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

A set of 32 glitter gel pens in a variety of colors, with clear barrels and colored caps indicating the ink color. The packaging features a colorful floral design.
$10
$20
Save 51%

32ct Glitter Gel Pen Set $10

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 green organizer case containing 92 batteries, with a pull-out drawer design and a playful smiling face illustration on top. The case is suited for storing batteries neatly and conveniently.
$40
$90
Save 55%

92pk Batteries with Organizer Case $40

Smart robotic vacuum and mop featuring WiFi connectivity and app control through a smartphone, accompanied by a blue cleaning pad and a remote control.
$65
$150
Save 56%

Robot WiFi Vacuum & Mop $65

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

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones are over-ear wireless headphones featuring cushioned ear cups and a fabric-covered headband with a sleek, black design.
$187
$400
Save 53%

50% Off Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones

$170
$350
Save 51%

50% Off Beats Studio Pro Headphones

Sony XM5 Earbuds are black wireless in-ear headphones featuring a sleek, rounded design with visible brand marking and subtle copper accents on the outer surface.
$198
$299
Save 33%

Sony XM5 Earbuds $198

  • Exclusive
Black wall charger with \“Super Fast Charging\“ text and an 8-foot braided USB-C to USB-C cable.
$6
$30
Save 78%

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

Black 20,000mAh Baseus power bank with dual USB ports, one USB-C port, an orange power button, and LED battery indicators on the side.
Sale

Gifts under $25

Two black Bluetooth Tiki Torch Speakers with a lattice design and multicolored lights, featuring a parrot logo on top.
$30
$100
Save 70%

2pk Bluetooth Tiki Torch Speakers $30

A Letsfit smartwatch with a rectangular black face, gold casing, and black silicone strap, displaying step count and calorie burn metrics.
$50
$180
Save 72%

2 Letsfit Smartwatches $50

Amazon Echo Buds are white wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, a sleek design, and feature Amazon's smile logo on the exterior.
$35
$120
Save 70%

Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $35

  • Exclusive
Two sets of black HyperGear wireless earbuds with charging cases. Each earbud features a power symbol logo and a small LED indicator light on the outer surface. The case lids are semi-transparent with the brand logo.
$15
$50
Save 70%

2pk HyperGear Wireless Earbuds $15

  • Exclusive
A wireless phone charging pad and a mug warmer with a white mug placed on it.
$15
$60
Save 75%

Mug Warmer & Wireless Phone Charger $15

  • Exclusive
Three black and gray braided lightning cables with USB connectors, featuring enhanced joint protection.
$5
$10
Save 50%

3pk Lightning Cables $5

The Verizon Stream TV is a sleek black streaming device that allows users to access various streaming services and live TV.
$20
$70
Save 71%

Verizon Stream TV $20

Black over-ear JBL Tune wireless headphones with cushioned ear pads and a padded adjustable headband, featuring built-in controls on the ear cup.
$30
$80
Save 62%

JBL Tune Wireless Headphones $30

  • 60 Days of Deals
A 1,000-amp portable jump starter kit with clamps, featuring an LED display, a compass, and USB output for charging.
$32
$90
Save 64%

1,000-Amp Jump Starter Kit $32

Apple iPad featuring a 10.9-inch Retina display with a blue back casing and a camera on the top left corner.
$279
$349
Save 20%

Apple 10.9" iPad $279

Blue Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker with a sleek design, featuring perforated front grill, USB-C port for charging, and a loop handle for easy portability.
$119
$149
Save 20%

Bose SoundLink Wireless Speaker $119

White wireless in-ear headphones with a distinctive stem design, featuring built-in microphones and black vents.
$119
$129
Save 7%

Apple AirPods 4 $119

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

A round-faced iTouch Smartwatch with a silver metal frame and white silicone strap, displaying date, time, steps, distance, calories, and weather on its digital face.
$40
$95
Save 57%

iTouch Smartwatch $40

The Lexibook Kid-Cam Printing Camera is a compact, white camera with a built-in printer, featuring a strap for easy carrying. It prints black-and-white photos instantly.
$45
$120
Save 62%

Lexibook Kid-Cam Printing Camera $50

Flat-screen Full HD Amazon Fire TV with HDR 10 compatibility.
$100
$140
Save 28%

Amazon 32" Fire TV $100

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 cute cow-shaped ornament with a winking face, wearing a red and white zigzag-patterned scarf. It features black spots and small horns, ideal for festive decorations.
Sale

Kohl's Clearance under $10

Light blue OshKosh toddler teddy-fleece jacket with a teal zipper and a small heart emblem on the chest, featuring long sleeves and a cozy, textured fabric.
Sale

Up to 70% Off Carter's Clearance

A gray Adidas Clima Tech Tee featuring short sleeves and a round neckline, designed for performance with lightweight, breathable fabric.
$7
$20
Save 65%

Adidas Clima Tech Tee $7

A beige, long-sleeve pleated blouse with a square neckline and smocked cuffs, paired with distressed blue jeans.
$7
$15
Save 50%

Pleated Tunic Blouse $7

  • Exclusive
$8
$26
Save 69%

Reef Men's Shirt $9 Shipped

  • Exclusive
A heather gray short-sleeve polo shirt with a contrasting gray collar and a three-button placket.
$8
$90
Save 91%

London Fog Polo $8

A light blue short-sleeve polo shirt with a classic collar and two buttons. Subtle embroidered logo on the chest, paired with blue jeans.
$9
$30
Save 70%

American Eagle Polo $9

A woman is wearing a long-sleeve, maroon button-down blouse paired with light blue jeans. She accessorizes with round sunglasses, a necklace, and has her hair loose, styled with waves.
$10
$20
Save 51%

Women's Button-Down Blouse $10

A woman wears a purple 32 Degrees Sherpa Hoodie featuring a soft, fleece texture with a hood, drawstrings, and a loose, comfortable fit.
$10
$50
Save 80%

32 Degrees Sherpa Hoodie $10

  • Exclusive
A men's long-sleeve plaid flannel shirt with button-up front, featuring a yellow, green, and gray checkered pattern, two chest pockets, and a logo patch on the left sleeve.
$10
$65
Save 84%

Canada Weather Flannel $10 Shipped

  • Exclusive
Black long-sleeved men's hoodie with a hood and no visible logos or designs.
$10
$46
Save 78%

Eddie Bauer Men's Hoodie $10

I'm sorry, but I can only see one polo shirt in the image provided. It's a short-sleeved, striped polo shirt in light blue with a small logo on the chest.
$10
$165
Save 93%

Izod Men's Jacquard Polo $10

  • Exclusive
Two pairs of Eddie Bauer women's leggings, one in black and the other in heather gray, both with a high-waisted design.
$11
$60
Save 81%

2pk Eddie Bauer Women's Leggings $11

  • Exclusive
Gray drawstring sweatpants with side pockets and ribbed cuffs.
$11
$40
Save 72%

Eddie Bauer Lined Fleece Joggers $11

Two black Charlotte hoodies by Eddie Bauer with adjustable drawstrings at the hood and a relaxed fit. The hoodies feature long sleeves and a plain, solid-color design.
$11
$80
Save 86%

Eddie Bauer Charlotte Hoodie $11

  • Exclusive
Gray women's hoodie with a front pocket, featuring \“Canada Weather Gear\“ text and logo on the front and a maple leaf patch on the sleeve.
$11
$60
Save 81%

Canada Weather Women's Hoodie $11

A person wearing blue jeans with a rip on one knee, a patterned shirt, and black sneakers.
$12
$60
Save 80%

JCPenney Jeans $12

A black-and-white plaid flannel shirt with button closure, chest pockets, and a Canada Weather Gear logo on the sleeve.
$12
$60
Save 80%

Canada Weather Women's Flannel $12

  • Exclusive
A gray, long-sleeve IZOD polo shirt with a textured pattern and a quarter-zip collar.
$12
$70
Save 82%

Izod Jacquard Pullover $12

  • Exclusive
A man is wearing a black Izod pullover fleece with a half-zip closure and a subtle logo on the left chest. He's paired it with dark blue jeans.
$12
$80
Save 85%

Izod Pullover Fleece $12

A woman is wearing a red and green plaid button-up shirt over a black top, paired with blue jeans.
Sale

Old Navy Apparel $20 or Less

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% Off + 25% Off Kids' Clothes

A light blue button-up shirt with a classic fit, featuring a chest pocket and button-down collar, made from stretch poplin fabric.
$14
$35
Save 60%

Gap Factory Stretch Poplin Shirt $14

Gray Adidas Essentials Fleece Pants with iconic three white stripes down the sides, elastic waistband, and cuffs. Paired with white Adidas sneakers.
$15
$50
Save 71%

Adidas Essentials Fleece Pants $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 winter-themed rug featuring a dog wearing a red hat with headphones and a yellow bird with a stocking standing on a red doghouse decorated with colorful Christmas lights, set against a snowy background with blue skies and clouds.
$9
$30
Save 70%

Nourison Holiday Rugs $9

Set of 2 metal garage storage shelves, each with four adjustable wood composite shelves. They have a sturdy framework for organizing and storing items in garages or storage spaces.
$108
$140
Save 22%

Set of 2 Garage Storage Shelves $108

NFL throw blankets featuring a bold eagle logo on a striped background with \“EAGLES\“ written on the sides. The blankets have a green and cream color scheme.
$55
$73
Save 24%

60" NFL Throw Blankets $60

A Cuisinart blender and juice extractor with a sleek gray design, featuring a control dial with stop, low, and high settings. It is shown with a blending cup, lid, and a glass of green juice being poured, alongside sliced cucumbers and lime wedges.
$45
$100
Save 55%

Cuisinart Blender & Juice Extractor $45

Red storage box with a clear window and green trim, designed for organizing and storing Christmas ornaments in individual compartments.
Sale

40% Off Holiday Decor Storage Solutions

A stack of folded fabric, including various solid colors and patterned designs.
$11
$15
Save 25%

Extra-Soft Sheet Sets from $11

The 20-piece T-Fal Cookware Set includes a variety of nonstick pots, pans, and cooking utensils in a deep red color. The set features different sizes of saucepans, fry pans, a Dutch oven, baking sheets, and several black cooking tools.
$67
$150
Save 55%

20pc T-Fal Cookware Set $67 + $10 Bonus

  • Exclusive
A circular family name sign with \“The Clark Family\“ written in stylized text, ideal for home decor or as a personalized gift.
$32
$49
Save 33%

12" Custom Steel Name Sign $32

A 14 oz scented candle labeled \“Winterberry and Spruce\“ with notes of frosted berries, holiday spruce, and hints of vanilla is surrounded by pinecones and red berries.
$8
$13
Save 36%

3-Wick Holiday Candles $8

Festive red and beige fleece throw blanket with Christmas patterns featuring trucks and trees, accented with a soft white sherpa lining.
$20
$30
Save 33%

Cuddl Duds Plush Throw Blankets $20

A festive wreath featuring frosted pinecones, glittery silver baubles, faux greenery, pearl accents, and decorative birds, creating a snowy, wintery appearance.
Sale

Holiday Wreaths $18 or Less

A red 6-piece set includes a stainless steel flask with a screw cap, four shot glasses, and a small funnel, all featuring a metallic finish.
Sale

6pc Stainless Flask Set $11

A bedding set with a plaid pattern in shades of blue, green, and red, including a quilt, two pillow shams, and a matching tote bag on a wooden bed frame.
$24
$80
Save 70%

4pc Queen Holiday Quilt Sets $24

  • Exclusive
A brown leatherette bar stool with vertical stitching features a square padded back and seat. It has a black metal base with an adjustable height lever, a circular footrest, and a round base for stability.
$218
$322
Save 32%

4pk Adjustable Barstools $218

A glass microwave popcorn popper with a red silicone top and handle, featuring a red protective silicone band around the base. The band has \“Pop Corn\“ embossed on it.
$10
$13
Save 24%

Glass Microwave Popcorn Popper $10

A soft, white Sherpa throw blanket draped over an armchair, featuring a textured waffle design. Nearby, a small wooden side table holds a cup and saucer, all set on a plush carpet.
$10
$29
Save 65%

60" Sherpa Throw Blanket $10

A gray kitchen pantry cabinet with assorted jars, bottles, canned goods, and spices is neatly organized on shelves and side doors. Various bowls, a roll of food wrap, and storage tins complete the setup.
$87
$106
Save 17%

41" Kitchen Pantry with Doors $87

A plaid heated electric plush throw blanket with a control unit for temperature adjustment, featuring a cozy red, green, and cream pattern.
$30
$115
Save 73%

Heated Electric Plush Throws $30

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

The Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker is a compact, white single-serve machine with customizable brew sizes of 6, 8, and 10 ounces. A blue mug is positioned to catch the coffee stream.
$33
$59
Save 44%

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker $33

The 11pc Rachael Ray Cookware Set includes a red nonstick interior saucepan, stockpot, frying pans, lids, a baking sheet, a spoon, a slotted spatula, a brush, and a peeler, all with matching red handles.
$50
$60
Save 16%

11pc Rachael Ray Cookware Set $50

A stack of dark gray towels tied with a white ribbon, including multiple sizes like bath towels and hand towels.
$19
$40
Save 53%

6pc Ultimate Hygro Towel Set $19

Hamilton Beach brand slow cooker with a clear lid, containing a seasoned roast and vegetables. Features include a dial with \“Keep Warm\“, \“Low\“, and \“High\“ settings.
$20
$33
Save 39%

5qt Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker $20

A Shark Rocket stick vacuum cleaner with a slim design and a maroon and gray color scheme.
$120
$200
Save 40%

Shark Rocket DLX Vacuum $120 + $20 Bonus

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