🎒 Back-to-School Made Simple: Tampa Bay Drives, Discounts & Supplies for K–6

Hi Lovely Humble Nesters and Welcome back! So t’s that time of year again—backpacks, lunchboxes, and pencils are popping up everywhere!

But if you’re feeling the pinch, don’t worry. We’ve gathered everything you need to send your K–6 student back to school on a budget.

📍 Local Drives & Free Events

🛍️ Hillsborough Tax Collector School Supply Drive→ Now through July 31, benefiting Hillsborough Education Foundation.

🎉 Back-to-School Bashes→ August 2nd at Rowlett Park + others across Tampa. Free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, food & fun!

🎁 Tampa Bay School Supply Drives→ Multiple locations (St. Pete, Largo, Steinbrenner Field) from late June–early August.

💉 Bonus: Many events also offer health screenings, haircuts, and food assistance.

🛒 Best Back-to-School Sales

🎯 Target Circle Week (July 6–12)→ Notebooks from $0.35, backpacks for $5, and verified teachers/students get 20% off.

🛍️ Amazon Prime Day (July 8–11)→ Up to 90% off school gear, electronics, water bottles, and more.

🧾 Florida Sales Tax Holiday (August 1–31)→ Save big: no tax on clothing (under $100), supplies (under $50), and laptops (up to $1500!).

✅ Must-Have School Supplies (K–6)

Whether you're shopping from a list or building your own kit, here's the ultimate checklist for elementary school:

🎒 K–6 Must-Have Supply List

🔸 Basics (for every grade):

• ✏️ Pencils (#2, sharpened) – 24 pack

• ✒️ Erasers (large and cap erasers)

• ✂️ Scissors (blunt tip for K–2, pointed for 3–6)

• 🖍️ Crayons (24 count)

• 🖊️ Washable markers (8–10 pack)

• 📝 Spiral notebooks – 4 (wide rule for K–3, college rule for 4–6)

• 📒 Folders (2-pocket) – 5 in different colors

• 📓 Composition notebooks – 2

• ✨ Highlighters – 2

• 🧼 Glue sticks – 4–6

• 🖇️ Pencil box or pouch

• 📏 Ruler (inches + cm)

• 🎨 Colored pencils (12 pack)

• 🧴 Hand sanitizer (travel-size)

• 🧻 Tissues (2 boxes)

• 🧽 Disinfectant wipes

• 🥪 Lunchbox or bento box

• 💧 Reusable water bottle

🔹 Extras (Grade-specific suggestions):

• K–2: Dry-erase markers (for classroom use), play dough, change of clothes

• 3–4: Protractor, earbuds/headphones

• 5–6: Calculator, mini stapler, index cards

🎁 Pro Tip: Buy in bulk + split supplies among families or siblings to save even more!

💬 Let us know below—what are your must-haves or favorite places to shop smart?

With love + light,

xoxo

Mama Mac & The Heartful Collective