It’s already starting: all of the back-to-school ads and events. Whether you love it or hate it, the kiddos will be heading back to school in no time and that means school supplies. School supplies can get quite expensive, whether it’s the classic pencils and papers or the latest laptop. Here are some tips and tricks on how to save money on your back-to-school essentials.
3-Day Tax Holiday
Missouri has a 3-day sales tax holiday where certain items are exempt from sales tax, and the savings that result can really add up. This year in 2024, the tax holiday begins Friday, August 2nd at 12:01 am and runs through Sunday, August 4th at midnight. This applies to in-store purchases as well as online purchases. However, there is a limit to the amount of money that is tax exempt. Make sure you check the Missouri Department of Revenue to see if your city or county is participating in this tax-free holiday, and check out their FAQs if you have any questions.
Tax Exempt Items
- School supplies – cannot exceed $50 per purchase
- Clothing – anything having a taxable value of $100 or less
- Computers – cannot exceed $1500
- Software – taxable value of $350 or less
- Computer accessories – cannot exceed $1,500
- Graphic calculators – cannot exceed $150
Free School Supplies Events
There are a bunch of events in the greater St. Louis area giving away free school supplies. Check out your local school district or neighborhood for any back-to-school fairs they may be hosting. Lots of these events have fun activities for the whole family as well! Eventbrite and Facebook Events are also great ways to find out about different events happening in your area. Below is a sampling of back-to-school events in the St. Louis region:
St. Louis City
- Back to School Book Bag Giveaway: SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 11 AM – 2 PM AT SURE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS (3800 Gravois Ave). Free bookbags, school supplies, food, face paintings, and bounce houses
- Marquette Community Day 2024: SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 11 AM – 3 PM AT MARQUETTE PARK. Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, health screenings, food, games, music
- Back-to-School Bash: THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 10 AM – 6 PM AT CONFLUENCE PREP ACADEMY (310 N 15th St). Free school supplies, hands-on activities, snacks, giant inflatables, and giveaways
- Mt. Pleasant Neighbors Picnic Day: THURSDAY AUGUST 8 AT 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM AT MT. PLEASANT PARK. Free BBQ, backpacks, school supplies, games, face painting, kickball, arts and crafts
St. Louis County
- Back to School Event: SATURDAY AUGUST 3 AT 10 AM – 1 PM AT SAINT ANDREW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN FLORISSANT (3975 N. Highway 67). Free food, school supplies, activities, and community resources
- Back 2 School with Books Fair: SATURDAY AUGUST 3 AT 11 AM TO 1 PM AT NORTH COUNTY COMMUNITY NEXUS (9300 Lewis & Clark Bvd). Free book of kid’s choice from the Eyeseeme African American Children’s Bookstore, free books, free groceries, free school supplies, fun family activities
- Back to School Bash: SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 AT 11 AM – 1 PM AT THE SANCTUARY IN HAZELWOOD (965 Anglum Rd). Special church service dedicated to students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Free backpacks, school supplies, and snacks
- Back to School Giveaway: SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 AT 12 PM – 2 PM AT CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD IN FLORISSANT (1610 S Florissant Rd). Free backpacks filled with school supplies, face painters, crafts, field games, haircuts, bouncy houses, discounted price school physicals, hotdogs, and community vendors
Miscellaneous Missouri
- School Supply Giveaway: THURSDAY AUGUST 1 AT 10 AM – 1 PM AT STATE FARM OFFICE IN ARNOLD, MO (1324 Jeffco Blvd). Free pencil case of supplies, a notebook, various other goodies, and shamrock donuts to the first 100 people
- Back to School Bash: SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 4 PM – 8 PM AT STONEBRIDGE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH IN TROY, MO (10 Sunrise Acres). Free popcorn, cotton candy, bounce house, carnival games, bubble machine, and school supplies
Illinois
- Backpack and School Supply Giveaway: SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 9 AM – 11 AM AT YWCA IN ALTON, IL. Free school supplies, backpacks, hot dogs, burgers, basketball
- Back to School Bash: SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 11 AM – 1 PM AT DOWNTOWN BELLEVILLE YMCA IN BELLEVILLE, IL. Free hot dogs, live music, games and prizes, and the first 150 K-12 students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies
- Back to School Carnival: SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 2 PM – 4 PM AT ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN BRIGHTON, IL. Free school supplies, ice cream, and games
- Back 2 School Bash: SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 4 PM – 5:30 PM AT MEADOW HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH IN COLLINSVILLE, IL (1498 Vandalia). Free waterslides, bounce house, crafts, prizes, food, and school supplies
If you are unable to attend any of these events, check out the organization KidSmart. KidSmart is a nonprofit organization that gives out thousands of dollars worth of school supplies. They are the only free educational supply store in Missouri, and they are located at 180 Progress Pkwy in Maryland Heights, MO. Their free store can be a great resource!
Between all of the free events, resources, and the tax-free holiday, we hope you are able to get all of the school supplies you need for as little money as possible. If school supplies aren’t your only financial worry, join one of Prosperity Connection’s personal finance classes or credit report reviews. These could be great ways to learn more about your finances and feel in control of your income. If you’re looking for more in-depth and personalized support, you can try our free financial coaching! Our coaches can help you come up with a personalized savings plan and action steps to help you reach your financial goals. We hope you and your family have a great new school year!
YaNan Bledsoe (She/Her)
