How To Get Free School Supplies Through Ibottas Back-To-School Cashback Program

Nov. 30, 2025, 11:46 a.m.

Tags: school ibotta

The 2021-2022 school year brings financial challenges for many families as they prepare to send children back to school. In response to these concerns, cashback app Ibotta has launched a "Back to School Free for All" program that offers students a complimentary bundle of backpack and lunchbox staples. This program provides 100% cash back on selected school supplies and food items, effectively making them free for consumers when purchased through participating retailers. The initiative, developed in partnership with major brands including Five Star, Kleenex, Skippy, and Nature's Own, aims to help families extend their back-to-school budgets during a particularly challenging time. The program runs from July 14 through August 31 and offers items with a combined value of up to $20.17.

Available Free Items Through Ibotta's Program

Ibotta's back-to-school program includes seven specific items that qualify for 100% cash back when purchased through approved retailers. Each item is limited to one per user, and the cash back value is based on the average manufacturer's suggested retail price. The items represent essential school supplies and lunch ingredients that many families would purchase anyway.

The complete list of qualifying items includes:

Five Star 3-subject notebook: This notebook is valued at $4.30 and provides ample space for students to organize their schoolwork across different subjects.
Ticonderoga #2 pencils, 12-pack: These premium pencils, valued at $2.39, are a classroom staple that will likely be used throughout the school year.
Paper Mate erasers, 3-pack: The 3-pack of pink pearl premium erasers, valued at $1.39, provides students with a reliable tool for correcting mistakes.
Kleenex, 110-count box: This box of tissues, valued at $1.89, serves both classroom needs and home use.
Nature's Own bread, 20 oz loaf: Available in whole wheat or honey wheat varieties, this bread is valued at $2.84 and forms the foundation of many school lunches.
Skippy peanut butter, 15-16.3 oz jar: This classic sandwich ingredient, valued at $2.53, comes in any variety and pairs perfectly with the included jelly.
Smucker's fruit spread squeeze bottle: The 20 oz squeeze bottle of fruit spread, valued at $2.54, is available in strawberry or grape flavors to complement the peanut butter.
Del Monte fruit cups, 4-pack: These 4-oz cups of fruit, valued at $2.50, provide a convenient and healthy snack option.
LALA drinkable yogurts, 4-pack: These 4-oz cups of yogurt provide another lunchbox option.

The combined value of these items represents significant savings for families preparing for the school year. While the exact total value may vary slightly between sources (ranging from $20 to $20.17), the savings are substantial regardless.

Participating Retailers and Shopping Options

Ibotta's back-to-school freebie program is available through multiple retailers, both online and in-store, providing flexibility for consumers with different shopping preferences. The program's availability varies by retailer, with some offering in-store purchases while others restrict participation to online shopping.

Walmart

Walmart is the most versatile participating retailer, offering three ways to access the free items:

In-store shopping: Customers can visit physical Walmart locations to purchase qualifying items and receive 100% cash back through Ibotta.
Walmart Pickup: Shoppers can order items online and pick them up at their local Walmart store without leaving their vehicles.
Walmart Delivery: For an additional fee, Walmart will deliver qualifying items directly to the customer's home.

Target

Target's participation is limited to online shopping options:

Target Pick-Up: Customers can order items online and select a convenient time to pick them up at their local Target store.
Target Drive-Up: Similar to pickup, but with curbside delivery where employees bring items directly to the customer's vehicle.
Target Same-Day delivery: For eligible zip codes, Target offers same-day delivery through its own delivery service or Shipt.

HEB

HEB, a regional grocery chain primarily serving Texas, participates in the program through online shopping only:

HEB Online: Customers can order qualifying items through HEB's website for delivery or pickup at their local HEB store.

Instacart

Instacart, a grocery delivery and pickup service, allows customers to shop from multiple retailers:

Instacart Delivery: Customers can shop through Instacart and have items delivered to their homes.
Instacart Pickup: In some areas, customers can place orders for pickup at participating retailers.

Shipt

Shipt, another grocery delivery service, offers similar options to Instacart:

Shipt Delivery: Customers can have qualifying items delivered to their homes through Shipt's service.

The variety of participating retailers ensures that most families can access the free items regardless of their preferred shopping method. However, it's important to note that availability may vary by location, and some retailers might have specific restrictions or requirements for participation.

Step-by-Step Redemption Process

To take advantage of Ibotta's back-to-school freebie program, consumers must follow a specific process to ensure they receive the 100% cash back on qualifying purchases. The process involves setting up an Ibotta account, linking retailer accounts, adding offers to their list, making purchases, and submitting receipts when necessary.

Step 1: Sign Up for Ibotta

The first step is to create a free Ibotta account. New users can sign up through the Ibotta website or mobile app. The platform is free to use and allows users to start earning cash back on various purchases immediately beyond just this school supply promotion. Existing Ibotta members should ensure they have the latest version of the app to access all features.

Step 2: Download the Ibotta Browser Extension

For online shopping, Ibotta recommends downloading their browser extension. This tool makes it easier to add offers and track eligible purchases while shopping on retailer websites. The browser extension automatically detects when items in a customer's cart qualify for cash back and prompts them to add the offers to their account.

Step 3: Choose Your Retailer

Participants must select one of the participating retailers (Walmart, Target, HEB, Instacart, or Shipt) to make their qualifying purchases. The choice of retailer depends on factors such as location, preference for in-store versus online shopping, and availability of specific items.

Step 4: Link Your Retailer Account

Before making purchases, users must link their retailer accounts to their Ibotta account. This process varies by retailer but typically involves logging into the retailer's website or app through the Ibotta platform and authorizing the connection. Linking accounts ensures that Ibotta can track purchases and apply cash back automatically.

Step 5: Add Offers to Your List

Once accounts are linked, users should add the back-to-school offers to their Ibotta account. This can be done through the Ibotta app or browser extension. The system will display all eligible items, and users can select which ones they plan to purchase. Adding offers before making purchases is crucial to ensure eligibility for cash back.

Step 6: Make Your Purchase

After adding offers to their list, users can proceed with their purchase through their chosen retailer. For in-store purchases, customers should complete their transaction as usual. For online purchases, the checkout process remains the same, though the Ibotta browser extension may provide additional prompts or confirmations.

Step 7: Upload Receipts (For In-Store Purchases)

Customers who made purchases in-store must upload their receipt to Ibotta to receive cash back. This can typically be done through the Ibotta app by taking a photo of the receipt or uploading a digital copy. The app will process the receipt and verify that all qualifying items were purchased. For online purchases, receipts are usually automatically linked to the Ibotta account through the linked retailer account.

Step 8: Receive Cash Back

Once purchases and receipts are verified, Ibotta will process the cash back, which is typically deposited into the user's Ibotta account within 24-48 hours. Users can choose to receive their cash back through various methods, including direct deposit to a bank account, PayPal, or as gift cards to participating retailers.

It's important to note that while the program offers 100% cash back on qualifying items, some retailers may charge a few cents for each item even after the rebate is applied. Additionally, the availability of items may vary by location, and some products might be out of stock during the promotional period.

Terms, Conditions, and Limitations

Ibotta's back-to-school freebie program comes with specific terms and conditions that participants must understand to ensure they receive their cash back successfully. These limitations help manage the program and prevent misuse while still providing substantial value to consumers.

One-Per-Person Limit

Each item in the promotion is limited to one per user. This restriction ensures that the program serves as many families as possible and prevents hoarding of free items. The limit applies across all participating retailers, meaning users cannot purchase the same item multiple times through different stores to receive additional cash back.

While Supplies Last

The availability of cash back offers is contingent upon product availability. Once items are out of stock at participating retailers, the corresponding offers may be removed from the Ibotta platform. This limitation means that early participation increases the likelihood of securing all desired items.

Based on Average Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

The cash back value for each item is determined by the average manufacturer's suggested retail price rather than the actual price paid at retail. This means that the cash back amount might differ slightly from the actual purchase price, particularly if items are purchased on sale or with additional discounts.

Potential Minor Costs

While the program offers 100% cash back on qualifying items, some retailers might charge a few cents for each item even after the rebate is applied. This small cost is typically negligible but should be noted by budget-conscious consumers.

Time Sensitivity

The program has a defined timeframe, running from July 14 through August 31. After this period, the offers will no longer be available, though users may still have time to submit receipts for purchases made before the deadline.

Account Requirements

To participate, users must have an active Ibotta account and link their chosen retailer accounts. The linking process may vary by retailer and could require additional verification steps.

Cash Back Processing Time

After submitting receipts (for in-store purchases) or completing online transactions, cash back processing typically takes 24-48 hours. Delays may occur during periods of high demand or if there are issues with receipt verification.

Redemption Methods

Once cash back is processed, users can choose from various redemption methods, each with its own processing time. For example, gift card redemptions are usually immediate, while bank transfers may take several business days to complete.

Regional Restrictions

While the program is available nationwide, specific retailer participation may vary by location. Some retailers might not be available in all areas, and product availability could differ by region.

Changes to Terms

Ibotta reserves the right to modify the terms of the program, including adding or removing items, changing cash back values, or adjusting redemption methods. Participants should check the app regularly for any updates or changes to the promotion.

Understanding these terms and conditions helps ensure a smooth redemption process and maximizes the benefits of the program. Consumers should review these details carefully before making purchases to avoid any surprises or disappointments.

Tips for Maximizing the Ibotta School Freebie Program

To get the most value from Ibotta's back-to-school freebie program, consumers can follow several strategic approaches. These tips help ensure successful redemption of offers while potentially extending the benefits beyond the immediate school needs.

Plan Purchases Strategically

Since the program has a defined timeframe and items are limited to one per user, planning purchases strategically can help secure all desired items. Shoppers should:

Create a shopping list of all qualifying items before making purchases
Check stock availability at multiple retailers before visiting stores
Prioritize purchasing items that are more likely to sell out quickly
Consider making all purchases early in the promotional period to avoid stock issues

Compare Retailer Options

Different retailers may offer slightly different prices or have varying stock levels for the same items. By comparing options across all participating retailers, consumers can:

Choose the retailer with the best price or most convenient location
Take advantage of retailer-specific promotions that might combine with Ibotta offers
Maximize savings by purchasing items where they are least expensive before rebate

Optimize Shopping Methods

The program offers both in-store and online shopping options, each with advantages:

For in-store shopping: Visit stores during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure staff assistance if needed
For online shopping: Use the Ibotta browser extension for seamless offer addition and tracking
For curbside pickup: Choose time slots that work with your schedule to avoid additional fees

Combine with Other Savings Opportunities

While the program already offers significant savings, consumers can potentially enhance their value by:

Using manufacturer coupons in addition to Ibotta offers (where allowed by retailer policies)
Taking advantage of retailer loyalty programs that offer additional discounts
Shopping during retailer sales events to maximize overall savings

Organize Receipts Carefully

For in-store purchases, proper receipt management is crucial for successful redemption:

Keep digital copies of receipts as backup
Upload receipts to Ibotta as soon as possible after purchase
Ensure receipts are clear and include all necessary information (store location, date, item details