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The end of summer is bittersweet. Warm weather and beach days come to an end, and the start of school is imminent. With so much coming to a close, it’s always good to have something to look forward to. One exciting thing is shopping for back-to-school supplies. What’s on the list? Everything from new clothes and shoes to school supplies and computers. With so much to buy, stocking up for the fall can get pricey quickly. We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to save on everything you’ll need to get your school year started off right.
Arguably the best part of back-to-school shopping is the clothes! Everybody wants to look their best when summer is over, but nobody wants to spend a fortune doing it. There are so many options to outfit your family, but we’ve picked three of our favorites that are offering solid deals.
Aerie is a great place to start for trend-loving shoppers, offering the latest styles on everything from athletic gear to dresses. Sitewide sales and deals on specific items, like swimsuits and sleepwear, will always be advertised on the homepage. But, it’s a smart idea to check out the clearance section, too. There, you can save as much as 70% on bras, bralettes, tops, bottoms and swimsuits. You might even be able to combine these savings with additional coupons, so make sure you check our Aerie page before you shop.
TJ Maxx is another hot site for bargain hunters. It’s easy to find the best deals in the “Back to School” section on the homepage. The selection includes everything you need for your kids, from T-shirts and shorts starting at just $5 to backpacks for as little as $10. You can also score great finds for up to 50% off dorm essentials, like cozy comforters, fluffy towels and task lighting. Stop by our TJ Maxx coupons page to get more savings, like a coupon code for free shipping.
Finally, for the teens in your life, look at Express for sophisticated, up-to-date styles they’ll love. In addition to sitewide sales, you can find deals saving as much as 70% off clearance items, including sweaters and coats for those cool fall days. Make sure to give our page a look, because you’ll almost always find Express promo codes to ramp up your savings. In addition, Express Outlet features deals on bestsellers. You can save up to 60% on their already low prices on camis, dresses, jumpsuits and more.
Going back to school means students will be roaming the halls and strolling around campus, so comfortable shoes are a must. Plus, it’s likely that last year’s sandals and sneakers have seen better days. How do you walk away with a good deal? If you buy multiple pairs of shoes at once, it could mean more savings with bundles and buy one, get one free deals.
Start by heading to Academy Sports + Outdoors’ back-to-school section for a vast selection of sneakers, boots and open-toe shoes. You’ll find everything you need, from athletic shoes and gear to backpacks and lunch boxes. Scroll through all the options to see the Hot Deals, which feature discounts of 25%. If you’re looking to save even more, stop by the Clearance section to save as much as 50% on brands like Nike, Under Armour, adidas and more. Shop online or in the store, where you can also take advantage of free, two-hour, in-store or curbside pickup. Plus, there are free returns, so you don’t have to worry if a pair doesn’t fit.
Vans has rolled straight into the mainstream and isn’t just for skaters anymore. With cool collaborations and custom shoes, along with hoodies, hats and backpacks, Vans will outfit your kids in style. Start in the sale section to get cute tees starting at just $13 and classic checkerboard slip-ons as low as $20. It’s a great one-stop shop for back to school.
It wouldn’t be a true savings roundup without at least one discount retailer, and Rack Room Shoes makes our list. Not only do they have unbeatable prices, but they also offer back-to-school specials for even steeper discounts. If you act fast, you can get a BOGO deal on select shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes. You can usually save more by stacking coupons on top of these great deals, so be sure to browse all the latest deals.
After the year we’ve had, we have a new appreciation for the importance of reliable electronics. But, high-end computers and devices don’t have to mean higher price points.
Apple has a dedicated Education Store featuring special pricing for students, parents, faculty, staff and homeschool teachers on Macs, iPads and accessories. Additionally, you can find special back-to-school offers, like free AirPods with a purchase and 20% off AppleCare+. You’ll find the latest Apple promotions on our coupon page. If you can, consider trading in an old device. You might get as much as $525 in trade-in value with eligible devices. Finally, don’t overlook refurbished options, which have been testified and certified and come with a one-year warranty. They can cost an average of 15% less than new Macs and 25% less than new iPads.
Not to be outdone, Dell also has a section dedicated to student deals. You can save up to $200 on already discounted prices on PCs with back-to-school specials. You can also get accessories for less, including nearly 30% off select monitors. Whether you need a new phone, desktop, or laptop, we have tons of the best Dell coupon codes to help you save big.
Is there anything that smells better than freshly sharpened pencils? We can’t think of one! Here’s a recap of the best places to buy school supplies.
Dollar General is the perfect place for ridiculously cheap, no-frills shopping. In the school and office supplies section, you’ll find exactly what you need to get ready for the new school year. You can always find great digital coupons on our page, and the weekly ad offers the latest deals, including school supplies for just $1.
Visit Staples for more deals under $1 and several options to make your life easier. If you’re crushed by your last minute to dos, Staples Rewards offers free delivery with no minimum purchase. You can also buy online and pick up your order in the store in one hour or less. If you’ve really crunched for time and need your purchase ASAP, you can also get same-day delivery through Instacart. And, you can often stack coupons from our coupon page on top of these savings.
Take advantage of tax-free weekends – Many states have special shopping holidays where shoppers pay no sales tax on clothes, shoes, accessories and electronics.
Subscribe to retailers’ newsletters – In addition to staying up to date on the latest sales, you’ll often score a coupon code just for signing up.
Shop early – Avoid last-minute hassles and dwindling options by shopping ahead of the rush.
Get organized – Create a list, so you know exactly what you need before school begins. Plan which stores you want to visit and focus on special sales.
Looking (and feeling) great for the new school year doesn’t require breaking the bank. Use these hacks to help get the best back-to-school gear at prices you’ll love. Happy shopping!
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Savings Expert Team
Our Savings Expert Team is a group of bargain hunters who all work together to compile up-to-date information on the latest deals.
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Our team covers everything from technology and home appliances to travel and kids toys. There's nothing we haven't shopped for or found savings on!
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