Stretch your dollar with a collection of the best back-to-school deals online and in stores for students of all ages (as well as non-students who just like to save money). From penny deals on school supplies to clothing closeouts and dorm-room essentials, these 60 deals should get the academic year off to a good start.
$0.01 SCHOOL SUPPLIES FROM OFFICE DEPOT
Why we love this deal: Check Office Depot/Office Max weekly fliers for “Penny Deals” on assorted school supplies such as erasers, glue, and composition books. The deals are in-store only, limited to three per person while supplies last, and kick in after a $5 purchase from elsewhere in the store.
$1 SCHOOL SUPPLIES FROM DOLLAR TREE
Why we love this deal: Don’t dismiss your local dollar store when it comes to back-to-school shopping; they usually carry name brands too. Dollar Tree has Sharpie permanent markers, Scotch tape, and Elmer’s school glue sticks.
BOGO UNIFORMS FOR KIDS FROM OLD NAVY
Why we love this deal: Shop Old Navy’s Buy One, Get One Free sale and save on polos, khakis, shorts, jumpers, and more.
$0.50 CRAYOLA CLASSIC CRAYONS FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: A must-have for the kids’ pencil bag. This 24-pack of Crayola crayons is a number one seller.
$0.50 WIDE RULE COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK FROM STAPLES
Why we love this deal: Most science classes or college labs require a composition notebook. These come in a variety of colors and are only $0.50 each.
Trending on Cheapism
$0.69 2-POCKET PORTFOLIO FROM OFFICE DEPOT
Why we love this deal: Stock up online, or shop in your local store and only pay $0.15 per folder.
$0.88-$5 — FAST DRY BATH TOWELS FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: Wash cloths under a dollar, and bath towels for $5 — these are perfect for your college-bound teen. They’re fade resistant and fast drying so you can avoid musty odors or mildew.
$1 CRAYOLA CLASSIC MARKERS FROM KMART
Why we love this deal: Every school supplies list includes a pack of markers. Stick with the tried-and-true Crayola Classics for only $1.
Sign up for our newsletter
$1 VINYL 3-RING BINDERS FROM DOLLAR TREE
Why we love this deal: These vinyl binders are only $1 a piece, but Dollar Tree does require a minimum quantity of four for online orders. Grab one for every class along with a few other essentials on your list.
$1.50 MEAD SPIRAL BOUND NOTEBOOK FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: You can never have too many spirals for the school year. These wide-ruled notebooks are a cheap and reliable option for kids.
$2 SCISSORS FROM STAPLES
Why we love this deal: Molded, symmetrical handles allow for either left or right-handed use, plus these bright scissors come in a two-pack.
$2 TJENA BOX WITH LID FROM IKEA
Why we love this deal: Store school supplies, papers, or even non-perishable food for the dorm in these convenient lidded boxes. A larger option is available for $5.
$3 PENCIL POUCH WITH MESH WINDOW FROM OFFICE DEPOT
Why we love this deal: With many colors to choose from and only $3 a pop, you can pick up a couple to save on last-minute replacements.
$3 PLASTIC HANGERS FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: An often forgotten item on the back-to-college list, hangers are one of those staples that you can’t live without. This pack comes with 18 plastic hangers that eliminate creases and wrinkles.
$5 PRUTA FOOD CONTAINER FROM IKEA
Why we love this deal: Don’t spend money on unhealthy cafeteria food and pack the kiddos (and parents) last night’s leftovers instead. This pack of 17 containers is a steal at only $5.
$5 YOOBI MINI HIGHLIGHTERS FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: Users love the small size of these bright highlighters and that they travel well. Only $5 for 10.
$5-$45 — COLLEGE BED-IN-A-BAG FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: Let the store handle the designing for you with these all-in-one bedding collections. Some linens start as low as $5.
$5 SWING-LID TRASH CANS FROM CONTAINER STORE
Why we love this deal: Although some dorms provide trash cans, it’s never a guarantee. Make sure you’re covered with this simple $5 black or white lidded choice.
$6 BASIC STACKABLE BASKET FROM CONTAINER STORE
Why we love this deal: Maximize your desk space with these assorted stacking baskets.
$6 TICONDEROGA PRE-SHARPENED PENCILS FROM SAM’S CLUB
Why we love this deal: Save time (and money) with pre-sharpened no. 2 pencils.
$6 BIC ROUND STIC BALLPOINT PENS FROM OFFICE DEPOT
Why we love this deal: BIC is a reliable brand with smooth ink and a comfortable plastic grip. This pack of 60 pens is $6, making each pen only $0.10.
$6 LOCKERMATE WIRE SHELF FROM OFFICE DEPOT
Why we love this deal: Get the most of your limited locker space by utilizing a shelf for multiple tiers of storage.
$6 ACADEMIC PLANNER FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: Don’t lose track of your busy schedule; stay organized with this fashionable and handy planner that is perfect for high school or college.
$6 MAINSTAYS LED DESK LAMP FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: A simple, energy-efficient lamp with an adjustable gooseneck is ideal for late-night studying. At less than $6, it’s a sweet deal.
$8 IZOD STRETCH PIQUÉ POLO FROM JC PENNEY
Why we love this deal: The classic polo is a uniform staple. Available in navy, white, and red, it also functions as dressy or everyday wear.
$8 UNIFORM PLEATED SKORT FROM CHILDREN’S PLACE
Why we love this deal: More practical than your average uniform skirt, this skort has built-in shorts too. Perfect for active young children.
$8 SLIM ICE PACKS FROM BED BATH & BEYOND
Why we love this deal: Keep lunches insulated for kids and adults with this four-pack of ice chillers. The slim size is a bonus to fit in all kinds of bags.
$8 MATTE STACKABLE MUGS
Why we love this deal: Dorm living is all about saving space. These stackable mugs are cute and practical.
$9 SHOWER CADDY FROM KOHL’S
Why we love this deal: Keep your toiletries organized with this sturdy shower caddy. A plastic option is smart to eliminate the risk of mildew.
$9 GRADE SCHOOL ACADEMIC PLANNER FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: This colorful planner is perfect for keeping kids organized. It has a dated weekly format, along with monthly calendars and helpful resource pages for study skills, english, math, social studies, and geography.
$9 GIRL’S PRINTED RAIN BOOTS FROM KOHL’S
Why we love this deal: The cute print on these rain boots is met with a durable rubber construction to keep the rain out.
$10 BOY’S BASIC RAIN BOOT FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: The knit lining assists with easy on-and-off removal, and the solid coloring is perfect for boys or girls.
$10 DISNEY FROZEN GIRL’S BACKPACK FROM SEARS
Why we love this deal: With over 300 positive reviews, this Disney backpack is a fan favorite. Parents say that it’s the perfect size for children, and that they love the Frozen theme.
$10 WILDKIN MUNCH ‘N LUNCH BAG FROM KOHL’S
Why we love this deal: A fun space print meets lasting construction and good insulation, perfect for any age.
$10 DORM PILLOW FROM BED BATH AND BEYOND
Why we love this deal: This decorative pillow adds a personal touch and pop of color to brighten up any dorm bedroom.
$13 ZIPLOC VARIETY PACK FROM SAM’S CLUB
Why we love this deal: 269 bags at only $13 is quite a bargain. These are must-haves for lunches, snacks, and leftovers.
$14 CLEAR BUBBLE UMBRELLA FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: Make sure the kids are covered while waiting for the bus with this bubble umbrella. The innovative design blocks wind and provides maximum coverage.
$14 DRY-ERASE LOCKER POCKET FROM PBTEEN
Why we love this deal: Jazz up your locker with this nifty organizational pocket. It comes in a variety of fabric patterns and includes a dry-erase pen.
$15 YUMMI BEARS ORGANIC MULTI-VITAMIN FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: Start your kid’s day off right with an all-natural multi-vitamin containing no artificial flavors or dyes. This bottle of 90 comes out to only $0.17 per gummy.
$17 AMAZONBASICS CLASSIC BACKPACK FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: Reviewers rave about this Amazon backpack, saying it’s spacious, durable, and comparable to Jansport, but for half the price.
$17 STORAGE CHEST WITH WHEELS FROM CONTAINER STORE
Why we love this deal: Great for storing clothing, shoes, or toiletries, this wheeled chest is easy to move and helpful for space saving.
$17 NATURE VALLEY GRANOLA BARS FROM COSTCO
Why we love this deal: Made with 100% natural whole grain oats, these granola bars are a surprisingly healthy option for a snack after school or between classes.
$19 DRY-ERASE CALENDAR DECAL FROM PBTEEN
Why we love this deal: Keep your important reminders front and center with this large wall calendar. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, home offices, or classrooms.
$19 REVERSIBLE RUG FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS
Why we love this deal: Add a splash of color and homey comfort to your dorm room. Available in varying sizes with the cheapest under $20.
$20 JERSEY THROW BLANKET FROM TARGET
Why we love this deal: A super soft blanket to keep you comfortable during a quick nap between classes. It’s also a great accent piece to throw over a couch, futon, or bed.
$20 ADIDAS SLIDE SANDALS FROM ACADEMY
Why we love this deal: Great for men or women, these slide sandals are essential public shower footwear.
Related: 50 Back-to-School Shoes under $50
$21 BOOK COVERS FROM U.S. SCHOOL SUPPLY
Why we love this deal: At less than $1 for each stretchable fabric cover, this is a great deal for these super-convenient reusable book covers.
$22 LAUNDRY BAG & HAMPER KIT FROM KOHL’S
Why we love this deal: This two-in-one combo is super convenient when it comes to dormitory laundry day. Store your clothes in the foldable hamper, and then carry the load with the matching bag.
$25 WOMEN’S SONOMA TERRY ROBE FROM KOHL’S
Why we love this deal: A comfortable robe for lounging or wearing to the showers. Try this option for men.
$25 DIRT DEVIL CORDLESS VACUUM FROM HOME DEPOT
Why we love this deal: Perfect for cleaning up small messes and keeping your dorm, car, or kid’s room neat and tidy.
$25 KLEENEX FACIAL TISSUE FROM COSTCO
Why we love this deal: Whether it’s on the school supply list or to prepare for the inevitable cold germs, having boxes of tissues on hand is always helpful. This 10-pack for $25 comes out to only $2.50 per box.
$28 BENTGO CHILDREN’S LUNCHBOX FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: Japanese-inspired bento box lunches are all the rage these days thanks to picture-perfect Instagram photos and millions of Pinterest ideas. According to parents, this is the number one pick to keep your kid’s lunch organized and fun.
$30 VIVA VANTAGE PAPER TOWELS FROM COSTCO
Why we love this deal: Another typical grocery item on the school list, this 16-bundle comes out to less than $2 per roll.
$30 HP ENVY PRINTER WITH COMPUTER PURCHASE FROM BEST BUY
Why we love this deal: An all-in-one printer with wireless and mobile printing. It’s only $30 with the purchase of an HP laptop or desktop so you can knock out two birds with one stone.
FREE BEATS HEADPHONES WITH MAC OR IPAD PRO PURCHASE FROM APPLE
Why we love this deal: Buy any eligible Mac or iPad Pro and choose one of three free Beats headphones. Options are the Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones, or BeatsX Earphones.
$52 AMAZONBASICS MID-BACK MESH CHAIR FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: Ideal for a dorm room, home office, or kid’s desk, this best-selling chair is comfortable, supportive, and easy to assemble.
20% OFF BUDGET TRUCK RENTAL
Why we love this deal: Use coupon code 20DIS to save some bucks on moving students to college with a Budget rental — and save some wear and tear on the family car at the same time.
$230 ASUS CHROMEBOOK FLIP FROM BEST BUY
Why we love this deal: 4GB RAM, 16GB storage, and a touchscreen. It offers Macbook quality at a much lower price, plus the battery power is 10+ hours so it will last a full day.
$280 DELL INSPIRON LAPTOP FROM BEST BUY
Why we love this deal: 6GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, and bluetooth-enabled. Reviewers say it’s a fast laptop that is a great choice for college.
$350 ACER ASPIRE NOTEBOOK FROM AMAZON
Why we love this deal: 4GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, full HD widescreen, and 7th gen intel core 3 processor. Over 1,000 reviews say it’s a superior all-around laptop.
