The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (2024)

Note: Now that the academic season is underway, we’ve stopped updating this post with back-to-school sales and can’t promise the ones below are still available. Check back later for updated deals.

As long days grow shorter, and summer gives way to fall, there’s one date that’s on the mind of every student and parent: the first day of school. Even if you're not heading back to school, fall is a sign of a fresh start, and a great time to re-stock on the gear you need for upcoming trips.

Be sure to bookmark this page as we'll continue to update it throughout the month—and into the Labor Day weekend.

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B&H

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (1)

Whether you're heading back to school, or back on the road, B&H's rebates and promotions section is not to be missed. You can save $300 off a Sony Alpha a7RIIIA mirrorless camera, take $150 off a new MacBook Pro, and lots more.

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J.Crew

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (2)

Just in time for fall, J. Crew has knocked 50 percent off women's knitwear as well as kid's pullovers, t-shirts, leggings, jeans, and more in select styles. Additionally, shoppers can save up to 40 percent on select full-price items with the code HELLOFALL until September 6.

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Macy’s

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (3)

With the summer drawing to a close, Macy's currently has a variety of sales going on. Right now, shoppers can save up to 25 percent on activewear for the family and 25 percent off Nike and Adidas footwear. Plus, their Big Home Sale is going on, so if you’re shopping for dorms, this could be a goldmine for bedding and bath essentials.

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Oakley

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (4)

Save a whopping 50 percent off on prescription lenses and get free shipping from Oakley through September 9. You read that right—or did you? Looks like you might need a new prescription after all.

The 15 Best Sunglasses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

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Nike

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (5)

On the hunt for everyday apparel and athletic essentials? Bulls-eye. Save up to 40 percent off on top picks at Nike.com.

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Gravity Blankets

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (6)

If you’ve been waiting for a deal on a weighted blanket, Gravity Blankets is offering discounts for a limited time only. Save on cooling weighted blankets, ice hybrid mattresses, duvet covers, and blankets for kids now.

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Backcountry

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (7)

Get a head start on preparations for the winter season. Families can get up to an extra 20 percent off winter outdoor gear and apparel on clearance, from hiking boots to fleece jackets and parkas. Concurrently, you can also save 25 percent on select gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and more.

We’ve pulled this guide together to reduce the stress of back-to-school shopping, and show you how everyone can benefit from these deals—whether you're a student or not.

When Do Back-to-School Sales Start in 2021?

You're likely to start to see back-to-school sales begin in July and ramp up in August. "Consumers are expected to spend record amounts—nearly $850 per family—on back-to-school items this year. For those shopping for K-12 students, our survey shows an increase in spending in every category, particularly with electronics and clothing," says Katherine Cullen, National Retail Federation’s Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights. Of course, school supplies aren’t the only items you’ll find on sale: keep an eye out for sales on luggage, backpacks, shoes, sunglasses, and more.

Sales can extend a month or so in either direction but cluster heavily in late July, August, and early September—which makes sense as some schools kick-off as early as July or as late as post-Labor Day.

How Long Do Back-to-School Sales Last?

Back-to-school sales vary in length, so it pays to do your homework. Some sales only last for a weekend, while others extend more than a month. While there is a ton of variability, we’d say anywhere between a week and a month is typical.

Does Best Buy Offer Student Discounts?

If you're in the market for a new laptop, tablet, or pair of headphones, Best Buy has some steep student discounts this time of year. The deals are always changing—so it's a smart move to keep checking.

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021 (2024)

FAQs

The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021? ›

You can find good deals at other times of the year, like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, but you'll often find better deals and discounts in February and August as retailers make room for the new season's offerings.

Who has the best back to school prices? ›

Our top back to school sales picks
  • Amazon: This behemoth will likely have everything on your list, from lunch bags to Elmer's glue. ...
  • Walmart: It's a family affair at Walmart, where you can shop for steep discounts on supplies, snacks, and more, like backpacks and lunch bags for all school ages and stages.

What time of year is the best sales? ›

You can find good deals at other times of the year, like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, but you'll often find better deals and discounts in February and August as retailers make room for the new season's offerings.

What are the biggest back to school companies? ›

The biggest back-to-school retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon, rely on digital advertising more and more to reach their customers before the school year starts.

What is a good budget for back to school shopping? ›

A reasonable budget for back-to-school supplies per child can vary depending on individual circ*mstances and needs. However, a general guideline would be to aim for a budget of $50-$100 per child. This budget can cover essential items such as notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and a backpack.

What is the biggest sale of the year? ›

1) Black Friday

Black Friday kicks off the busiest shopping period of the entire year, with 30% of all annual retail sales occurring between Black Friday and Christmas. 40% of online Black Friday purchases are made on mobile phones.

What month is sales the highest? ›

Traditionally, the best months for retail sales include November and December, largely due to the holiday season. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day witnesses a surge in consumer spending as individuals shop for gifts, decorations, and holiday-related items.

Which is the biggest sale in USA? ›

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Many stores offer highly promoted sales at discounted prices and often open early, sometimes as early as midnight or even on Thanksgiving.

What is the most popular back to school item? ›

Pencils might just earn the “most popular” school supply moniker. If your big kids prefer mechanical pencils, refill packs are essential, as most only come with a few sticks of lead. This pack includes three cases and 90 total sticks of lead. Most lead pencils use either .

What is the best place for back to school shopping? ›

Best back-to-school essentials

Target is a great place to stock up on back-to-school essentials for any grade -- and it's totally budget-friendly. Plus, you don't have to buy everything in bulk, which can be a problem with some online retailers. (No one needs to buy six plastic pencil cases at once.)

What is most bought school item? ›

Though this list is far from complete, these supplies rank among the top to stock up on for your classroom:
  • Pens. ...
  • Pencils. ...
  • Erasers. ...
  • Glue and glue sticks. ...
  • Folders. ...
  • Paper. ...
  • Scissors. ...
  • Rulers.
Jan 16, 2024

How do people afford going back to school? ›

Funds may be limited for older students who are on a fixed income, responsible for a mortgage, or raising a family. However, there are opportunities such as scholarships, grants, employer programs, and financial aid. Be sure to do your research to determine which may meet your needs and be a good financial fit.

Where is the best place to buy school supplies? ›

Where to Shop for Back To School Supplies
  • Target. Multiple locations including: ...
  • Office Depot/Office Max. Multiple locations including: ...
  • Staples. Multiple locations including: ...
  • Walmart. Multiple locations including: ...
  • 99 Cents Only Stores. Multiple locations including: ...
  • Dollar Tree. Multiple locations including:
Jun 28, 2023

Is it worth going back to school? ›

Going back to school also gives you credibility and skills, which can help you achieve your career goals. You could qualify for new career options that require a degree or gain valuable professional experience that leads to career advancement.

What state has the highest school budget? ›

Among the 41 states with reported data, New York schools led the nation in per-pupil spending in 2021 and 2022, spending $26,571 in 2021 and $27,504 in 2022.

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