As summer winds down, families gear up for the back-to-school season—a time that often comes with a hefty price tag. From notebooks to laptops, clothes to calculators, the costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to snag great deals and keep your budget in check. Here’s your guide to finding the best back-to-school savings in 2025.
Retail Giants: Big Box Stores and Online Marketplaces
Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are go-to destinations for back-to-school deals. These stores typically roll out aggressive discounts starting now and running through September. Look for bundled offers, such as “buy one, get one half-price” on school supplies or percentage-off deals on electronics. Walmart’s rollback prices often include basics like pencils, binders, and backpacks at under $5, while Target’s “Bullseye’s Playground” section is a goldmine for affordable classroom essentials. Amazon’s Prime Student program offers exclusive discounts on tech, like laptops and tablets, plus free shipping for members. Check their websites or apps for flash sales, and don’t forget to compare prices across platforms using tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to ensure you’re getting the lowest price.
Office Supply Stores: Specialized Savings
Stores like Staples and Office Depot shine for school supplies and tech. They often host weekly promotions, such as 25-cent notebooks or $10 backpacks, especially in August. Staples’ “Price Match Guarantee” ensures you won’t overpay if you find a lower price elsewhere, while Office Depot’s rewards program gives cashback on qualifying purchases. Both retailers also offer steep discounts on laptops and printers during back-to-school season—sometimes up to 40% off. Sign up for their email newsletters to get early access to deals and coupons.
Tech Deals: Laptops, Tablets, and More
For big-ticket items like laptops or tablets, Best Buy, Apple, and Dell are top contenders. Best Buy’s Student Deals program provides exclusive discounts on tech, including up to $150 off select laptops and free accessories with purchase. Apple’s Education Store offers year-round savings for students and teachers, with back-to-school promotions often including free AirPods or gift cards with Mac or iPad purchases. Dell’s Education Discount program can save you up to 20% on laptops, and their outlet store has refurbished models at even lower prices. Always check for student verification requirements to unlock these deals.
Clothing and Uniforms: Thrift and Retail Options
Back-to-school wardrobes don’t have to break the bank. Retailers like Old Navy, Gap, and Kohl’s offer budget-friendly clothing with sales peaking in August—think 50% off jeans or $5 tees. Kohl’s Cash rewards can further stretch your dollar. For school uniforms, French Toast and Lands’ End provide affordable, durable options with frequent online discounts and free shipping on orders over $50. Don’t overlook thrift stores like Goodwill for gently used clothing at a fraction of the cost—perfect for kids who outgrow clothes quickly.
Portland-Specific Shopping: Local Gems
In Portland, check out Schoolhouse Supplies, a nonprofit that offers free or low-cost school supplies to students in need, particularly through their Free Store for Teachers in districts like Portland Public Schools. You can also donate supplies to support their mission (1740 NW Glisan St., appointment required for drop-offs). Another local favorite is Beanstalk Children’s Resale, with locations in Fremont (3527 NE 15th Ave.) and Montavilla (8021 SE Stark St.), offering gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, and backpacks at steep discounts—perfect for eco-conscious shoppers. Both spots are ideal for budget-friendly back-to-school hauls.
Secondhand and Local Options
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor are treasure troves for budget shoppers. You can find gently used backpacks, calculators, and even textbooks for pennies on the dollar. Many communities also host back-to-school swap events where families exchange supplies and clothing for free—check local community boards or libraries for details.
Online Deal Aggregators and Apps
Websites like RetailMeNot, Slickdeals, and Brad’s Deals compile back-to-school coupons and promotions from multiple retailers, making it easy to spot the best offers. Apps like Rakuten offer cashback on purchases from stores like Target and Amazon, while Ibotta provides rebates on specific school supplies. Download these apps and set alerts for back-to-school categories to stay ahead of the game.
Final Tips for Savvy Shoppers
- Start Early: The best deals often sell out by mid-August, so shop early to avoid slim pickings.
- Use Price Tracking Tools: Browser extensions like PriceBlink or apps like ShopSavvy alert you to price drops across retailers.
- Check for Student Discounts: Many stores, like Adidas or Microsoft, offer extra savings for students with a valid .edu email.
- Buy in Bulk: Split bulk purchases of supplies like pencils or paper with other parents to save more.
With a bit of planning and these resources, you can tackle back-to-school shopping without draining your wallet. Happy saving, and here’s to a great school year!
