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.

The Best Stores for Laptops and Tech

girl using laptop wearing headhones

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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A stack of four white and silver circular tracking devices with a prominent logo in the center.
$70
$99
Save 29%

4-Pack of Apple AirTags $70

Soundcore noise-cancelling earbuds are compact, wireless earphones with a sleek design, featuring a long rectangular charging case. They include noise-cancellation technology and a subtle logo for branding.
$20
$50
Save 60%

Soundcore Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $20

A dinosaur-themed smartwatch and matching headphones with decorative spikes and images of dinosaurs.
Sale

Kids' Smartwatch & Headphone Sets $25

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

HP DeskJet 2734e wireless printer with a compact design, shown printing a colorful page. A smartphone displays a print preview screen, reflecting compatibility with mobile devices.
$29
$30
Save 3%

HP Wireless Printer $29

A black Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K with an HDMI connector is shown alongside its remote control, which has buttons for navigation, volume, and voice control.
$22
$50
Save 56%

55% Off Amazon Fire Stick 4K

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is a compact smart display featuring a 5.5-inch screen, integrated speaker, and voice control capabilities via Alexa.
$25
$90
Save 72%

Amazon Echo Show 5 $25

Sony over-ear wireless headphones in black with a sleek design, featuring large cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband.
$80
$150
Save 46%

45% Off Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones

This is an Apple Watch with a black band and a square black display showing a digital time face with large numerals.
$349
$499
Save 30%

Apple Watch Series 10 $349

A black digital photo frame displaying a photo of a smiling family, alongside a smartphone using the Frameo app to send pictures to the frame.
$40
$100
Save 60%

Frameo Digital Photo Frame $40 w/ Prime

White iPhone 16 Plus with dual rear cameras and a front display featuring a graphic wallpaper, being promoted by Verizon with a trade-in offer.
Sale

Verizon: $300 Gift Card with any Phone

Two maroon NFL wireless speakers with a yellow \“W\“ logo on black grills, featuring angular designs with blue accent lines and convenient carry handles.
$30
$50
Save 40%

2pk NFL Wireless Speakers $30

A retro-style miniature TV with a remote, displaying an image of two costumed characters. The TV is yellow with a brown speaker area and sits on four legs, designed to resemble an old-fashioned television set.
$16
$32
Save 50%

Tiny TVs $21

A black Kasa smart outdoor plug with two outlets, an attached cord, and Wi-Fi connectivity features.
$15
$25
Save 40%

TP-Link Outdoor Smart Plug $15

Refurbished Shark Robot Vacuum with Base includes a docking station and a smartphone app for room mapping and cleaning control, featuring a sleek design.
$102
$128
Save 20%

Refurb Shark Robot Vacuum with Base $102

  • Exclusive
Four Case-Mate AirTag keychain holders in black, blue, pink, and white, each with a loop for attaching to belongings.
$12
$40
Save 70%

4pk Case-Mate AirTag Cases $17

Refurbished Bose Solo Soundbar 2, black rectangular soundbar with the Bose logo on the front, designed to enhance TV audio.
$89
$199
Save 55%

Refurb Bose Solo Soundbar 2 $89

$80
$140
Save 42%

Ring Doorbell + Wired Indoor Camera $80

2-pack NFL earbuds with a blue charging case featuring a team logo and a carabiner. The earbuds have matching logos, and the case includes LED indicators for charging status.
$30
$50
Save 40%

2pk NFL Earbuds $30

  • Exclusive
Two black USB-C wall chargers with prongs for a power outlet, accompanied by a durable braided cable labeled \“8T1.\“
$6
$30
Save 78%

2pk Fast USB-C Wall Chargers & Cables $6

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

Over-ear headphones with noise-canceling feature, gold and light grey color scheme, and Bose branding on the side.
Sale

Extra 10% Off Refurbished Bose

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
$140
Save 14%

Kodak 4" x 6" Photo Printer Set $120

A black, round iRobot Roomba 694 robotic vacuum is shown alongside a smartphone displaying the iRobot logo. It features a central \“Clean\“ button and Wi-Fi connectivity for smart cleaning control.
$60
$275
Save 78%

Refurbished Roomba 694 Vacuum $60

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

boy putting on shoes

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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A lavender T-shirt features a disco ball graphic and the words \“I Make the Whole Place Shimmer\“ in shiny, metallic text.
Clearance

Kids' Clearance Apparel $4

Khaki Bermuda shorts in olive green, featuring a high waist and straight fit, paired with a light grey button-up shirt and white crop top.
$7
$17
Save 59%

Khaki Bermuda Shorts $7

Two pairs of Columbia Men's Thermal Socks: one with a winter-themed pattern featuring a reindeer and geometric designs in gray and red, and a solid black pair.
Sale

2pk Columbia Thermal Socks $8

A man is wearing a red Under Armour t-shirt with a small logo on the chest, paired with gray pants.
Sale

Extra 50% Off Under Armour

  • Exclusive
6-pack of white Under Armour youth socks featuring black accents and logo, with short cuffs and black toe tips.
$10
$22
Save 54%

6pk Under Armour Youth Socks $10

  • Exclusive
A man is wearing a dark navy long-sleeve button-up shirt made from soft, stretchy material, paired with light gray pants. The shirt has a classic collar and a slim, tailored fit, providing a casual yet polished look.
$10
$68
Save 85%

32 Degrees Soft Stretch Shirt $10

A woman is wearing a navy blue cotton-blend long-sleeve top with a white floral pattern and a mock neck. She is holding a burgundy jacket over her shoulder and is paired with blue jeans.
$10
$20
Save 50%

Women's Cotton-Blend Long-Sleeve Tops $10

Cream-colored sweatpants with an elastic waistband and cuffs, paired with black Adidas sneakers featuring white stripes and brown soles.
$10
$25
Save 59%

Gap Factory Sweatpants $10

  • Exclusive
A flannel shirt with a dark grey base and light grey and navy checkered pattern, featuring a button-up front, a chest pocket, and a small red emblem on the sleeve.
$10
$65
Save 84%

Canada Weather Flannel $10 Shipped

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 Gap Logo Colorblock Hoodie featuring shades of maroon, gray, and cream, with \“GAP\“ in bold letters across the chest and a front kangaroo pocket.
$12
$30
Save 60%

Gap Logo Colorblock Hoodie $15

Red Adidas Men's Grind Polo with short sleeves, a collar with a three-button placket, and the Adidas logo on the right sleeve.
$12
$30
Save 60%

Adidas Men's Grind Polo $12

  • Exclusive
Gray jogger-style sweatpants with a drawstring waist and cuffed ankles, featuring a subtle logo on the left leg.
$12
$50
Save 75%

Spyder Women's Core Joggers $12

Blue Carhartt t-shirt with a wave and sunset graphic on the front.
Sale

Carhartt Heavyweight Shirts from $12

A white button-down shirt with 3/4 sleeves, a collared neckline, and a slightly relaxed fit, paired with light blue jeans. The shirt is accessorized with a simple round pendant necklace.
$13
$20
Save 37%

Women's Button-Down Shirt $13 with Prime

A woman is wearing a gray, plush, fleece hoodie with a large front pocket, featuring long sleeves and a cozy texture.
$13
$54
Save 75%

32 Degrees Sherpa Hoodie $13

Universal Thread Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans in light blue feature a relaxed fit with large distressed holes on both knees, styled with brown ankle boots and a cream sweater.
$13
$36
Save 63%

Universal Thread Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans $13

Blue mid-rise legging jeans with a slightly faded finish, featuring front and back pockets. Paired with black sneakers and a black top.
$13
$30
Save 55%

Gap Factory Mid-Rise Legging Jeans $13

Black tapered pants with a white Adidas logo on the left thigh and white stripes near the lower leg. The pants are paired with white sneakers.
$14
$50
Save 72%

Adidas Essentials Tapered Pants $14

  • Exclusive
Black fleece joggers with a textured finish, featuring a drawstring waist and cuffed ankles.
$14
$40
Save 65%

Eddie Bauer Lined Fleece Joggers $14

A cozy maroon sweatshirt featuring the word \“MERRY\“ in white capital letters across the chest, with ribbed cuffs, collar, and hem.
Sale

Up to 50% + $10 Off $25 Kids' Clothes

Cream-colored fleece pullover featuring the Grinch in a Santa outfit, holding a string of colorful Christmas lights, paired with casual jeans.
$14
$25
Save 42%

The Grinch Fleece Sweater $14

The pants are burgundy with a slim fit and a high-rise waist, paired with black loafers and a long-sleeve black top.
$15
$54
Save 72%

32 Degrees Soft Stretch Pants $15

Navy blue tee featuring the Grinch lounging in a chair with a red Santa hat, red boots, and a small tan dog also in a Santa hat. The background includes snow-covered trees and mountains.
$15
$33
Save 53%

Life is Good Grinch Tee $15

The Best Stores for Dorm Room Furnishings

dorm-essentials.jpg

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! 

Home Deals

View All
A plush UGG faux-fur throw with a textured stripe pattern is draped over a white chair, presented in a cozy home setting.
$40
$68
Save 41%

UGG Faux-Fur Throw $40

A cozy, plaid Sherpa wearable throw with an open front design, featuring large front pockets, and soft, textured material, worn over a white top and jeans.
$12
$40
Save 70%

Sherpa Wearable Throw $12

Refurbished Shark Robot Vacuum with Base includes a docking station and a smartphone app for room mapping and cleaning control, featuring a sleek design.
$102
$128
Save 20%

Refurb Shark Robot Vacuum with Base $102

  • Exclusive
The 4pc Wise Owl Quick-Dry Towels set includes blue microfiber towels with attached loops and comes in a compact carrying case. The case features branding with a yellow logo depicting an owl and mountains.
$8
$32
Save 75%

4pc Wise Owl Quick-Dry Towels from $8

A 7-quart white Crockpot with digital controls is paired with a smaller white Little Dipper warmer, both with matching handles and lids.
$32
$90
Save 64%

7qt Crockpot & Little Dipper $32

A light blue, quilted 3-piece king set consisting of a quilt and two matching pillow shams with a geometric square pattern, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to a bedroom.
$21
$30
Save 30%

3-Piece King Quilt Set $21

  • Exclusive
A bed features a floral-patterned comforter and matching shams in shades of peach and white. The room has a light wood nightstand and a vase with greenery.
$29
$95
Save 69%

Patterned Duvet Cover Sets under $35

3pc Madison Park King Quilt Set includes a textured teal quilt with a scalloped edge and two matching pillow shams. The set decorates a bed with a clean and modern aesthetic, complemented by neutral bedside lamps and abstract wall art.
$31
$39
Save 20%

3pc Madison Park King Quilt Set $31

A set of turquoise cookware, including two pans, two pots with glass lids, and a baking sheet.
$48
$120
Save 60%

Farberware 15pc Cook Set $48

  • Exclusive
White shoe organizer with a cushioned gray top, featuring twelve compartments holding various types of footwear, including heels, sneakers, and sandals.
$73
$124
Save 41%

15-Section Shoe Bench $73

  • Exclusive
A bed with a gray plaid-patterned duvet cover and matching pillowcases, alongside white pillows. The setup includes a minimalist decor with vases and a potted plant on a bedside table.
Sale

100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Sets from $39

  • Exclusive
A light gray sofa features two decorative pillows: one with a blue floral pattern on white fabric and another in solid teal, complemented by a gray fringed throw draped over the arm.
Sale

Throw Pillow with Removable Case from $27

  • Exclusive
A luxurious, soft faux-fur throw in a light cream color drapes over a tan leather armchair. It has a plush texture and cozy appearance, enhancing the warmth and comfort of the setting.
Sale

Lush Faux-Fur Throw $30 + Free Shipping

  • Exclusive
A neatly made bed with blue and white bedding, including pillows, sheets, and duvet covers.
Sale

70% Off 4pc Cooling Bamboo Sheet Sets

  • Exclusive
Two stacked white pillows with a clear glass of water resting on top.
$21
$70
Save 69%

2pk Jersey Knit Pillow Protectors $21

  • Exclusive
A modern white platform bed features a thick mattress topper with soft bedding and pillows, set in a bright room with large windows, framed wall art, and a plant on the window sill.
$45
$150
Save 69%

Overfilled Mattress Toppers from $45

Four chunky knit blankets in pink, gray, blue, and cream draped over a wooden bench.
$60
$200
Save 69%

Chunky Knit Throw $60 Shipped

A neatly made bed with gray sheets, including pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet, against a neutral-colored headboard.
$14
$55
Save 75%

6pc Queen Deep Pocket Sheet Sets $14

A dark gray quilted comforter set with two matching pillow shams on a bed.
$21
$82
Save 74%

3pc Queen Quilt Set $18

  • Exclusive
A wooden kitchen island with a power strip features an air fryer, toaster with toast, a fruit bowl, a microwave, and shelves below holding baskets of apples and oranges, jars of pasta, plates, and a ceramic pot.
$106
$150
Save 29%

Kitchen Island with Power $106

  • Exclusive
A neatly arranged bed with light gray bedding, including a duvet cover and pillows, set against a wooden headboard. A bedside table with a lamp and a stack of books is visible.
$29
$95
Save 69%

Double-Brushed Duvet Cover Sets from $29

  • Exclusive
Two white pillows stacked on top of each other on a bed.
$39
$130
Save 69%

2pk Queen Cooling Gel Pillows $39

A plush wrap throw featuring a blue background with colorful illustrations of various dogs, snowflakes, and a soft, fluffy lining. It includes large, cozy pockets and a broad collar for added warmth.
$12
$30
Save 60%

Cozy Plush Wraps $12

A plush blue blanket is draped over a chair, featuring an assortment of cartoon dogs in festive attire and snowflake patterns.
$12
$30
Save 60%

Large Holiday Throws $12

Looking for more great back to school deals? Check out our top finds below!