Back to school spending hits everything at once: notebooks and binders, a new wardrobe, shoes that still fit, and a dorm or locker that needs organizing. A gift card lets a parent or student pick exactly what they need instead of guessing sizes and supply lists. The picks below split into two groups, the gear and supplies that get the year set up and the clothes, shoes, and quick meals that keep a student going once classes start.
Every card here is sold at face value, with no markup, and every dollar you spend on Dyme earns 1 Dyme Mile, or 5 per dollar during special offers. Those Miles redeem on any flight or any hotel with no blackout dates, so a routine back to school purchase quietly builds toward a family trip. You buy the card the student wants and bank travel value at the same time.
Supplies, gear, and the dorm
StaplesThe full school supply list, from notebooks, binders, and pens to backpacks, printers, and ink, plus tech like laptops and headphones for older students.$3–$500Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →02
The Container StoreHandles the dorm and locker side of back to school, with shelving, storage bins, desk organizers, and closet systems that turn a tight space into a workable one.$5–$100Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →03
Foot LockerCarries Nike, Jordan, adidas, and New Balance, so a student can grab the sneakers they actually want for the new year. The card never expires and carries no fees.$5–$250Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →04
Under ArmourAthletic shoes, training gear, and team apparel for gym class, practice, and sports. The card has no expiration and no fees.$15–$500Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →Clothes and a quick lunch
Old NavyOutfits the whole back to school wardrobe at everyday prices, with jeans, tees, uniforms, jackets, and basics for kids through teens.$10–$250Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →06
H&MBrings current styles for tweens and teens who want to refresh their look for the year, covering everyday clothes, outerwear, and accessories. The card has no expiration.$10–$300Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →07
JCPenneySpans clothes, shoes, and backpacks for the whole family along with dorm bedding and bath, making it a single stop for the season. The card carries no fees.$5–$500Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →08
ChipotleBurritos, bowls, and tacos for an after school meal or a lunch a student can grab between classes.$10–$200Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →09
SubwayHandles everyday lunches with build your own subs, wraps, and salads that suit a packed school schedule. The card never expires.$5–$250Earns Dyme MilesShop on Dyme →How to choose
Start with what the student still needs after the supply list is checked off, since that points you to the right store. Pick Staples or The Container Store if the gap is gear and dorm setup, Old Navy, H&M, or JCPenney if it is clothes, and Foot Locker or Under Armour if shoes are the priority. For most kids, $50 to $100 covers a meaningful chunk of one category, while $25 works well for a lunch card like Chipotle or Subway. If you are not sure which store fits, a broad retailer like JCPenney or Staples gives the most flexibility. Cards with no expiration, like H&M, Foot Locker, Under Armour, and Subway, are safe choices when you are gifting ahead of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gift card for back to school?＋
It depends on the student's biggest need. Staples is the strongest all around pick for supplies and tech, Old Navy and JCPenney cover clothes for a range of ages, and Foot Locker is the go to for sneakers. For a student living away, The Container Store solves the dorm setup.
How much should I load on a back to school gift card?＋
$25 to $50 works for a single category like a lunch spot or a few supplies, $50 to $100 covers a real dent in a wardrobe or a sneaker purchase, and $100 or more makes sense for a full supply run or dorm outfitting. Match the amount to whether you are filling a gap or funding a whole category.
Which back to school gift cards do not expire?＋
H&M, Foot Locker, Under Armour, and Subway all carry no expiration, and Foot Locker, Under Armour, and JCPenney also have no fees. Those are good picks if you are buying ahead of the school year and the student may not spend right away.
Do I earn Dyme Miles on back to school gift cards?＋
Yes. Every dollar you spend on Dyme earns 1 Dyme Mile, or 5 per dollar during special offers. Those Miles redeem on any flight or any hotel with no blackout dates, so buying the supplies and clothes you already need also builds toward travel.
Can one gift card cover supplies, clothes, and shoes?＋
A broad retailer like JCPenney comes closest, with clothes, shoes, backpacks, and dorm bedding under one roof. If you want full flexibility, pairing a supply card like Staples with a clothing card like Old Navy covers nearly the entire list.
Are Dyme gift cards sold at a discount?＋
No. Dyme sells cards at face value with no markup. The added value comes from the Dyme Miles you earn on every dollar, which you can redeem on flights and hotels later.
