A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Back-to-school sales are officially in full swing, and you're about to save big. Funnel your newfound cash into your kids’ college funds and thank us later.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Pop quiz: When is the best time to get the biggest discounts on everything your kids need? Answer: Right now! Even though summer’s still very much here, back-to-school sales have already started, and whether you’re looking for everyday learning gear or dorm essentials, you won’t want to miss them. After all, kids are expensive, so parents need to save where they can.
“Back-to-school is the second busiest and most expensive shopping season of the year, following the winter holidays,” says family finance expert Andrea Woroch. “Parents often feel stressed about affording everything their kids need. Between pricey tech items like tablets and laptops (and the best laptop backpacks) on today’s school supply list and inflation that is causing everything from clothing to supplies to even groceries for your kids’ lunches to go up, spending can quickly add up.”
Whatever you do, don’t put off back-to-school shopping until the last minute. The longer you wait, the less selection there will be; you might also miss the prime times for the steepest discounts. Scroll through to find exactly what you need for the kids, and pick up a few things for yourself while you’re at it—after all, many of these items aren’t just for the pint-sized set. Then check out this handy guide to the best Labor Day sales for even more smart savings.
It may seem too hot to even think about denim, sweatshirts and other cooler-weather essentials, but now is the time to stock up. Trust us—you can get up to 80% off regular retail pricing right now. And even though you might be in denial, you’ll need these items in just a few weeks when the air starts to turn crisp in most parts of the country.
Some school supplies never change—no matter their grade, kids will still need all the usual pencils, paper, glue and other learning gear. You’ll find the essentials at up to 75% off throughout August if you know where to look. Also, while August is a prime time for these sorts of sales, here’s when you’ll find other cheap finds in every category throughout the year.
The brainiac in your life needs the right electronics to keep them up to speed with their lessons and their classmates. All set for the start of the school year? Stock up early for the holidays—these items make great tech gifts that kids (and parents) will love!
Don’t forget about wellness, hygiene and beauty essentials. During August’s back-to-school sales, refill your favorites or upgrade your child’s products to help them embrace proper hygiene and healthy study habits. Major brands are doing their best to keep their most popular products within reach for back-to-school season, with discounts up to 60% off and some items priced as low as $1.
Decking out a new dorm room can be a daunting task—and also expensive. Since August is when most young adults head back to college campuses around the country, stores offer dorm essentials at low prices to push volume. We’re talking up to 60% off, so you might want to pick up some of these items for your home office, too.
Back-to-school sales aren’t just for notebooks and dorm bedding. You’ll also find snack-time favorites, lunch-making equipment, food, drinks and other yummy finds for up to half off their usual retail prices. They’re great for school, of course, but they also make terrific road trip snacks for an end-of-summer vacation or a drive to drop off your college student.
Do you have a few other things on your to-buy list right now? Check out these Labor Day sales on appliances that will also save you a bundle.
Source:
