We can all agree that the 2020-2021 school year was just plain strange and different. While 2021-2022 may be different as well, we can all prepare for school in its many forms. Military families can prepare for school within budget thanks to some freebies available specifically for school.

Operation Homefront partners with Dollar Tree to collect school supplies for military children. There are various back-to-school events throughout the country providing free school supplies to military children. Registration is open for events happening now through September for any DEERS enrolled military dependent from Kindergarten through 12th grade. There are eligibility requirements of being an E1-E6 active duty family member or Post 9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service member of any rank either currently or no longer serving the military. Check the requirements for events in your area.

Assistance Leagues have chapters across the United States and often hold programs like Operation School Bell providing free school supplies and clothing to their community. Some Assistance Leagues specifically hold these programs on base. Check with your local unit or local base social media page to watch for an announcement of such a program. They usually occur the month before school begins.

If there is a USO branch near you, check to see if there is a school supply giveaway.

Check your base social media page for giveaways that may be hosted by local churches for free school supplies or backpack giveaways. These giveaways are often not limited by where the child goes to school and may even be extended to military families who homeschool.

Free for all: The Ibotta app has offered some free supplies this school year through their application. Go onto their website to create an account and log in to select the free items. The items offered on the app until they reach threshold (which is not shared): one Five Star Notebook, Nature’s Own Bread, Skippy Peanut Butter, Smucker’s Squeeze Fruit Spread, Ticonderoga #2 Pencils, Crayola Crayons, and Pink Pearl Paper Mater Eraser.

Tax-Free days are offered in many states in August for purchases of clothing, school supplies, and computers, and vary by state. Saving on taxes can add up when you are making big school purchases.

Clothing companies offer a military discount in their stores all year long – Kohls (on Military Monday), Old Navy (in stores only), L.L. Bean (online and in-store), and North Face (online with SheerID and in-store). Get your kicks with these shoe companies offering discounts – Asics, Reebok, and Zappos. Check out more yearlong discount list here.

If a computer is on your list for school supplies this year, Dell and Apple offer discounts. Don’t forget the military exchange as a place to purchase a computer tax-free!

Back to school time is a time of gathering more supplies and information for the upcoming school year. With many military families who have moved dealing with the cost of moving or the indecision of what school to go to, the cost of school supplies can be lowered with these giveaways and discounts. May this school year be enjoyable for all!

May is Military Appreciation Month. Since this is the month designated to show appreciation and thanks to the military family, do not feel one ounce of guilt asking if there is a military discount that your family can take advantage of. Here are some discounts specific for the month of May.

Military Shoppers News is offering a special prize to honor military families in May – sign up here to receive email newsletters to find out more about the giveaway, and you’ll be entered to win automatically!

To kick off military appreciation month, Blue Star Museums is back this year and runs from May 15, 2021 to September 6, 2021. This program offers free admission to museums across the United States to active-duty personnel, National Guard and their families.

Where to Adventure

If you are looking to adventure in your local area, check to see if there is a discount offered on Armed Forces Day, May 15, 2021, or on Memorial Day.

Don’t forget about the free annual pass America the Beautiful Pass from the National Parks to explore the National Parks across the United States.

Carowinds is offering free admission for active military, retired military, National Guard and reservists, as well as veterans who were honorably or medically discharged.

The Cincinnati Zoo is offering free admission on Memorial Day to the active-duty service member with up to six half-price admission tickets for the family members.

California’s Great America offers free admission May 23-May 25 to active or retired military members with a ticket deal for up to six additional tickets for friends or family.

Colonial Williamsburg offers complimentary admission to active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, retired military personnel and veterans and up to three direct dependents on Memorial Day Weekend.

Idlewild and SoakZone is offering free admission to military personnel on May 30 and 31.

Silverwood Theme Park is offering free admission to military personnel and veterans on May 29, 30 and 31 with a discounted rate for immediate family members.

The Indianapolis Zoo is offering free admission to current and former military members on Memorial Day, and a $2 discount off admission to non-military family members.

The Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is offering free admission to active and veteran military May 16-31, with a ticket deal for family members when accompanied by a military member.

Silverwood Theme Park is offering free admission on May 31 to active military, retired military, disabled veterans and military reservists, with up to 4 family members accompanying the military member receving a $3 discount.

The Sun Splash Family Waterpark is offering free one-day admission to active, retired, reserves and disabled veterans with discounted ticket admission for up to 4 accompanied family members.

Worlds of Fun is offering complimentary admission to Worlds of Fun on May 15 and May 25.

Where to Shop

Apple offers a 10% discount off their products throughout the year to active duty military through their online verification.

If you are in need of a new cell phone plan, AT&T offers a 25% discount off their wireless plan to military and veteran families, T-Mobile offers discounts to active duty and veteran families off their wireless plans, and Verizon offers a discount on their wireless plans with a discount varying based on plan type.

Big Lots is offering a 15% military discount to active-duty and veterans throughout the month of May both in-store and online.

Hylete is offering 40% off the training apparel on offer plus an extra 10% during the month of May.

Rack Room Shoes is offering a 20% discount on the entire in-store purchase on Memorial Day.

Looking for a new mattress? Sleep Number is offering a military discount of an extra $100 off all Sleep Number smart beds and adjustable bases from May 7 – May 31, in store, online, by phone and via Live Chat.

Don’t forget about Home Depot and Lowe’s as you prepare your home and garden for the summer season. Both stores offer a 10% discount year-round.

Where to Eat

Joe’s Crab Shack is offering 10% discount to service member and veterans for dine-in orders on May 25^th.

McCormick & Schmick’s is offering service members and veteran’s 10% off their dine-in orders on May 25^th.

Mission BBQ is offering a free sandwich to all active duty service members and veterans during Armed Forces Week, each day is designated for the branch of service. Sign up for their email alerts to learn which day.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill is offering a free adult entrée to military and veterans with the purchase of another adult entrée.

Is there a military discount or freebie you have found for the month of the military appreciation? Let us know! Find discounts that are offered year-round here.

Valentine’s Day is just over 30 days away! The décor started popping up in stores before Christmas passed, and some holiday candy were already supplanted by heart-shaped chocolates and boxes before Santa came! It isn’t surprising that shopping has already begun for the holiday of love. After the cost of the holidays, the idea of spending more on a gift for Valentine’s Day can be daunting. For military and veteran families, don’t forget to use your military discount to save money while buying a gift. Think outside the heart-shaped chocolate box with these ideas.

Clothing

Asics offers a 40% discount when you purchase directly from them.

L.L. Bean offers 10% off their gear online and in person.

LuLuLemon offers 25% for all in-store purchases.

Verify your discount with North Face, and you can get a discount on clothing and footwear.

Reebok offers 50% to Military and Government employees for purchases.

Under Armour traditionally offers 10% discount and has recently increased it to 20% – in store only.

Zappos offers 10% for every purchase to military and their family members.

Crafts

If you have a crafty person in your life who paints or bakes cakes, you might be looking at Michael’s to purchase a gift – don’t forget to ask for your 15% military discount!

Electronics

Moving back to the states and need a new phone plan? Or maybe looking at changing your service provider for Valentine’s Day, make sure to use the discounts offered from AT&T,  T-Mobile, and Verizon.

If you are looking at an Apple product or device, Apple offers a 10% discount or check out your local military exchange where you won’t pay sales tax!

If a computer is on your list as a Valentine’s gift, Dell offers a 10% discount by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Experiences

If you are local to Colonial Williamsburg, consider a trip there using up the annual passport discount offered to Active-Duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans.

If you are local to Sea World San Diego or Sea World Orlando, Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans can use the complimentary one day admission for up to 4 people in total including the service member to spend time together as a family – don’t forget the masks and sanitizer, and check up on local regulations before you go.

How about paying $0! All current U.S. military service members and their dependents are offered a free annual military pass to the National Parks! Show your military ID at any of these federal recreation sites and get your military pass for the year.

Fitness

If you are placing an order for Bowflex, call and ask about their military discount. Military families have saved 15% off equipment.

Peloton offers a free Essentials Package (Peloton shoes, weights and headphones) with the purchase of a Peloton Bike if you were looking at purchasing one for Valentine’s Day.

Home Goods

If you need a new appliance or even stores containers (hello preparations for that PCS!), consider using your military discount at Home Depot or Lowe’s to buy these items for your Valentine. They are useful items that will be used daily, why not make these your valentine gift.

Big Lots offers a 10% year-round discount for active duty as part of their Big Rewards Program if you are looking for housewares, games or clothes on offer at Big Lots.

If you are needing a new piece of furniture (thank you moving company for sending that reimbursement check), Pottery Barn offers a 15% discount for military and veterans and their families. While it is typically verified in store, there have been reports of getting the discount added via phone.

Heading out to Restoration Hardware? Don’t forget to ask about the military discount, which military family members shared is 25% off!

Yeti offers a military discount online through verification from ID.me.

Toys

American Girl traditionally offers a 15% discount in store only, but with the recent pandemic they have also been offering it if you call in as well.

I wonder what St. Valentine would think of this celebration in his name that became a day for love in the Middle Ages.

Saving money when making any purchase is just that – saved money. It doesn’t hurt to ask if you are making a purchase from any store that isn’t listed here.

Is there a discount you use, that isn’t listed here? Let us know!

In previous years, businesses across the United States have cultivated opportunities and discounts in honor of those who honorably served. 2020 has been a strange year, but many retailers are offering discounts to military and veteran families on Veterans’ Day, throughout the month or even the year!

Some of the discounts require eating-in to get the deal. Use common sense and situational awareness to determine if you should eat-in at a restaurant. Some locations have outside eating set up. Some locations have expanded their offers for a to-go orders and we applaud them.

If you have found a Veteran’s Day deal or discount, let us know!

Eateries

54^th Street Grill: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal up to $12 on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

7-11 : Active duty, retirees, veterans, Reserve, National Guard and their dependents can get a free coffee or Big Gulp in 7-11 stores or through the 7-11 app

Applebee’s : Veterans and Active Duty can choose a free meal from their Veteran’s Day Menu on November 11th. Dine-in only.

BJs Restaurants: All current active duty and veteran military get a free meal up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

Blank Angus Steakhouse: Order in or place a takeaway order, active duty and veterans get an All-American Steak plate with 8 oz Angus Beef, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter with a non-alcoholic beverage for $10.99.

Bob Evans: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal from their special menu on November 11^th, dine-in only and beverage not included.

Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11^th, veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary order of 10 boneless wings and fries.

Chili’s: Active Duty and Veterans can enjoy a meal on their special menu on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans and Active-duty military receive complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake when dining in on November 11^th.

Friendly’s: Complimentary All-American meal on offer for lunch or dinner to active-duty and veterans on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Golden Corral : Offering free dinner to active duty military, veterans, retirees, National Guard and Reserves, and due to capacity limitations the promotional card for a free “Thank You” meal can be picked up during the month of November. The card can be redeemed from November 1 2020 to May 31, 2021.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses are offered ½ price entrees on November 8^th.

Mission BBQ: Veterans and active duty members get a free sandwich on November 11^th.

Red Robin: Join the Red Robin Royalty program and active duty and veterans can enjoy a Tavern Burger and Steak Fries anytime between November 12 and November 30^th for either dine-in or to-go.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee to active duty military, veterans, and military spouses on November 11^th.

Yard House : Active Duty military and veterans receive a complimentary appetizer on November 11th, dine-in only

Entertainment

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on Veteran’s Day Weekend, proof of service required

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa: Active-Duty military, Reservists and National Guard are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents. Veterans can receive up to six discounted tickets. Verification of service is done online through ID.me.

Sea World San Diego: Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents.

Sea World Orlando: Complimentary one-day admission is offered to Active-Duty military, Reservists, and National Guard and up to three dependents.

Mount Vernon: Complimentary admission to Mount Vernon for all active duty, former or retired military personnel on November 11th.

Apparel & Retail

Columbia: Columbia employee stores in Oregon, California and Kentucky are open to active, retired, reserves, veterans and dependents. Military personnel and their families also recived 20% discount on November 11^th at all Columbia and outlet stores.

Great Clips: Free haircut for military personnel on November 11^th or receive a free haircut card to use at a later date.

Office Depot:  25% discount is offered for veterans and active duty military and their dependents for qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases on November 11^th – November 13^th.

Target: Active Duty, Veterans and their families can register on Target Circle to get a 10% coupon off an entire cart. There are restrictions so read the fine print. Coupon can only be used once from November 1 -11.

Chains that offer discounts year-round:

Apple offers 10% off their products year-round to veterans and active duty military using their online verification. Check your local military exchange too, because it may be cheaper to buy on base without tax than with the discount.

AT&T offers military and veteran families a 25% discount off their wireless plan.

Big Lots has announced they will offer a year-round 10% discount for active duty and veterans who are part of their Big Rewards program.

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans can purchase an annual pass for themselves and up to three dependents for 25% off.

Dell offers an additional 10% off personal computers and electronics on their website by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet offer a 15% discount to all military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. They also offer Military Monday with a special discount for active duty, reserve and veterans plus up to 3 family members for dine-in orders.

Home Depot offers a 10% discount in the store all year long.

L.L.Bean offers 10% off for active duty, veteran and reservist personnel of the U.S.  Armed Forces. Verification of service is completed on their website.

Lowe’s offers a 10% discount in store. You can link your military service to your Lowe’s card.

LuLulemon offers 25% discount off in-store purchases to military members and military spouses.

Microsoft offers up to 10% off select products to active, former and retired military personnel and their families.

Outback Steakhouse offers a Heroes discount of 10% off for veterans and active duty off their dining check.

Pottery Barn offers 15% discount to military and veterans and their families for in-store purchases. Check your local store to see if this offer can be utilized for curb side pick up as well.

T-Mobile offers hefty discounts on their wireless plans to active duty and veteran families.

Verizon also offers a discount on wireless plans which is dependent on plan type and number of lines.

Before you head to enjoy these discounts, make sure you have your CAC card, DD214 or other proof of service as required and check the location of the place you will visit to determine if they are participating.

So, we’re all working from home now for the rest of our lives. Which means it’s the perfect excuse to take that home office situation up a few notches.

Super Cute Things You Need for Your Virtual Office That You Can Score at the PX

Shopping trip! Hooray!

And lucky you, the PX has so many cute things that will help you DIY the virtual office of your dreams.

Adorable Wall-Mounted Desk

Let’s face it, military houses are not the most spacious around. Which means making clever use of your space.

This wall mounted desk is the perfect solution! Tuck up the work surface when you’re off-duty, but quickly pull everything back out ASAP.

Sleek Classic Desk with Flair

If you’ve got the space, check out this adorable classically-styled wooden desk, with metal accents! It’s got three drawers for tons of storage flexibility.

No more fumbling for papers when you’re Zooming.

Two-Tone Ergonomic Desk Chair

Guys, you’re gonna need to sit somewhere and this modern mesh office chair is kind of perfect. It supports your back while also fitting into the background of your next video conference easily.

Tone Your Core While You Type

With a fun exercise ball chair! You’ll need to balance as you sit at your desk, which could give you the six-pack abs of your dreams.

Or at least keep you from getting the fidget. Either way, win-win.

Shed Light with a Simple Lamp

Add a little bit of extra brightness to your desk simply with a cute black-and-white metal lamp!

Old-School Desk Lamp

Remember the desk lamp your grandparents had? Yeah, you can get one for your very own!

Also, it looks like the Pixar lamp which is incredibly cool.

What are you must-have items for your home office? Share your faves in the comments!

We all want a vacation getaway, but actually taking that break can cost big bucks. Unless you know these sweet military travel discounts!

Get ready for the vacation of your dreams!

Book Your Dream Vacation with Sweet Military Travel Discounts

From all-inclusive to major tourist attractions, you’re going to want to bookmark all of these sweet military travel discounts.

All-Inclusive Military Travel Discounts

After all the stress of military life, sometimes you just need a vacation where you don’t have to worry about anything at all. Something all-inclusive: meals, drinks, entertainment. All of it.

We love these great deals and discounts!

• Sandals: this adults-only resort chain includes resorts scattered around the Caribbean and offers a 10% discount for military and first responders
• Beaches: when you’re traveling with the family, this Sandals sister resort chain is ideal – and includes the same 10% discount
• Coffee Creek Ranch: score 25% off all year round at this dude ranch that features horseback riding
• Armed Forces Vacation Club: while not every resort advertises military discounts, you can often find a great deal via AFVC

Find a Place to Stay, Cheaper

So you’re not looking for a whole vacation package, just a spot to call home while you’re traveling.

Try these hotels that offer military discounts! All these hotels offer 10% or more off per night.

• Best Western
• Choice Hotels
• Embassy Suites
• Hampton Inn
• Hawthorn Suites
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts
• La Quinta – also VERY pet-friendly!
• Marriott & Bonvoy Hotels
• Motel 6
• Red Lion
• Red Roof Inn
• IHG Hotels

Bonus: most or all of these hotels brands are available in all major cities and near many popular tourist attractions, like Disneyland and Disney World, as well as overseas.

Not staying at chain? It never hurts to ask if the hotel offers a military discount. The worst they can say is no.

Go to Theme Parks with a Sweet Military Discount

Get all the thrills of speedy roller coasters and build incredible memories with your family when you snag a sweet military discount at these cool theme parks!

• Disney World: discounted tickets are available at ITT locations worldwide, including multi-day hopper passes
• Disneyland: choose between a 3 or 4-day multi-park pass for $184 or $204 respectively
• SeaWorld: military families can enjoy a completely free day at SeaWorld’s 3 locations
• Busch Gardens: ride all the roller coasters with free single-day entry
• Sesame Place Langhorne: play with Elmo and company for free!
• Discovery Cove: snag a discount to swim with dolphins
• Aquatica Orlando: ready to slide and swim all day with a sweet military-only deal
• Six Flags: Great America and other Six Flags locations offer a 20% discount to military troops

Not going to a major theme park? Many of the smaller, regional theme parks offer military discounts on top of less pricey tickets! Just at at the ticket counter when you arrive.

Go Cruising on the Cheap(er)

Everyone loves a total disconnect vacation, especially one where you can enjoy multiple stops in exciting locations. Many cruise lines offer military discounts to make your dream vacation cheaper!

• Carnival: check out all the places you can sail with this popular cruise line, and enjoy a sweet discount to boot!
• Celebrity Cruises: known for their exciting atmosphere, Celebrity offers discounts based on room category for military members
• Princess Cruise Line: enjoy extra spending cash onboard when you set sail with Princess
• Disney: sail with Mickey and company at a magical discounted rate

Even More Disney Magic

We’ve covered parks and cruises, but what about general lodging?

Disney World and Disneyland are proud to offer several options to help military families experience the happiest places on earth – cheaper!

• Shades of Green: located near the Polynesian Resort, Shades is a military-only resort hotel with all the amenities to make your vacation magical. Beyond the special military-friendly regular rate, there are also specials and additional discounts available. Book early to secure your spot!
• Disney World Resort Hotels: go all-in on your WDW vacation with exclusive discounts at on-property hotels! Some restrictions apply. Call 407-939-7825 to book your magical vacation stay today!
• Disneyland Hotels: if you’ve ever wanted just a few more minutes at Disneyland, booking a stay (for cheaper) at a DL hotel is perfect!
• Aulani Resort: head to Hawai’i to experience a tropical destination vacation, Disney style, with a sweet military discount, too!

Tips & Tricks for More Military Travel Discounts

No matter where in the US you are traveling, many attractions and hotels offer military discounts to both active duty and veterans. Use these tips to make the most of your adventure.

• Call ahead to hotels before you book; ask about any military discounts and then book over the phone
• Pick several attractions you’re interested in visiting, then call to ask about military discounts
• Some discounts aren’t advertised online or are offered on an on-request basis – just ask!

Friendly reminder: all US National Parks are open for free to all AD military troops! Be sure to grab your pass today and see all the wonders our great nation holds!

What’s your favorite tip to help military and veteran families vacation for less? Sound off in the comments!