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Even though summer vacation isn’t quite over yet, the back-to-school deals are already coming in hot. As students prepare to go back to in-person classes for the first time in over a year, this back-to-school season is expected to fuel lots of spending — and even more deals.
Last fall’s back-to-school season was way different than years past. There was much more emphasis on tech due to remote learning, and most physical school supplies became obsolete in the face of virtual Zoom school. Think about it: You didn’t need pens, backpacks, or new school clothes just to sit in front of the computer at home all day.
With students going back to full-time — or at minimum, hybrid — in-person learning, we’ll see more deals on traditional physical school supplies. Expect to see online discounts on everything from pens and pencils to planners and backpacks, as retailers get students excited to return to their classrooms. Amazon is already leading the pack with deals that give $10 off purchases of $25 or $100 worth of select school supplies.
Even though most schools are expected to return to in-person learning per the new CDC guidance, there’s a chance that hybrid models will be implemented for colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools. In short, we’re thinking that tech-forward learning is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.
With the flexibility of going remote at a moment’s notice and easy (or easier) communication between students and schools, having a good laptop or tablet on hand is almost a necessity. Luckily, back-to-school season is one of the best times to purchase laptops and tablets without completely draining your bank account, thanks to widespread deals. We’re already seeing Apple’s yearly education pricing, with free AirPods offered with the purchase of select MacBooks and iPads.
Whether you’re a parent looking to check crayons off an elementary school supply list or you’re a college student looking for a laptop that will take you through four years at a university, we’ve rounded up the best sales for the upcoming school year. This list will be regularly updated, so check back frequently for even more deals.
LAPTOPS
The MacBook Pro is the laptop of choice for most college students, and for good reason. While it’s pricey, the latest edition with Apple’s exclusive M1 chip is the most powerful laptop Apple has put out to date — making it a worthy investment for your college career. With super-fast performance and graphics that beat out previous MacBook generations by a landslide, the MacBook Pro is ideal for completing assignments, running large apps, editing photos and videos, and more.
You’ll be able to choose from 13-inch or 16-inch models and customize your storage. As an added bonus, if you buy your MacBook Pro from the Apple Store, you’ll score a free pair of AirPods with purchase.
Don’t need all the bells and whistles of a MacBook Pro? Get the lighter, cheaper MacBook Air for $100 off the regular price, and score a free pair of AirPods while you’re at it. Choose the 8-Core CPU, 7-Core GPU model with 256GB storage for $899, or select the 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU version with 512GB Storage for $1,149. You’ll also score three months of Apple TV plus with purchase of either configuration, so you’ll have something to watch when you’re taking breaks from doing homework.
A 2-in-1 laptop offers the most versatility and portability for college students, and this Asus Chromebook Flip is a great option. It has a 14-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge, and a quick processor for solid multitasking. It’s also super lightweight at only three pounds, so taking it from the dorm to class and back again won’t break your back.
Credit: Asus
TABLETS
For students studying art and graphic design, a high-quality tablet is non-negotiable. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is endlessly versatile — it can go from your desk, to class, to the couch, to bed with ease. It boasts all-day battery life, so it will hold up to long school days, and the 10th Gen Intel Core processor will ensure all your multitasking is seamless.
Credit: Microsoft
For kids aged 6-12, the Fire HD 10 Pro tablet is a solid option to add to your tech lineup. It’s great for adding fun, educational content to your daily routine, and has tons of parental controls, so you can stay on top of your kiddo’s media habits. Kids can request apps from the digital store and get parental approval to download, parents can add content and apps to kids’ profiles, and the internet use is filtered to only include kid-appropriate content. You’ll also get a free year of Amazon Kids+ with the purchase of the Fire HD Kids Pro.
Credit: Amazon
HEADPHONES
If the college student in your life needs to stay on task from class to the gym to the library, grab them these Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. You’ll get active noise cancellation, immersive sound, water resistance, a compact charging case, and a long battery life — all in a size that’s perfect to toss in a backpack.
Credit: Samsung
If staying on task is the number one thing you need to focus on, opt for these Sony headphones. They boast Sony’s digital noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, and customizable sound via the Sony smartphone app. They also offer 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, hands-free calling, and touch controls that will make any busy college student’s life easier.
Credit: Sony
DORM ESSENTIALS
For weekend Netflix marathons and kicking back after long study sessions, a TV is a must for college students. This 32-inch Insignia TV is the perfect size to fit in small dorm rooms, and it comes equipped with Fire TV smart integration, giving you easy access to all your favorite streaming sites.
Credit: Insignia
Balancing college classes, work, internships, and a social life is hard, but that’s why there’s coffee. Stock up your dorm with this compact single-serve Keurig to quench your caffeine habit. It will fit in even the smallest corner, makes cups up to 12 ounces, and can brew directly into most travel mugs. Your drink will also be ready in just two minutes — so you’ll never be late to class because you were waiting in line at Starbucks.
Credit: Keurig
Making tea, coffee, instant noodles, and other college kid staples is way easier when you have an electric kettle. This Black + Decker kettle can boil up to three cups super quickly using the rapid boil function, or up to seven cups without using rapid boil.
Credit: Black + Decker
When you’re a full-time student, there isn’t always time for a sit-down breakfast every day. Grab a compact personal blender like this Magic Bullet, and you’ll be able to make smoothies and protein shakes to take on the go. This set comes with a blender cup and a flip-top lid that attaches to it, so you can bring your drink to class, work, or to the library in the same cup you blended it in.
Many traditional dorms don’t have kitchens, so you have to get creative if you want to eat anything other than dining hall food during your first few years of college. Getting a mini-fridge means you can store all your favorite snacks and drinks in your room — perfect for when a late-night snack attack hits. This one has a freezer, two shelves, a vegetable crisper drawer, a can dispenser, and storage for two-liter bottles.
Credit: Galanz
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Teachers and students alike know that dry-erase markers get pricey. This bundle deal gives you 16 chisel-tipped Expo markers in vibrant colors and a whiteboard eraser for over 50% off — perfect for stocking the classroom.
Credit: Expo
Can’t remember when your assignments are due? Write it on a Post-it. Score this six-pack of sticky Post-it notes in bright beautiful colors for almost 40% off at Amazon. They’ll help you brainstorm ideas, plan out projects, and get organized.
Credit: Post-it
Just need a few things for this school year? This Amazon promo will give you $25 worth of select school supplies for just $15. Save on dry-erase markers, felt tip pens, mechanical pencils, and so much more.
Credit: Elmer’s
If you’re buying supplies for multiple kids or just have an extra-long school supply list this year, this Amazon promo will save you a bit of cash. When you add $100 worth of select school supplies to your cart, you’ll automatically get a $10 discount. There are over 100 qualifying items (You’ll find everything from glue sticks to highlighters), and most of them are on sale, too.
Credit: Sharpie