Top Online Stores for Back-to-School Deals: Save Big on Supplies

Back-to-school season will be creeping up quickly and our editors have started crossing items off their kids' school supply list. There are already plenty of back-to-school deals to be had. Here's where to find them!

Although our Brad's Deals editors are still busy soaking in all the summer fun, the parents among us can hear the school bells tolling in the distance. Back-to-school season will be creeping up quickly and some of us have already started crossing items off their kids' school supply list.

Since many our editors are parents to school-aged kids, they know exactly where to find the best back-to-school deals and what stores to avoid. Keep reading for our experts' picks for the best places to find deals on school supplies, tech, apparel, and more!

For even more tips and deals, check our Back-to-School Page for the most up to date back-to-school shopping information.

The Best Stores for School Supplies

young girl using colored pencils and notebooks

Staples & Office Depot

When it comes to shopping for back-to-school supplies, Staples and Office Depot have been a long standing favorite with our editors. Julie, our Deputy Editor and mother of two, buys her kids binders and other supplies at Staples between $.50-$1 each. She reccomends checking out Staples Back to School Sale where you can get school supplies for as low as $.35! This 24-Count Box of Crayola Crayons goes for $0.50 right now, which is the lowest we could find anywhere.

Office Depot has also launched a large sale on school supplies, with price drops that are closely matching Staples. We’re finding notebooks for $.50, 50% off loose leaf paper, and a 10-Count of Crayola Markers for $1.50.

Target

Not surprisingly, Target is a huge favorite among the parents here at Brad's Deals. You can get additional discounts by using the Target Circle Card (formally the Target RedCard). To get these benefits, you can join as a credit card member or link your Target Circle Card to your debit account. Additionally, you can sign up for a reloadable Target Circle Card which works like a gift card and gets you the same benefits.

What are these benefits, you ask? Well, for starters, all Target Circle Card members get 5% back on their purchases at Target and free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items at Target.com. They’re also able to access special discounts and savings events.

If you don’t want to use a special card, you can also sign up for their free Target Circle Rewards program to access deeper discounts on school supplies, like 20% off select back-to-school brands.

Whether you're doing a Target run, a curbside pickup order, or getting your order delivered for free with a $35 purchase, it's hard to beat the convenience of Target for deals on school supplies.

Amazon

Amazon is at the top-of-the-class when it comes to back to school shopping. You can find clothes, dorm furnishings, and tech at great prices. But you may not know that you can find excellent prices on school supplies, especially with Amazon Prime Day on the horizon.

Deputy Editor and mom of three, Marisa, advises to always buy in bulk on Amazon for the most savings. You can get a great deal on a single glue stick or two-pack of pencils at Target. But, if you need a dozen glue sticks or a pack of 30 pencils for your child's classroom, Amazon will always have the best prices for bulk purchases. Plus, you can save more by buying in bulk with other parents and split the cost, getting you the absolute best prices.

Currently we’re finding this 30 Count of Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks dropping in price from $25 to $8, and we expect to see even more discounts during the July 16-17 Prime Day event.

Supplies & Essentials from A to Z

Exclusive

Three softcover luxury notebooks are displayed, each featuring 130/65 gsm perforated pages and an elastic closure, with two in dark colors and one in gray.

$10

$24

Save 58%

3 Soft Cover Journals $10

The Best Stores for Laptops and Tech

Walmart

Walmart also makes our list for great deals on school supplies, but we also see bargain prices on laptops, tablets, and headphones during back-to-school sales. Shop deals on Lenovo, HP, and Acer.

Our tech editor Mike suggests that you make a list of all your child's needs from a laptop before hitting the store. Be sure that the laptop meets all the functionality requirements before you make the purchase. Some of the best laptop deals mean that the laptop can be underpowered or of less quality than higher-priced models.

Top-of-the-Class Tech Deals

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An iPad with a black bezel, button on the bottom, and a colorful wallpaper.

$200

$329

Save 39%

Apple iPad $200

Three Ring Stick Up Cams displayed from different angles, featuring a cylindrical design with a camera lens, microphone, and stand.

$170

$300

Save 43%

3pk Ring Cameras $170

This is an Anker power bank with a 12,000mAh capacity, featuring a digital display showing battery percentage and output stats, with a textured, metallic body.

$50

$90

Save 44%

Anker 12,000mAh Power Bank $50

A smartwatch with a circular display, white strap, and side buttons accented with splashes of color.

$232

$300

Save 22%

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $232

A white and yellow Kodak photo printer dock with a smartphone on top displaying a photo, accompanied by an 80-sheet pack of 4x6 photo paper.

$120

$200

Save 40%

40% Off Kodak 4" x 6" Photo Printer Set

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A round device with a fabric top featuring touch-control icons, resting on short legs, serves as a sound machine and night light.

$10

$40

Save 75%

Sound Machine & Night-Light $10

A clear phone case with a pastel pink Kate Spade MagSafe wallet attachment on the back, designed for functionality and style.

Sale

40% Off Case-Mate MagSafe Accessories

Smart door lock with numeric keypad and smartphone connectivity, also featuring biometric fingerprint access.

$100

$160

Save 37%

Eufy Smart Lock $100

Black Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones with over-ear design, featuring a fabric headband and golden accents on the earcups.

$230

$400

Save 42%

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones $230

A white Anker power strip with two standard AC outlets and two USB ports, featuring a blue LED indicator and a white cable.

$10

$16

Save 37%

Anker USB Power Strip $10

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A MEATER+ wireless meat thermometer next to a smartphone displaying cooking temperatures, with a roasted chicken in the background.

$80

$100

Save 20%

Smart Meat Thermometer $80

White, wireless in-ear headphones with silicone ear tips and short stems, featuring integrated touch controls and noise cancellation technology.

$199

$249

Save 20%

Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199

Two black, rectangular-shaped Blink Outdoor cameras with single lenses and branding on the front.

$100

$280

Save 64%

Blink Outdoor 2-Camera Set $100

$20

$36

Save 44%

2pk Eufy Smart Trackers $20

A white 12-outlet power strip with 3 USB-A ports and a power switch, featuring a flat plug and a long cable.

$22

$30

Save 26%

Anker 12-Port Power Strip with USB $22

Apple iPad featuring a 10.9-inch Retina display with a blue back casing and a camera on the top left corner.

$299

$349

Save 14%

Apple 10.9" iPad $299

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A black iHome robot vacuum and mop with a docking station, accompanied by a smartphone displaying a control app.

$130

$380

Save 65%

iHome Robot Vacuum & Mop $130

A Eufy Video Smart Lock with a touchscreen keypad, camera, and a smartphone displaying a lock control app alongside a couple's photo.

$170

$280

Save 39%

Eufy Video Smart Lock $170

Black smartphone with a gradient background on the screen.

Sale

Verizon: Free Prepaid iPhone SE

This is a white digital alarm clock featuring a large display and a built-in wireless charging pad for smartphones. The clock shows time, date, and temperature.

$20

$60

Save 66%

Alarm Clock & Charger $20

A smartphone case with a built-in external battery and an attached wallet sleeve for carrying cards on the back.

$20

$50

Save 59%

Mophie Juice Pack Mini Wallet $20

A compact Bose SoundLink Micro Speaker in black with a durable strap, featuring control buttons on top and a grille design for the speaker element.

$76

$119

Save 36%

Refurb SoundLink Micro Speaker $76

A clear smartphone case with a floral design covering the back of a phone displaying a colorful screen.

Sale

Up to 90% Off Phone Cases & Accessories

A 15-port power strip tower with a black finish featuring multiple outlets and USB ports, along with an extended cable coiled at the base.

$18

$24

Save 25%

15-Port Power Strip Tower $18

Apple Refurbished

While not the best bargain, if your student (or you!) prefers the Apple products, you can snag some great deals by buying refurbished. Apple's refurbished store offers low prices on current models that will save you hundreds. Combine that with cash from an Apple trade-in, and the $150 gift card deal offered below, and you can get the best deal possible on a current model of an Apple laptop. College students can also shop the education store for discounts on Apple electronics.

If you're hesitant about buying refurbished electronics, check out this post about Why Apple Refurbished Products are Completely Worth It.

An illustration of three electronic devices: a tablet with stylus, a smartphone, and a laptop with decorative stickers on its back.

Get Up to $150 Gift Card with Mac or iPad

The Best Stores for Back-to-School Clothes

Macy's

We love Macy’s for a variety of reasons, but one of the main reasons is their low free shipping threshold. Your order ships for free when you log into a Macy’s Rewards account and spend $25, which is very easy to do when you’re shopping their great selection of name-brand back to school clothes. Recently we spotted up to 70% off on back to school clothes brands like Adidas, Hurley, and Columbia.

Old Navy

If your kids need uniforms for the school year, our experts recommend checking Old Navy. They have a great school uniform section where you can often find items as low as $5. Even if your kids don’t need uniforms, Old Navy is still a great place to buy cheap, but stylish, jeans for your fast-growing little ones.

Nordstrom Rack

If you love to shop the name-brands, Nordstrom Rack is a great place to check for deals on Back to School clothes. Our editors with teens love checking this store for deals on the trendiest brands. We often see great deals on brands like UGG, Sorel, and Hoka, especially during their Clear the Rack sales! While no details have been released yet, we expect their next big sale to occur sometime around Labor Day.

Trending Styles for Every Budget

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$22

Save 68%

32 Degrees Active Tee $7

A woman wearing a red long-sleeve top and blue denim jeans with a red belt.

$18

Save 55%

Long-Sleeve Cotton Tees $8 in 27 Colors

Red and white footed pajamas with a Fair Isle pattern featuring snowflakes and reindeer motifs.

Sale

Gerber: Black Friday Deals under $10

Pale pink, wide-leg pajama pants with an elastic waistband.

$20

Save 60%

Gap Factory PJ Pants $8

Sale

Reebok Tops from $10

Five pairs of wool-blend socks in various shades, including black, gray, brown, and navy, are neatly stacked, some rolled and some folded.

$10

$20

Save 50%

5 Pairs of Wool-Blend Socks $10

A person is wearing blue velour leggings with a high waist design and fitted, ankle-length cut, paired with white and beige sneakers.

$10

$36

Save 72%

32 Degrees Soft Velour Leggings $10

A pink, long-sleeved henley thermal top with a waffle texture and small heart patterns throughout.

$10

$25

Save 59%

Kids' Thermals and Henleys $10

A man wearing a gray, long-sleeved, waffle knit button-down shirt with a collar, partially layered over a white undershirt.

$10

$30

Save 65%

Men's Button-Down Shirt $10

A woman is wearing a brown loungewear set consisting of a long-sleeved top and matching shorts.

Sale

2-Piece Outfits & Pullovers from $12

Black straight-fit jeans with a five-pocket design, paired with black and white high-top sneakers.

$12

$30

Save 59%

Gap Factory Black Jeans $12

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$12

$25

Save 52%

Three Sixty Six Mock Pullover $12

$12

$25

Save 50%

Carhartt Heavy Graphic Tee $12 Shipped

Black shorts featuring a simple, knee-length design with a straight cut, suitable for casual wear or outdoor activities.

$14

$45

Save 68%

Columbia Women's Anytime Shorts $14

This is a navy blue short-sleeved t-shirt featuring a graphic of the United States flag composed of red, white, and blue flowers with the phrase \“Count your Blossoms.\“

Sale

Life is Good Apparel under $15

A teal half-zip sweater-knit top with a high collar and long sleeves.

$15

$55

Save 72%

32 Degrees Sweater-Knit Top $15

$15

$30

Save 49%

Life is Good Star Spangled Banner Tee $15

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A child is wearing a black T-shirt with a glow-in-the-dark ribcage design and the name \“THOMAS\“ below it.

$15

Custom Halloween T-Shirts $15

Navy blue t-shirt featuring a graphic of a polar bear with a mountainous landscape and a red sun on its silhouette, with the phrase \“LIFE IS GOOD\“ underneath.

$15

$30

Save 49%

Life is Good Polar Bear Tee $15

Men's sneakers with a color scheme of navy blue, white, and beige, featuring a lace-up design and visible arch support on the side.

$16

$24

Save 33%

Men's Arch-Support Sneakers $16

Light blue high-waisted cargo jeans with wide legs and side pockets visible on the right leg.

$16

$80

Save 79%

Gap Factory High-Waist Cargo Jeans $16

Light blue, slim-fit men's jeans with a standard five-pocket design, paired with black and white high-top sneakers.

$16

$80

Save 79%

Gap Factory Men's Jeans $16

$17

$70

Save 75%

Gap Factory Men's Jacket $17

A person wearing a white blouse, black dress pants with flared hems, and black high-heeled shoes, while holding a laptop closed at their side.

$18

$36

Save 50%

Women's Stretchy Dress Pants $18

The Best Stores for Dorm Room Furnishings

Wayfair

Wayfair is a phenomenal place to buy decorative accessories, dorm bedding, and even small appliances for college-bound kids. For an easy one-stop dorm purchase, our editors love this This Dorm Co. 44-Piece College Dorm Bedding And Essentials Kit because it has everything your student will need to get started on their own. This bundle includes various bedding and items, like a mattress pad, twin XL comforter, and two twin XL sheet sets. You'll also get bathroom items like washcloths, a bath towel, and a dental care kit. It also includes other dorm essentials like plastic bed risers, a shower caddy, and a 12-piece silverware set. Right now it drops from $249.99 to $208.98 at Wayfair with free shipping.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s could make our list for great deals on clothing and dorm accessories, but we’re filing it under “dorm furnishings” because our editors love to take advantage of their frequent Kohl’s Cash offers when buying higher ticket items. We regularly see great sales gearing up for Back to School and they often offer $10 back in Kohl’s Cash when you spend $50. This comes in handy for pricier items like coffee makers or small dorm room appliances. You can use your coupon like cash on a future Kohl’s purchase for more back to school items or a little something for yourself!