Back-to-School Giveaways: How Parents Can Score Supplies and Tech for Free

Back-to-school giveaways are one of the easiest ways for parents to save money on supplies, tech, and essentials when the new school year hits

Back-to-School Giveaways: How Parents Can Score Supplies and Tech for Free

Back-to-school season hits hard. Between clothes, supplies, backpacks, and tech, parents can drop hundreds of dollars before classes even start. But here’s the thing—every year, brands, local businesses, and media outlets give away thousands of dollars in school gear for free.

You just have to know how to get in on the action.

Back-to-school giveaways are everywhere in late summer. Some offer backpacks stuffed with supplies. Others give out laptops, tablets, or gift cards. And while the competition can be stiff, there are real ways to tilt the odds in your favor.

Here’s how parents can win back-to-school giveaways and stock up on supplies and tech—without spending a dime.

Start Early—But Don’t Stop Too Soon

Most back-to-school giveaways launch between late June and early September. The biggest waves usually hit in July and August, when retail stores start pushing sales. That’s when brands also roll out contests to build buzz.

Don’t wait until the week before school starts to look for giveaways—you’ll miss half of them. But also don’t assume everything ends in August. Some tech contests, especially those for laptops or tablets, run into September and even October. Stay alert until at least the first month of school is over.

Understand the Prize Types

Not all back-to-school contests are the same. Knowing what’s out there helps you focus your energy.

Here are the most common prize categories:

Supply Kits: Pre-packed sets of pencils, notebooks, folders, and other basics.

Backpacks: Often paired with supplies inside.

Tech: Tablets, Chromebooks, or laptops for students.

Gift Cards: Usually for big box stores or office supply chains.

Lunch Essentials: Reusable lunchboxes, containers, or snack bundles.

Tuition Assistance: Some sweepstakes even offer scholarship-style prizes or prepaid school expenses.

If you’re only after tech, zero in on contests offering laptops or tablets. If you need general supplies, broaden your scope.

Local Contests = Better Odds

National giveaways get thousands of entries. Local ones? Way fewer.

Check your city’s social media pages, library announcements, or school newsletters for community contests. Many local radio stations, churches, and neighborhood groups run back-to-school drives with giveaways attached.

These events might require showing up in person—but that’s often worth it for the much better odds. Plus, local contests sometimes fly under the radar, giving you a real shot at winning.

Follow the Rules Exactly

This sounds basic, but it’s where a lot of people blow their chance.

If a giveaway asks for a comment, tag, or share, do it exactly as requested. Miss one step, and you’re disqualified. If it’s a judged contest—like submitting a photo of your child’s backpack or writing about why you need supplies—stick to the word limits, follow the theme, and keep it concise.

Don’t get lazy. Double-check the entry requirements every time. Make sure you avoid these top giveaway mistakes.

Use Your Story (If It’s Required)

Some back-to-school giveaways ask for a story: why you need the supplies, how your child would use the tech, etc.

Be real. Be brief. And focus on impact.

Talk about how winning would make the school year smoother, help your child succeed, or reduce stress for your family. Don’t exaggerate—but don’t downplay your situation either. Authentic, heartfelt entries often win over judges.

If the contest is random (a sweepstakes), you don’t need to do this. But for judged giveaways, your story matters.

Enter More Than Once (When Allowed)

Some contests let you enter daily. Some give you bonus entries for sharing, tagging friends, or signing up for emails. Take advantage of this—but stay organized.

Keep track of where you’ve entered so you don’t accidentally break the rules. And if daily entries are allowed, set a reminder so you actually do it. Consistency increases your chances.

Watch for Scams

Unfortunately, scammers love to copy giveaway posts during busy seasons like back-to-school. Here’s how to protect yourself:

* Never give out your credit card number to claim a prize. Legitimate contests don’t ask for that.

* Be cautious of social media accounts that aren’t verified but claim you’ve won.

* If you’re notified you won, check that it’s coming from the same account that ran the contest—not a fake lookalike.

If something feels off, it probably is.

Keep It Fun—and Don’t Give Up

Contesting can be part luck, part persistence. If you don’t win right away, keep going. The more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have. And the back-to-school season is packed with opportunities.

Even if you don’t win a laptop this year, you might still land free supplies, gift cards, or other prizes that make the school year easier.

Bottom line: With a smart strategy and a little time each day, parents really can score back-to-school essentials for free. So why not try? The worst that happens is you don’t win—but the best that happens? Your kid heads into the school year fully stocked and stress-free.