Load‑up season is here, and prices aren’t messing around. From glue sticks that cost less than a pack of gum to laptops that cost less than half of what you’d expect, finding the best school supplies sale is easier than ever. Read on: These killer bargains are live, and they’re too good to pass up. Every penny counts.
Top deals for back-to-school supplies for kids
When you’ve got a supply list longer than a CVS receipt, every penny matters, these kids’ back‑to‑school deals cover the classroom essentials, and watch out for your wallet.
1. Target: $0.28 notebooks, $0.50 folders
Target’s school aisle is a goldmine for penny‑pinchers. Dealworthy spiral notebooks are just $0.28, Crayola crayons $0.50, and folders $0.50. Perfect for stockpiling now. Check it out here.
2. Target: Back‑to‑School‑idays event — up to 30% off backpacks
Target is coming through big time. Snag 30% off select backpacks, 25% off kids’ clothing, and BOGO 25% off Bic/Pilot pens. Many markdowns are holding through mid‑August. Check it out here.
3. Staples: $0.25 weekly supply deals
Staples is basically daring you to spend pocket change. Expect $0.25 rulers, glue sticks, and index cards. Teacher discount = 20% off. Check it out here.
4. Walmart: $0.35 notebooks, $0.50 glue sticks
Basics without the big‑box price. Great for topping up last‑minute lists. Check it out here.
5. Dollar Tree: 10-pack Playskool Colored Pencils — $1.25
A full rainbow of non‑toxic coloring power for just $1.25. That’s about 74% cheaper than a Crayola 12-pack on Amazon, and reviewers say they deliver strong pigment and easy sharpening at this price point. Perfect for art projects, class doodles and overcrowded pencil boxes. Check it out here.
Top deals for back-to-school supplies for teens and college students
Older students have bigger needs, and often bigger price tags. From dorm‑ready laptops to must‑have gadgets, these deals help you set them up for success without taking a semester‑long hit to your budget
1. Amazon Basics Student Success Kit — $18
44‑piece starter pack: notebooks, pens, glue, scissors, crayons, ruler, sticky notes, basically everything but the cafeteria lunch card.
2. Amazon Tech Deals — up to 30% off
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite for $209.99, Lenovo Chromebook for $189.99, Soundcore headphones for $37.99.
3. Best Buy: College‑ready laptop bundles
Save up to $500 on select Windows laptops or $150 on MacBooks—plus bundle offers for printers, dorm‑ready routers, and accessories.
4. Target: 15% off tech for students
Target’s student discount stacks on laptops, tablets, calculators, and headphones when you verify your status online. Great for anyone heading to high school, college, or grad school.
Check it out here.
Tips for saving money on back-to-school supplies deals
Getting the lowest prices isn’t just about timing; it’s about strategy. A few smart moves can stretch your budget further, keep you ahead of the crowds, and make sure you’re not paying full price for a pack of pencils ever again.
Shop tax‑free weekends: Many states waive sales tax on school supplies in early August. Check your state’s dates here.
Stack store rewards: Target Circle, Staples Rewards, and Best Buy Total members get extra discounts layered on top of sale pricing.
Buy in bulk for basics: Glue sticks, pencils, notebooks—buy once, split with neighbors or family.
Don’t forget clearance: Mid‑August, stores start marking down overstock to make room for fall merch.
An A+ Shopping Plan
Whether it’s a 25¢ glue stick or a $500 laptop markdown, the best back‑to‑school supplies deals are already live, and the smart move is to shop before shelves start looking like they’ve been graded on a curve.
FAQs
When do school supplies go on sale?
Late June through mid‑August, with peak discounts in early August during tax‑free holidays.
Who has the deals on back-to-school supplies?
Target, Staples, and Amazon dominate for kids’ basics; Best Buy and Amazon lead on tech for teens and college.
How to save for deals on back-to-school supplies?
Plan ahead, use store rewards, and aim for tax‑free weekend shopping to maximize savings.
