Staples Free Sharpie S-Gel Pen Promotion A Guide To The Annual Back-To-School Offer

Staples, a major U.S. retailer of office supplies, runs a popular annual promotion offering free school supplies during the peak back-to-school shopping season. One of the most anticipated offers within this promotion is a free 2-pack of Sharpie S-Gel Pens. This freebie is not a permanent, year-round offer but a recurring event that follows a predictable pattern based on historical data. The promotion typically requires a purchase and is redeemed using a digital coupon or promo code available through the Staples mobile application or weekly ad. The offer is generally limited to one per account.

The Nature of the Staples Freebie Promotion

During the summer months, Staples provides a series of deals and free items to attract shoppers preparing for the new school year. This initiative, often referred to as "Four Weeks of Freebies," includes various school supplies offered at low cost or for free with a purchase. The free 2-pack of Sharpie S-Gel Pens, which has a regular retail value of $2.99, has consistently been one of the most popular items in this promotion.

The offer requires a consumer to make a purchase to receive the free pens. The specific mechanism for redemption involves using a digital coupon found within the Staples app or a promo code published in the Staples weekly ad. This process can be completed either in-store or online. For in-store purchases, the customer presents the digital coupon at checkout. For online orders, the customer enters the promo code during the checkout process. The promotion is typically active for a limited duration of seven days.

Predicted Timeline for the 2026 Promotion

Based on historical patterns from previous years, the free Sharpie S-Gel Pen offer is expected to return in 2026. The predicted timeframe for this promotion is August 2 through August 8, 2026. This seven-day window aligns with past offers, which have consistently launched during the first full week of August.

Specifically, data from the 2025 promotion indicates that the offer went live in the Staples mobile app on August 3. Following this trend, the 2026 offer is anticipated to begin on a Sunday, August 2, and conclude on Saturday, August 8. Consumers interested in this promotion should prepare for this window. To ensure readiness, it is recommended to download the Staples app well in advance of the expected start date to have access to the digital coupon as soon as it becomes available.

How the Offer Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

To successfully redeem the free Sharpie S-Gel Pen offer, consumers need to follow a specific process. The following steps outline how the promotion has worked in the past and what can be expected in the future:

1. Preparation: Before the predicted start date of August 2, 2026, ensure the Staples mobile app is downloaded and installed on your device. This is the primary channel for accessing the digital coupon.
2. Coupon Activation: Once the promotion begins, locate the digital coupon for the free 2-pack of Sharpie S-Gel Pens within the Staples app. Alternatively, find the corresponding promo code in the Staples weekly ad circular.
3. Make a Purchase: The free offer is contingent on making a purchase at Staples. The purchase can be any item. For example, in 2025, shoppers could purchase a low-cost item like a $0.45 spiral notebook to qualify for the free $2.99 pens, resulting in significant savings.
4. Redemption:
   • In-Store: Present the digital coupon from the app to the cashier during checkout.
   • Online: Enter the promo code found in the weekly ad or app into the designated field during the online checkout process.
5. Limitations: The offer is typically restricted to one free 2-pack per customer account, preventing multiple redemptions by the same individual.

This structured process allows shoppers to acquire free school supplies while shopping for other necessary items, making it a strategic opportunity for back-to-school savings.

Maximizing Savings with the Freebie

The free Sharpie promotion is designed to be stacked with other sales and deals available at Staples during the back-to-school season. By planning purchases ahead of time, consumers can maximize their overall savings. The strategy involves combining the free pen offer with other discounted items.

As demonstrated in the 2025 promotion, pairing the freebie with an inexpensive purchase like a $0.45 spiral notebook resulted in a 92% savings on the pens. In 2026, shoppers can employ a similar strategy. By identifying other deeply discounted school supplies or office items in the weekly ad or app, consumers can fulfill the "any purchase" requirement while acquiring additional necessary products at a low cost. This approach turns a simple freebie into a cornerstone of a larger, more cost-effective back-to-school shopping trip. Planning a shopping list in advance and waiting for the freebie week to make purchases can lead to substantial cumulative savings.

The Role of the Staples App and Weekly Ad

The Staples mobile app and the weekly ad are the two essential tools for accessing this promotion. The app serves as the direct link to the digital coupon, which can be clipped and stored for use at checkout. It also provides access to other deals and allows users to track their savings.

The weekly ad, a physical or digital circular, contains the promo code necessary for online redemptions or as an alternative method for in-store purchases. Both channels are updated weekly and are the official sources for promotional codes and coupons from Staples. Relying on these official sources ensures that the coupon is valid and that the consumer can successfully redeem the offer. Third-party websites or forums may discuss the promotion, but the Staples app and weekly ad are the authoritative sources for the actual coupon or code required.

Conclusion

The Staples free 2-pack of Sharpie S-Gel Pens is a highly anticipated annual back-to-school promotion. Based on consistent historical patterns, it is projected to occur from August 2 to August 8, 2026. The offer provides a valuable opportunity for consumers to acquire free school supplies but requires a purchase and redemption through the Staples app or weekly ad. The promotion is limited to one per account. By preparing in advance—specifically by downloading the Staples app—and planning purchases to coincide with the promotion, shoppers can effectively leverage this offer for maximum savings during the peak back-to-school season.

Sources

1. The Krazy Coupon Lady
2. Staples - Deals and Shopping on the App Store