Both teachers and students get 15 percent off full-priced purchases.

Madewell: Teachers and college students can get 15 percent off with a valid school ID.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON WIRELESS SERVICE


Just for being an educator you may qualify for a discount on your wireless service. Enter your phone number and email address and see if you qualify.

Many times your school will need to have a contract with them for you to get a personal discount.

Verizon: Verizon Wireless also offers a discount for some education employees.

AT&T: Enter your school email address and you'll see if you can get a discount of up to 20 percent on service, devices, and accessories.

T-Mobile: K-12 staff, college staff, and college students are eligible to save on smartphones at T-Mobile.

Sprint: Enter your phone number to see if you are eligible for a teacher discount.

 

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON SOFTWARE AND ELECTRONICS


Apple Store: Apple Store for Education offers discounts to teachers, school staff, and homeschool teachers. Included ar MacBooks, iPads, accessories, and more.

Bose: Teachers will get a discount of up to 15 percent at Bose including speakers, earbuds, headphones, music systems, and sound systems.

Adobe: Educators can get special discounts on Adobe software for personal use.

Lenovo: Students and faculty can save on computers, laptops, and tablets from Lenovo. Just select your state and school to see what offers are available.

TEACHER DISCOUNTS ON HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS


Teachers want to have fun and they can do it even on a shoestring budget with these discounts on hotels and attractions.

Marriott: Teachers are eligible for Marriot's government discount that will save you on even personal stays.

LaQuinta: Teachers can get LaQuinta's government rate at more than 800 LaQunitas around the country.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts: Teachers and educators can get 20 percent off the best available rate at Preferred Hotels & Resorts.Resorts.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin: Teachers get special low rates to these two Walt Disney World hotels.

SeaWorld: Teachers can get into SeaWorld for free when they get a SeaWorld Teacher Card.

Legoland: Teachers can get into free at Legoland in both California and Florida.

Art Institute of Chicago: Illinois educators, teaching artists, and homeschool parents can get free tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Ikea: $25 off $150 Coupon + College Event

JOIN US FOR THE IKEA® COLLEGE LIFE YOUR WAY EVENT

Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 16, 2017 9:30am*-4pm

You deserve a college shopping experience that’s fun, stress-free and affordable. That’s why we’re offering a long weekend’s worth of special offers, giveaways, workshops and more, all designed to help you navigate this exciting next chapter. Get your $25 off $150 coupon here!

*Restaurant & showroom open at 9:30am, remainder of store opens at 10am. Please see your local store or IKEA-USA.com for store hours. Events and offers not available at IKEA Brooklyn and IKEA Columbus. IKEA Paramus closed Sunday. Food offers not available at IKEA Carson.

IKEA

100+ Amazing Freebies for College Students

by Diane Schmidt

Dorm Supplies

Retailers love the back to school season. Many students get excited about going off to college for the first time and spend a bundle on notebooks, pens, expensive plastic storage containers and packages of snack foods. So how do you get what you need and not overspend? Here are some savings tips:

  • Buy school supplies at the lowest price available. Late July and August are the perfect time to stock up, especially at stores like Walmart and Kmart. You'll find that their notebook prices may be under 50 cents, while other times of the year, the prices can be triple.

  • You'll find that a small refrigerator is a necessity, especially when it comes to saving money on food. Consider renting one from the college or do the math and see if it's cheaper to buy your own. Also microwaves will save you time and money.
  • Get your stuff organized. The summer before going off to school is the perfect time to go through your closets and drawers. Consider donating clothes you no longer like or that do not fit. Once you have your basic wardrobe organized, decide whether buying new clothes is necessary.


  • If you have a lot of stuff you don't need and don't want to bring with you to school, consider having a garage sale. Get your family involved in cleaning and organizing your home. Another way to get rid of extra stuff is to sign up for free seller accounts on ebay.com and half.com. Craigslist is a great way too to make some cash.

  • Trade with friends. Do they have an extra storage container you could use and you have an extra laundry bag? Set up a time to swap with them.

  • Did you receive a lot of cash for graduation? If so, resist the temptation to use it on school stuff. Look at what you have at home first before blowing that money. You might want to put it in a savings account for unexpected school expenses.

  • Secondhand shops are a good place to find dorm supplies, such as storage containers, desk fans, lamps, and more.

  • Garage sales may also have what you need and at even lower prices than secondhand stores.

Keep in touch with the family! Be sure your cell phone is up to date, has unlimited talk and text-

It's time to leave for school. The car is packed with your belongings. You saved quite a bit on money and have some in the bank. Now how do you save once you get to school?

Food

  • Before leaving for school, have a bake off with your family and friends. Prepare batches of cookies, bread or other treats and swap.

  • Are you on a meal plan? Be sure to take advantage of it and schedule in when you will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. If your class schedule means you'll need to miss a meal, have easy to prepare meals in your dorm, such as cereal, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, and cans of ravioli.


  • Between meals, carry a bottle to fill at water fountains or filled with your favorite beverage. Or if you are a coffee drinker, pack a thermos.

  • Trips to the vending machine can add up. Fill a pocket of your backpack with healthy snacks, such as fruit, Jell-O cups, or pretzels.

  • Buy your snack foods in bulk. Larger quantities are usually cheaper and it's easy to divide up the food into smaller portions.


  • Shop at the grocery store for food. Check out the Sunday paper for grocery store ads and match coupons to save more!

Books and Tech

  • Buy books after you've gone to the class. There are times when you don't really need the book.
  • Sign up for Amazon Student- FREE shipping and more!

  • If you do need the book, can you and a friend buy the book and split the cost? Can you check the book out of the library? Or get a free ebook version?

  • If book sharing or using the library copy doesn't work out, check the bulletin boards to see if someone is selling their copy.

  • Online bookstores charge a lot less than campus bookstores. Go online before heading to the campus bookstore.

Get those books for FREE! Click below-


  • As a last resort, buy the book from your campus bookstore. You'll find of all of your options they charge the most. Even if you get stuck paying full price, take good care of the book and sell it at the end of the year.

Entertainment and More

  • Use your student ID card to get into free concerts, special lectures, comedy shows, athletic events and more.
  • Movie theatre chains that offer student discounts include AMC Theatres (discounts on Thursdays), Cinemark (discounts vary by location) and Marcus Theatres ($5 Thursdays) — but independent theatres often have student discounts, too. 

  • Many colleges offer well-equipped gyms and recreation centers. Take advantage of the opportunity to get a free workout.


  • Join clubs, many offer special trips and events to members only.

  • Parks, museums and window-shopping are all free. Students get discounted access to museums, including major ones such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. 

  • Keep your long distance bill down and e-mail family and friends.

  • Even if you have a printer, consider using the school's computer lab for print jobs. You'll save on ink cartridges and paper.

Don't pay for cable! Get Starz, Showtime and more for FREE! Click below-


  • For a cheap, fun night at home, invite some friends over, make your own pizza (or order pizza with coupons!) and play some board games.

  • Many businesses will offer student discounts. You just need to ask.

  • Find out when happy hour is to get your fill of good food at a cheap price-it will also give you a break from campus and dorm food.


  • When going home for break, consider riding with another student who is heading in the same direction. It's a much cheaper and fun alternative than paying for a bus, plane or train ticket.

Remember that all it takes is some creative thinking to save money while at college. Good luck while you embark on your college career.

Office Max/Office Depot Deals: Teacher Appreciation Days

Office Depot/OfficeMax stores are thanking educators duringTeacher Appreciation Days by offering up a 25% off in-store purchase coupon (excludes technology, HP Ink/toner and Epson ink and other exclusions may apply).

Plus, educators can get a free Teacher VIP savings card for an additional 20% discount on qualifying in store purchases made through October 31st and educators will score a free tote bagSee this press release for more information.

This runs from July 30th-August 2nd and again from August 27th-30th, 

Officemax/ Office Depot Deals: Week of July 18

To get these deals, you must make a $5 purchase in order to take advantage of the 1¢ deals (limit 3 per household) – while supplies last and no rainchecks.

Penny Deals:

* 1¢ Office Depot Brand Spiral 1-Subject Notebooks (regularly $3.99)
* 1¢ Scholastic Brand Glue Sticks 4-pack (regularly $1.99)
* 1¢ Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers 3-pack (regularly $3.29)
* 1¢ Office Depot Brand 2-Hole Pencil Sharpener (regularly $1)
* 1¢ Pencil Pouch (regularly $2.29)

 

$1 Deals:

* $1 Master Lock Combination Padlocks (regularly $5.99!)
* $1 Paper Mate Sharp Writer Mechanical Pencils 12 pack (regularly $7.99)
* $1 Zebra Sarasa Pens 5 pack (regularly $5.99)
* $1 Office Depot Brand Composition Book (regularly $2.49)
* $1 Office Depot Brand Folders 10 pack (regularly $2.49)
* $1 Office Depot Brand Multipurpose Ream Paper after Rewards (regularly $8.29)

 

Tech Discounts for Students

When it comes to finding online tech deals for items like laptops, desktops, and tablets, there are three sources you should definitely have bookmarked.

Dell University: When shopping online for a PC, Dell University has some excellent discounts exclusively for students. To take advantage, all you need to do is register for the free Dell Advantage program and provide the name of your school.

Apple Education Pricing: If an Apple computer is in your future, you'd be wise to check out their Educational Pricing page and save up to 25% off a new MacBook or iMac.

Best Buy College Student Deals: Once you've created a Best Buy account, you can sign-up for exclusive college student deals for computers, small appliances, and accessories like external hard drives and software. Current examples include $100 off a MacBook or iMac, $30 off a Keurig Brewer, and 20% off Samsung and LG microwave ovens.

Free Beats With Purchase

 

Get a FREE pair of Beats Solo2 Wireless Headphones or Beats PowerBeats2 Wireless Headphones with the purchase of select Apple products at Apple Stores and Apple.com plus authorized campus stores.

To be eligible for this offer, you must be a college student or a faculty or staff member of a college. You can also take advantage of this if you are a parent buying the product for your college student. Employees of public or private K–12 institutions are eligible as well. Please note that the student discount requires enrollment verification by UNiDAYS, and your membership automatically renews monthly after trial.

Once you select a qualifying product, you will be directed to the page to “Choose your Beats”, where you pick the color you want and add them to your bag. You can then proceed to checkout where the price of the Headphones is automatically deducted (no promo code is needed). Shipping is free on all orders.

College Care Kit Ideas

  

Are you putting together a care package? I have a lot of great ideas to share with you today.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/618eb1de96354237fa79f9a8/t/618f3fae4478fc2e7b7afb93/1376583242273/1000w/college1.jpg

First, in the kit shown above, this is the health/beauty kit. It includes Crest, Secret, Pantene and more, all packaged in a carry tote, which all students need! You'll want to customize your health/beauty kit to your student's favorite products.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/618eb1de96354237fa79f9a8/t/618f3fae4478fc2e7b7afb95/1376582741347/1000w/college2.jpg

And here is the second kit I made, which features dorm and school supplies, packaged in a laundry basket, another college student must-have! It includes reusable tumblers, sheet set, school supplies like pencils, pens, paper, and much more.

 

SWEETS KIT:

Your homemade cookies or the bakery, a care package isn't complete without a sweet treat. Pack items tightly in a plastic container (fill in extra space with clean paper towels) and then wrap with bubble wrap. Boxed.com is also great for sending must-have snacks and more.

 

TOY KIT:

Pack up fun Silly Putty, a Slinky, water guns, or cards, and they'll be showing the whole dorm their loot.

 

AMAZON PRIME:

Is a must-have for busy college students! Click below to get a FREE membership!


GIFT CARD KIT:

Send gift cards to stores and restaurants in a care package or email. Choose big-box retailers like Target or Walmart, coffee or sandwich chains like Starbucks, Subway, and Panera, and local establishments like the college bookstore.

 

SNACK KIT:

Consider snacks, like granola bars, microwave popcorn, and hot chocolate mixes, as well as more substantial mini-meals—such as instant oatmeal and soup—for rushed mornings and missed dining hall dinners. Mints and gum are always welcome in a care package too. Boxed.com is also great for sending must-have snacks and more.

HOLIDAY KIT:

Festive accessories are surprisingly welcome and uplifting for a kid away from home for the first time; this care package idea is also nice to send in anticipation of your kid coming home for the holidays. Keep items small, like a desktop Christmas tree, a mini-menorah, and Easter baskets or Halloween pumpkins filled with candy. Seasonally themed lights, like orange for Halloween or green for St. Patrick's Day, are also fun.

 

GET WELL/ FIRST AID KIT:

Make a mini first-aid care package by filling a tin with: 

Items include: 

  1. Band-aids
  2. Antibiotic ointment
  3. Advil
  4. Gas X {dorm food makes this one essential}
  5. Benadryl
  6. Milk of magnesia
  7. Thermometer
  8. Instant ice pack
  9. Pepto
  10. Throat losenges
  11. Cold medicine
  12. Q-Tips
  13. Nail clippers
  14. Hydrogen Peroxide
  15. An ace bandage
  16. Cotton balls
  17. Small pair scissors
  18. Small pair of tweezers

 

CLEANING KIT: 

Dorms need to be clean. Pack some multi-surface spray, paper towels, dusting cloths, and electronics cleaner, and throw in a bottle of air freshener for good measure. 

Plus, here are more ideas!

  • Hometown newspaper

  • Gift Cards- Free $10 gift card, your choice!

  • Magazines

  • Holiday decorations

  • Quarters for laundromats, bus fare, and vending machines

  • Instant oatmeal, granola bars, dried fruit

  • Vitamins

  • Razors

  • Body lotion

  • Toothpaste

  • Dental floss

  • Anti-bacterial wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Facial tissues

  • Mac n Cheese

  • Scotch tape and scissors

  • Over-the-counter cold medicine and pain reliever

  • Recipes for favorite dishes

  • Band-aids

  • Ointment

  • Extra cell phone charger

  • Soap

  • Ramen noodles

  • Gum

  • Vinyl wall decals for decoration

  • Pillowcases

  • A memento from each family member

  • Digital picture frame with photos from home

  • Movie gift certificates

  • Air fresheners

  • Pre-paid credit card

  •  Pens

  •  Highlighters

  •  Post-it notes

  •  Pre-paid calling cards

  •  Headphones

  •  Refrigerator magnets

  • Cork board and thumbtacks

  •  Slippers

  •  Socks

  •  Underwear

  •  Screen cleaner for laptop and cell phone

 

EXPIRED-Free Walmart Gift Card Offer

Through September 30th, you can score a FREE $5 Walmart eGift Card whenever you purchase $15+ of participating Henkel Products at Walmart – including Dial for Men, Right Guard, Tone, Purex, Dry Idea, and more. Head here for more information on this promo. Please note that there is a limit of ONE submission per person, per receipt during the offer period and this offer is limited to the first 8,000 participants.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

 

*Step 1: Purchase $15 in Henkel products BEFORE coupons at Walmart
*Step 2: Snap a clear photo of the entire receipt with your phone – must be dated between August 1st and September 30th, 2015
*Step 3: Enter your email address and upload the photo of your receipt. OR text BACK2COLLEGE2015 to811811 for submission instructions, or email your photo to: submit@henkelbtc.com