Back-to-school shopping season is here, and the 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday is a great opportunity for families to save.
From Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026, shoppers can purchase qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 per item without paying state or local sales tax.
The exemption applies to eligible purchases made:
As another school year begins, for many parents that presents the challenge of trying to figure out what to pack in their children’s lunch boxes. Even boxes filled with loving care can contain cookies or chips or other easy, unhealthy options.
A fun, healthy lunch or after-school snack – including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins – doesn’t have to be time-consuming, stressful or more costly to put together.
1. Heal self-defeating thoughts: “I stunk at math and my kids will stink too!” This was my greatest self-sabotaging thought as a Mom, and I had to heal! As Moms we allow toxic negative thoughts to run through our minds every single day. It’s time to stop it this school year! Moms can be defeated in their parenting before they get out of bed in the morning. Thoughts can’t be removed—they have to be replaced. So here is what every Mom needs to try: Face the fear. Just because you aren’t good at math, for example, doesn’t mean that’s going to be your child’s truth. It’s hard, but arrest those thoughts as soon as they enter into your mind (handcuff it literally). Then replace the negative “Jimmy isn’t going to “get” math thought with “Jimmy is smart, resourceful and able to do it!” (Plus Mom, you can hire a tutor or grab a homework coach to support him). Repeat these “healing” thoughts and strategies every time those old self-defeating ones come up.
Unity One Credit Union is hosting their annual Gear Up 4 School event at the Stockyards branch on Saturday, August 19, from 8 – 10 a.m. Free school supplies & uniforms will be available to FWISD students on a first come, first serve basis (while supplies last). Plus, there will be free school supplies, food, Kona Ice, great music and entertainment for the kids.
Back to School can be a stressful time of year for parents, kids, and families across the country. The transition from a relaxing or busy summer, the pressures of a new school year, and adjusting to potential new friends and social circles can overwhelm children and adults alike. During this time, award-winning author Sanjay Nambiar suggests five ways to bring a little Zen and mindfulness into the mix.
Summer is soon coming to a close and it’s time to think about back-to-school shopping, kids activities, after school care and even how to get little ones who are starting school for the first time, ready for their big transition. Always striving to be a resource for families, North Texas Kids Magazine has put together this special feature on DFW area businesses as a handy tool in helping parents get ready for back-to-school.
