Back-to-school sales used to mean backpacks, pencils, notebooks, lunch boxes…and that $80 calculator everyone dreaded buying! It was all about equipping your child for another school year.

Today, beginning in mid-July and continuing through mid-September (although August is when you’re most likely to find the most sales), back-to-school sales have evolved into one of the biggest household shopping events of the year.

Stores aren’t just marketing school supplies to parents of elementary and high school students anymore.

They’re still selling those items, of course. But they’re also fiercely competing to sell everything needed to outfit dorm rooms, first apartments, and home offices, from furniture, bedding, towels, and small appliances to laptops, headphones, and other electronics, along with a surprising number of everyday household essentials. (And we don’t want to forget clothing and shoes, too!)

That’s good news for all of us, whether we have children going back to school or haven’t set foot in a classroom for years. These seasonal buying opportunities can help stretch a grocery and household budget all year long – exactly the kind of retail cycle that’s worth paying attention to.

How to Use This Guide

Not every household needs everything on this list. Think of these categories as buying opportunities rather than a shopping list.

Focus on large ticket items you are thinking about replacing and everyday items you regularly use. Compare prices and buy ahead when savings are significant. That’s how seasonal sales can work in your favor.

Even if you don’t need it today, ask yourself if it’s something you’ll use before the next great sale comes around.

What Everyone Should Watch For During Back-to-School Sales:

Back-to-school sales aren’t just for office supply stores. This is one of the few times of year when retailers from almost every category compete for your dollars, so cast a wide net.

Check online retailers, big box stores, warehouse clubs, office supply stores, department stores, clothing stores, sporting goods stores, home improvement centers, drug stores, and even your local grocery store.

Don’t overlook smaller purchases. While it’s easy to focus on a laptop or backpack, the little things like pens, notebooks, batteries, lunch containers, storage bins, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other everyday basics—can quietly add up to more than you expect. This is often the best time of year to stock up.

And don’t assume one retailer will have the best price on everything. Office supply stores might have the best notebooks, a drug store may run an unbeatable sale on school supplies or personal care items, while a warehouse club could be the better choice for snacks or printer paper. Compare prices on larger purchases, but don’t ignore the smaller bargains – they often provide the biggest savings over time.

Make sure to check a few back-to-school blogs or deal sites. They often round up promotions from multiple retailers and may point you toward sales you would have otherwise missed.

Since this is a long, drawn-out sales period, save receipts for big-ticket items and consider not opening some items, just in case a better deal comes after your initial purchase.

Be aware of your state’s tax-free days, which often include clothing and shoes, as well as other back-to-school basics and supplies. Some states have zero tax on electronics. Fidelity updates their list annually. Back in the day, in rural Iowa, our family traveled to an adjacent state with no tax on clothing; it was well worth the money saved.

It’s easy to save $100 on a computer. It’s just as easy to spend that $100 back over the next few weeks or months by paying full price for dozens of little things you use every day.

Clothing & Shoes:

Back-to-school is one of the biggest clothing shopping seasons of the year, with sales on everything from kids’ and teens’ apparel to college and young adult fashions. Many retailers also clear out summer merchandise at the same time, creating opportunities for even deeper savings.

Department stores are always worth checking. Kohl’s and Macy’s frequently feature strong back-to-school promotions on everyday clothing and school uniforms, although the exact sales vary from year to year. Don’t overlook smaller regional department stores, either—they’re often the hidden gems with excellent values.

Trendy retailers typically join in as well. Stores like Abercrombie, H&M, and American Eagle Outfitters often discount current styles, denim, and wardrobe basics for high school and college students.

Budget-conscious shoppers should also watch Old Navy, Target, and Walmart, all of which regularly promote affordable back-to-school clothing and shoes.

For athletic apparel, sneakers, and leisurewear, check sporting goods stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with shoe retailers like DSW and brand stores such as Adidas.

Clothing is one of the most competitive back-to-school categories. If you have favorite brands or stores, chances are they’ll have some type of promotion during this season. I’ve only scratched the surface, so check your favorite retailers and local stores, and follow sale sites or store apps that alert you to promotions in your area.

Electronic and Computer Supplies:

This is one of the most competitive categories during Back-to-School sales.

Amazon’s Prime Day now takes place in October. It often offers some of the year’s best prices on televisions so you may not want to pick one up during back-to-school sales. But if you do miss the school sales on laptops, you’ll find another round of excellent deals during Prime Day.

If you’re shopping for a big-ticket item like a laptop, and your state offers a tax holiday (or you’re able to order from one that does), you may have an added incentive to buy during Back-to-School sales rather than waiting.

Beyond computers, you’ll find discounts on tablets and digital notebooks, as well as scientific graphing calculators, such as the TI-84 Plus models commonly required for high school and college math. (Consider buying used calculators. Check out school parent groups, online markets like eBay and Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, and/or Craigslist, as well as OfferUp. If you have a Buy Nothing group, it’s worth a check.)

You’ll also find noise-canceling headphones for studying, earbuds for lectures, USB flash drives, wireless mice, charging cables, power banks, surge protectors, and many other computer accessories on sale. (Extension cords are prohibited in many dormitories, making surge protectors an especially good purchase.)

Your college student may not need a printer. Many assignments are submitted electronically, and when a printed copy is needed, libraries and campus computer labs often charge only a few cents per page.

Even if you skip buying one for college, Back-to-School is an excellent time to pick up a printer for home use. Models from basic inkjets to high-end all-in-one printers are frequently on sale. Before buying, compare the cost of replacement ink or toner cartridges – they can easily cost more than the printer in no time.

White machines or fans: You will likely find both at a discount during back-to-school sales. Both are commonly discounted during Back-to-School sales. Before buying a white noise machine, consider whether you already own a phone, tablet, computer, or smart speaker that can play free white noise apps or looping soundtracks. If you do buy one, a basic model is often all you need – extra features may drive up the price without adding much value.

Smart Phones:

Back-to-school is a popular time for carriers and major retailers to offer student discounts, family-plan promotions, trade-in deals, and special financing. You’ll also find budget-friendly phones, along with incentives such as free accessories, discounted student gear, or store gift cards with qualifying purchases.

If you’re hoping to buy the latest model, it may pay to wait. Major manufacturers, including Apple, typically introduce new phones just a few weeks later, making September a better time to shop for the newest releases.

Home Office & School Supplies:

Back-to-school is one of the best times of the year to stock up on classroom and home office essentials. Whether you’re shopping for students, working from home, or simply replenishing everyday supplies, this is the season when stores compete aggressively on many basic items.

School supplies are among the biggest bargains of the season, with many basics routinely selling for pennies. Retailers use these highly visible deals to attract shoppers, making it an ideal time to stock up on notebooks, printer paper, folders, binders, pens, pencils, markers, calendars, planners, art supplies, and other everyday office and school necessities. Even if you don’t have children in school, these are items most households eventually use.

You’ll also find excellent prices on organizational products, from pencil pouches, backpacks, and desktop organizers to shelving, storage bins, filing supplies, and other items that help keep a home or office running smoothly.

Home office furniture is another category worth watching. Desks, office chairs, gaming chairs, bookcases, filing cabinets, task lighting, and other workspace essentials are frequently marked down, with many pieces selling for up to half price during the height of the season.

Drug stores, grocery stores, and smaller retailers often have outstanding loss leaders. I work stops like this into errands when I’m already out and about. A quick dash into the smaller stores doesn’t take much time, and clustering stops together saves gas money and time.

Small Appliances & Kitchen Essentials:

Back-to-school sales are one of the best times of year to buy small kitchen appliances and everyday kitchen basics. Originally geared toward parents outfitting dorm rooms and first apartments, these sales have expanded well beyond the college crowd.

Here you’ll want to check department stores (with some unbelievable values) and your basic Targets and Walmarts.

You’ll find coffee makers, air fryers, toaster ovens, blenders, slow cookers, electric kettles, mini-fridges, and more at competitive prices.

Don’t overlook everyday essentials, either. Dishes, silverware, knives, cookware, bakeware, food storage containers, kitchen towels, and other kitchen basics are often included in the promotions.

Retailers know students are furnishing kitchens for the first time, so many stores bundle products or offer package deals.

Even if no one in your family is heading back to school, it’s a smart time to replace worn-out items or fill in gaps in your own kitchen, especially with the winter holidays coming up and the baking that involves.

It’s also much less expensive to replace something on sale than to wait until it breaks or is needed, and buy whatever’s available at full price.

Bedroom, Bathroom & Storage:

This has become one of the biggest Back-to-School categories. While Prime Day may offer stronger deals on higher-end bedding, Back-to-School sales are geared toward students furnishing dorm rooms and first apartments. That doesn’t mean the savings are just for college students – many of these items are useful in any home.

For the bedroom, look for comforters, blankets, sheet sets, pillows, mattress pads, and mattress protectors. A good mattress protector is always a worthwhile purchase, especially for college students.

For the bathroom, expect sales on towel sets, bath rugs, shower curtains, shower caddies, and other bathroom essentials. (Don’t forget to send at least some TP.)

Storage is one of the standout categories. Look for closet organizers, under-the-bed storage bins, hampers, laundry bags & totes, drawer organizers, makeup and bathroom organizers, storage totes, shoe organizers, and plenty of hangers.

Extra towels and sheets rarely go to waste in most households, making this a great time to replace worn or mismatched linens. If you’re shopping for a student, though, you don’t necessarily need luxury bedding or the highest thread-count sheets. Good quality at a good price is often the better value, especially for items that will spend a year in a dorm.

Beauty and Personal Care:

While much of the focus is on dorm essentials, Back-to-School is also one of the best times to stock up on everyday personal care items. Drug stores, mass retailers, warehouse clubs, and beauty stores often compete with promotions on shampoo, conditioner, styling products, deodorant, razors, oral care products, cosmetics, and skin care.

Watch for sales on hair dryers, curling and flat irons, electric toothbrushes, mirrors, and other personal care accessories as well.

If you wear makeup, Back-to-School is one of the few times each year you’ll find meaningful discounts across multiple brands and retailers. Another excellent opportunity comes during the holiday season.

Don’t overlook the medicine cabinet, either. First aid supplies, allergy medications, pain relievers, creams, powders, foot care products, and other health and personal care essentials are often included in the promotions. Buying them during the sale cycle means they’re already on hand when you need them.

Batteries & Light Bulbs:

Batteries are promoted before many holidays, but some of the year’s best prices often appear during Back-to-School season, around Halloween, before Christmas, and in the weeks leading up to the time change.

If your child is heading off to college, they’ll likely need batteries for calculators, gaming controllers, clocks, or other electronics. It’s much less expensive to send them with an appropriate supply than to have them buy batteries at campus or convenience-store prices.

Besides that, an unplanned trip to the store for batteries? They’ll likely pay $12.99 for four and make their way back to the dorm with snacks and energy drinks, adding in another $10.00 “surcharge.”

Don’t assume the grocery store has the best deal on batteries, though. Warehouse clubs, discount stores, home improvement centers, office supply stores, and online retailers often offer lower prices – even when the grocery store has them on sale.

Light bulbs are worth watching, too. LED bulbs don’t need replacing very often, but when you do need them, they can be expensive. If you find a good sale on the type you use most, it’s a smart time to stock up for home and send a couple along to school.

Keep a note of the last price you paid for batteries and light bulbs. Write it on the package or tuck a note inside the box. When it’s time to buy again, you’ll know whether you’re looking at a real bargain or just a flashy sale.

And if you haven’t switched to rechargeable batteries for frequently used items at home, it’s worth considering. The savings add up quickly. I wouldn’t necessarily invest in these to send away to college with your child, though.

Cleaning & Laundry Supplies

Back-to-School is an excellent time to stock up on everyday cleaning and laundry products. Look for cleaning solutions, disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent, stain removers, fabric softeners, air fresheners, and other household basics.

You’ll also find discounts on laundry baskets, hampers, trash cans, brooms, mops, buckets, vacuums, and other cleaning equipment.

Retailers know students need to equip dorm rooms and apartments from day one, making this one of the best times of year to buy these essentials.

If your household will eventually use these items anyway, buying them now for the home means paying sale prices instead of regular prices. If you miss these sales, your next broad opportunity will likely be during spring cleaning promotions.

Furniture & Storage

While we’ve already covered office furniture and some storage solutions, don’t overlook the broader selection available during Back-to-School sales.

Look for cube organizers, shelving, plastic totes, rolling carts, under-the-bed storage, duffle bags, and other organizational products at competitive prices.

You’ll also find smaller furniture pieces such as futons, folding tables, end tables, accent chairs, desk lamps, and floor lamps. Many of these are marketed to students furnishing dorm rooms or first apartments, but they’re just as useful around the house.

Storage purchases don’t have to stay in the bedroom, either. Cube organizers, rolling carts, totes, and shelving can help organize your pantry, freezer, garage, laundry room, craft room, or home office long after Back-to-School season ends.

Shopping for Elementary & High School

I wish I knew then what I know now.

Every year I’d get the school supply list at Back-to-School Night, head to the store, usually Target, because they stocked the school list and promised great prices, and I’d spend a small fortune. The special school-supply aisle was packed with parents and kids; every item on the list seemed essential, and with more than one child in school, the total added up fast.

Looking back, I realize I was shopping under pressure, exactly the way retailers hope we will.

If possible, compare prices before you buy, and don’t assume every item has to come from the same store. Or that every item has to exactly match a list. Even saving a little on several items can make a noticeable difference.

High school students may still need a dedicated graphing calculator. (See Electronics & Computer Supplies above.) Used calculators are often an excellent value. Check school parent groups, Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari, Craigslist, OfferUp, and similar resale sites.

The same strategy works for musical instruments, school and scouting uniforms, and specialized sports equipment. Rental programs can make sense, especially if your child is just getting started. If they stick with it, ask the rental company whether they offer a purchase option or buyout.

Often, you can direct a child to one of the less expensive musical instruments, although my daughter still hasn’t forgiven me for refusing to rent her a French horn! She settled for the clarinet instead, and then, unbeknownst to me, promptly sold it at the end of the year and kept the money. She was too smart for her own good.

A Few More Tricks I Learned Shopping for Elementary & High School

I didn’t learn these all at once. They came from years of trial and error—and spending more than I needed to.

Start with what you already own. At the end of every school year, I cleaned out the backpacks and collected all the leftover supplies into a box. Instead of those items disappearing into their rooms, they became my starting point the following year. I no longer had to start from scratch the following year.

Watch the sales before the lists come out. I started following Back-to-School ads and using coupon-matching sites. (Just Google Back-to-School Sales along with the current year.) By the time the school lists arrived, I’d already picked up many of the basics at excellent prices.

Don’t follow the list too literally. In most cases, close is close enough. A notebook with three dividers instead of four or a package of six dry-erase markers instead of eight usually isn’t the end of the world. Use common sense, and if you’re unsure, ask the teacher.

Shop more than one store. I stopped trying to buy everything in one trip. Instead, I picked up bargains while I was already out running errands. Drug stores, office supply stores, grocery stores, and other smaller retailers often have some of the very best loss leaders, even if you wouldn’t normally think to shop there.

Leave the kids at home when you can. I always made a note of their backpack preferences or favorite colors, because those choices matter. But shopping without a chorus of “Can I get this one?” made it much easier to stick to the budget.

When I first wrote this article in 2014, I was surprised by how much Back-to-School had expanded beyond notebooks and backpacks. Since then, the season has grown into one of the biggest retail events of the year, with stores competing for everyone from grade-school families to college students furnishing their first apartments. I’ve updated this post in 2026.

For a complete look at how seasonal sales fit into a year-round grocery strategy, see my post Winning at the Grocery.

And if you’ve gotten this far, check out my 12 Strategies to Win at the Grocer. Understand them, and you’ll be eating (and shopping for your home) better for less than you might ever have imagined possible.

Shop the Grocery Calendar

One of the easiest ways to start is by paying attention to holiday grocery cycles.

Reading Winning at the Grocery is one thing. Seeing it play out in real grocery ads is another.

Each seasonal or holiday sale guide below shows where the bargains are hiding, what’s worth stocking up on, and how to let seasonal and holiday sales work for you. Whenever possible, I’ll let you know when the next time an item might be available at a low price.