Back-to-school season is officially upon us! It’s one of the busiest times of the year, so allow us to take one thing off of your already-loaded plate: making that back-to-school shopping list.
Whether you’re upgrading your tech for the new school year or just hitting the reset button on your routine, we’ve scoured the top back to school retailers and compiled all of the deals that are truly worth shopping. From dorm room essentials like a mini fridge to editor-approved office supplies, there’s something for everyone. Plus, The Krazy Coupon Lady co-founder Joanie Demmer stopped by TODAY on Aug. 15 to share just some of the ways you can save on all the essentials you need.
Ready to start the school year off on the right foot? Simply keep scrolling to see all the tips and deals or use the links below to shop by category. And be sure to check and see if your state offers a tax holiday for supplies.
When is back to school 2024? | What deals are available for back-to-school shoppers? | More tips to save money | Apple deals | Supplies | Dorm room essentials | Clothes | Shoes | How we chose
When is back to school 2024?
It differs across the country, but in places in the South and Southeast, kids started going back to school as early as the end of July. However, in areas like the Northeast and elsewhere in the United States, kids are returning to school as late as the second week of September.
What deals are available for back-to-school shoppers?
A number of retailers are offering deals and opportunities for savings for back-to-school shoppers and Demmer highlighted a handful of those on TODAY.
For those looking to upgrade their gear this year, Staples is offering customers an in-store coupon to get $10 off their $30 purchase, when they bring in old backpacks and school supplies to be recycled. "Instacart also has a bunch of $10 coupons for stores," Demmer said. "And I'm not talking grocery stores — though there are those too — there is Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax, even Dollar Tree."
If you're a Target shopper, verified teachers and college students who are Circle members (it's free to join) can score a one-time 20% discount on their purchase. This runs through Aug. 24 for teachers and Sept. 28, for college students.
More tips to save money while back-to-school shopping
When it comes to purchasing supplies, a good rule to follow is to "buy new every other year," Demmer said. "Your kid will survive with last year's backpack, I promise."
However, if they do need a new backpack, the good news is that this year, Demmer said there have been "record-setting, best prices we've seen in 10 years" on backpacks at places like Target and Walmart.
Additionally, if you see a lower price somewhere other than your favorite retailer, some places, including Best Buy, Target and Staples, will price-match in certain circumstances.
Demmer added that this is also a great time to stock up on essentials, for both the school year and beyond. Things like disinfecting wipes, printer paper, tissues, acne products, oral care items and more are all on sale right now at multiple retailers.
Keep reading to shop some of the top back-to-school finds available now.
Back to school Apple deals
Apple iPad Air
The Apple iPad Air is seeing a modest price reduction on Amazon right now. If you buy an iPad Air at Apple, Apple is offering a $100 gift card with the purchase of any iPad Air, which is especially great if you’re also hoping to buy new Apple AirPods or other tech before the new school year.
Apple MacBook Air
If it's time for a new laptop, you're in luck — there are a couple deals you can snag right now on Apple's MacBook Air. At Best Buy, the price of the 13.6-inch laptop has been slashed by $200. Meanwhile, Apple is offering a $150 gift card with the purchase of any new Apple MacBook Air.
Back-to-school shopping
Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Pens (Set of 3)
As people who write for a living, you can trust the Shop TODAY team's recommendations on the best pens to buy. These Pilot pens are great for situations where a pencil won't cut it, since you can still erase with them. “It really impressed me. I love being able to erase ink because I absolutely loathe pencils,” says editorial director Adrianna Brach.
Your Zone Plastic Bento Box
Featuring four compartments and a dish for salad dressing, this bento-style lunch box will keep your little one's favorite foods from touching. Plus, it comes with a fork and spoon that attach to the lid, so it's got everything they need right in the box. The affordable find also comes in blue, if that's more their style.
Bluey Rock Star 17” Backpack
Your little one will be excited to rock the school year with their pal Bluey by their side! This 17-inch backpack features a large front pocket that can fit all of the supplies, from their notebooks to extra clothing, and two mesh side pockets perfect for water bottles and more. The backpack style also comes in other beloved characters. This find will make parents happy, too — it’s on sale for under $10 right now.
Bentgo Classic Lunch Box
Bentgo's classic box is a lunchtime staple, whether you're heading into a classroom or the office. It's considered "adult" sized and fits up to two cups of food. Plus, it's microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
24” Wipeable Monthly Wall Calendar by Lauren McBride
Back-to-school season means it’s time to get organized. This reusable wall calendar seamlessly transitions from month to month to help you keep track of appointments, events, school holidays and more. It’s on sale for under $25 right now.
Rocketbook Reusable Sticky Notes
This reusable tech innovation is a game-changer for sticky note-lovers everywhere. When inspiration strikes, you can erase the sticky note’s previous message, then rewrite and re-stick the same note hundreds of times. This starter kit comes with everything you’ll need, including 15 reusable sticky notes, a Pilot FriXion pen, a microfiber towel to erase the notes and a carrying case.
IQ Lego Stationery Gel Pens (Pack of 10)
Is your pen always rolling away from you? These smooth ballpoint pens, which come in a rainbow pack of ten, are square, so they'll stay exactly where you set them down. Plus, the fun Lego piece up top means that they can stack together.
Papier Fresh Cherries Academic Planner
Arm yourself with this personalizable academic planner and you'll have a much easier time staying on top of everything this school year. The layout is ideal for keeping track of everything on your agenda by day, week, month and even the whole year.
Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve
If you've just splurged on a new laptop, you want to make sure it's protected wherever you go. This laptop sleeve is lightly padded to keep it from getting scratched up in your bag. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cute colors and patterns.
Patagonia Kids’ Refugito Daypack 12L
Now is the perfect time to buy the kids a backpack that can withstand spilled lunches, school bus floors and much more. This one’s made entirely out of recycled polyester, complete with a water-repellant finish that can handle spills or leaks. Plus, it has two deep, mesh pockets on either side for storing water bottles or extra snacks.
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L
If you like the daypack above, you’re in luck, because it comes in a bigger, more “adult” size too. It has one main large compartment that is able to fit multiple pouches and a lunchbox, and also has a dedicated laptop compartment. Associate editor Sierra Hoeger owns this style and says the padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Plus, it fits underneath airplane seats with ease while traveling.
The North Face Backpack Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack
This The North Face backpack is one of the top trending backpacks right now. The versatile bag features a padded laptop sleeve, has a 28-liter capacity and comes in a ton of colors.
Dorm room essentials
Urban Outfitters Mini Clothespin String Lights
Twinkly lights make everything better. This string of lights comes with tiny clothespins you hang your favorite photos from to make even unfamiliar places (like a new dorm room) feel more like home.
BedShelfie Bedside Shelf
If you're moving into a dorm room with limited space, you're going to want this bedside shelf in place of a nightstand. It hooks on right over the edge of your bed frame for easy access to the essentials.
Candle Warmer Lamp
Most dorms don't allow open flames, so lighting a candle is out of the question. Enter: This candle warmer. Not only is it adorable as a lamp on a side table, desk or nightstand, but it works by melting your candle's top layer of wax, so the scent fills the room quickly sans flame.
Social media editor Kara Quill found the lamp candle warmer over a year ago, and says the candle she’s had in it since she first bought it is still basically full, since it doesn't really burn down over time.
PB Teen Power Bed Risers
How much space is under a dorm bed? Not much, but bed risers can help make room for under-bed storage. These work double duty by also providing additional outlets — ideal for the room that has a singular outlet hiding in a hard-to-reach place.
Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier
Given everything that takes place in a space as tight as a dorm room, an air purifier is a must on your college packing list. This option from Levoit claims to completely refresh the air twice per hour in spaces up to 178 square feet. According to the brand, it uses a Pre-Filter, Personal HEPA Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter that removes pollen, smoke, dander and more from the air.
Nostalgia Electronics Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Who says your microwave oven has to be an eyesore? This mini microwave from Nostalgia is compact enough to fit on top of your mini fridge, desk or another countertop surface and comes in a ton of actually cute colors. Plus, it's on sale and has over 12,000 ratings on Amazon.
Midea Compact Refrigerator
A mini fridge is a must-have for small living spaces in college. This compact fridge is on sale right now at Target (online only) and is one of the most affordable options we're seeing, ringing up at less than $100.
Back-to-school clothes
H&M Cargo Joggers
H&M recently launched a campaign in collaboration with Eva Chen. One of her top picks? These under-$20 joggers, which are comfy, easy to clean and available in sizes 2T to 10.
H&M Thick Jersey Hooded Jacket
You can't go wrong with a simple comfy sweatshirt for the new school year. This option comes in gray and black colors in boys' sizes 8-20 and rings up under $25.
H&M Wide Leg Jeans
These roomy wide-leg jeans have that "effortlessly cool" vibe every tween and teen strives for. They're available in four washes and girls' sizes 8-20.
Nike Phoenix Fleece Oversized Sweatpants
Nike sweatpants are currently trending and always a hit for comfy school days. These classic fleece ones are on sale at multiple retailers right now in a few different colors.
Hollister Collegiate Relaxed Graphic Tee
Ready to show your school spirit? Hollister's newly launched collegiate collection features licensed merchandise for 30 of the top colleges and universities in the United States, from graphic tees to oh-so-soft sweatshirts.
Patagonia Kids’ Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
Children are messy and adventurous, so they’re going to need clothing items that can keep up with that lifestyle. This fleece from Patagonia will keep them warm while also weathering the elements, quite literally, since it's made with quick-drying materials.
Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
Patagonia's iconic fleece is also available — and on sale — in a ton of colors in women's sizing. Trust us, this cozy bestseller will be the only thing you want to wear when fall and winter hit.
Back-to-school shoes
Adidas Samba Shoes
Available in over 16 different colors and styles, the whole family can wear these trending, low-top sneakers.
Nike Air Max 90
White sneakers are a can't-fail back-to-school pick. This comfortable option is on-trend and comes in a variety of colors.
Nike Air Force 1
Nothing beats the classics. These timeless sneakers come in whole and half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
UGG Goldenstar Clog
Who says your school footwear can't be cozy? These clogs from Ugg will help you transition seamlessly into the cooler months both in style and comfort.
Nike Zoom Vomero 5
Put your best foot forward this school year! These Nike sneakers manage to marry fashion and function and are available in nine colors on the Nike website right now.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
