Back to School Deals on Amazon: The Complete Parent's Guide
Save big on school supplies, electronics, and dorm essentials with our comprehensive Amazon back-to-school shopping guide. Learn when to buy, what to prioritize, and how to maximize savings.
Back-to-school shopping can drain a family's budget quickly. Between supplies, clothing, electronics, and dorm essentials, costs add up fast. The good news? Amazon offers some of the best back-to-school deals when you know when and where to look.
This guide helps parents navigate Amazon's back-to-school sales strategically, ensuring you get everything your students need without overspending.
When is Amazon's Back-to-School Sale?
Amazon's back-to-school shopping season typically runs from mid-July through early September:
- Prime Day (July): Early back-to-school deals on electronics and supplies
- Late July: Back-to-school deals ramp up significantly
- August: Peak back-to-school shopping with new weekly deals
- Early September: Final deals as school starts
Key insight: Amazon offers more back-to-school deals each year, with new promotions dropping weekly throughout the season.
Shopping by Grade Level
Amazon organizes its back-to-school shop by grade level, making it easier to find age-appropriate items:
Elementary School (K-5)
Essentials:
- Backpacks (sized appropriately—avoid oversized bags)
- Lunch boxes and water bottles
- Basic school supplies (crayons, pencils, scissors)
- Organizational tools (folders, binders)
Budget tip: Elementary supplies are often available in bulk packs at lower per-item prices. Look for teacher supply bundles even for single-student needs.
Middle School (6-8)
Essentials:
- Larger backpacks with laptop compartments
- Combination locks for lockers
- Scientific calculators
- More sophisticated organizational tools
- Earbuds for technology classes
Budget tip: Middle schoolers often have specific supply lists. Wait for the list before buying to avoid purchasing items you don't need.
High School (9-12)
Essentials:
- Durable backpacks for heavy textbooks
- Graphing calculators (TI-84 or equivalent)
- USB drives and tech accessories
- SAT/ACT prep books (juniors and seniors)
- Planners and organizational systems
Budget tip: Graphing calculators are expensive but rarely change models. Consider certified refurbished options on Amazon.
College
Essentials:
- Laptop (often the biggest expense)
- Dorm bedding and storage
- Mini fridge and microwave (if allowed)
- Desk organization and lighting
- Portable phone chargers and power strips
Budget tip: Amazon's Prime for Young Adults offers 50% off Prime membership and 5% cashback in select categories for students ages 18-24.
School Supplies: Best Deals
Notebooks and Paper
What to look for:
- Multi-packs of spiral notebooks (often starting at $3 per set)
- College-ruled vs. wide-ruled based on grade
- Loose-leaf paper in bulk
Deal alert: Five Star and Mead notebooks frequently drop to record-low prices during back-to-school sales.
Writing Supplies
What to look for:
- Pencil variety packs
- Pen multi-packs (black, blue, red)
- Highlighter sets
- Dry erase markers (for students with whiteboards)
Pro tip: Buy one grade up from what your student needs—the difference in quality is often minimal, but durability improves.
Organization
What to look for:
- Folders (pocket and prong styles)
- Binders (1-2 inch for most classes)
- Pencil pouches and cases
- Backpack organizers
Art Supplies
What to look for:
- Crayola products (trusted quality)
- Colored pencil sets
- Washable markers
- Scissors (blunt tip for younger, pointed for older)
Electronics: Where the Big Savings Are
Laptops and Tablets
Electronics represent the biggest back-to-school expense—and the biggest potential savings:
Laptops:
- Up to 50% off Dell refurbished computers
- Up to 68% off Lenovo devices during sales
- MacBook deals (especially on previous-generation models)
- Chromebooks for younger students (often under $200)
Tablets:
- Fire tablets for kids: Up to 40% off, includes kid-friendly cases
- iPads: Moderate discounts on older models
- Android tablets: Significant discounts on Samsung and other brands
When to buy: Prime Day (July) often has the best electronics deals. Don't wait until August—popular items sell out.
Tech Accessories
Must-haves:
- Laptop cases and sleeves
- Wireless mice
- USB hubs
- Headphones/earbuds (essential for virtual learning and study)
- Power banks for long school days
Deal insight: Tech accessories see deep discounts throughout back-to-school season. Wait for sales rather than buying at full price.
Calculators
What students need by level:
- Elementary: Basic calculators ($5-10)
- Middle school: Scientific calculators ($10-20)
- High school/college: Graphing calculators ($80-150)
Savings tip: TI-84 calculators are pricey but essential for many courses. Watch for bundle deals that include cases or backup batteries.
Backpacks: The Right Choice by Age
Elementary School
- Size: Small to medium
- Features: Padded straps, front pockets, water bottle holder
- Budget: $15-30
Middle School
- Size: Medium to large
- Features: Laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, durable zippers
- Budget: $25-50
High School
- Size: Large
- Features: Padded laptop compartment, ergonomic straps, water-resistant
- Budget: $30-60
College
- Size: Large with expandability
- Features: Tech-friendly design, comfortable for daily carrying
- Budget: $40-80+
Current deal: Many functional backpacks are available at 30-50% off during back-to-school sales.
Lunch and Hydration
Lunch Boxes
Features to prioritize:
- Insulation (keeps food cold/hot)
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Appropriate size for child's appetite
- Sturdy construction
Deal highlight: Colorful, insulated lunch boxes frequently drop to around $11 (50% off) during sales.
Water Bottles
Recommended features:
- Spill-resistant lids
- Easy to clean (dishwasher safe is ideal)
- Durable materials
- Size appropriate for backpack
Popular pick: The Owala tumbler often sees 25-30% discounts during back-to-school season.
Clothing and Uniforms
General Tips
- Buy basics in bulk: Stock up on t-shirts, socks, and underwear
- Size up for growing kids: Buy slightly larger for longer wear
- Check school dress codes: Before purchasing anything
- Look for mix-and-match pieces: Maximizes wardrobe flexibility
Athletic Wear
- PE uniforms may be required at specific stores
- General athletic wear often discounted on Amazon
- Look for multipacks of athletic socks
Shoes
- Sneakers: Buy quality that lasts the semester
- Dress shoes: If required for uniforms
- Indoor shoes: Required at some schools
Dorm Essentials for College Students
Bedding
- XL Twin sheets (standard dorm bed size)
- Mattress topper (dorm mattresses are uncomfortable)
- Pillows and pillow protectors
- Comforter or duvet
Storage and Organization
- Under-bed storage containers
- Over-door organizers
- Desk organizers
- Closet systems
Small Appliances
- Mini fridge (check dorm rules for size limits)
- Microwave (often shared or provided)
- Coffee maker or electric kettle
- Desk fan
Tech Setup
- Power strip with surge protection
- Extension cords
- Ethernet cable (WiFi backup)
- Desk lamp with USB charging
Prime for Young Adults: Student Savings
Amazon's student program offers substantial benefits:
Eligibility: Ages 18-24 or enrolled students
Benefits:
- 6-month free trial of Prime
- After trial: $7.49/month (50% off regular price)
- 5% cashback on eligible categories (beauty, apparel, electronics, personal care)
- Maximum $500 annual cashback benefit
How to sign up: Visit Amazon's Prime for Young Adults page and verify eligibility.
Timing Your Purchases
What to Buy When
| Item Category | Best Time to Buy |
|---|---|
| Electronics | Prime Day (July) |
| School supplies | Late July - early August |
| Backpacks | Mid-July onwards |
| Clothing | August (more selection) |
| Dorm items | July (for best selection) |
Price Tracking
Use these tools to ensure you're getting genuine deals:
- CamelCamelCamel: Amazon price history
- Keepa: Browser extension with price graphs
- Amazon app: Set deal alerts for watched items
Budget Planning Tips
Set a Total Budget
Before shopping, determine your maximum spend per student:
- Elementary: $100-200 typical
- Middle school: $200-400 typical
- High school: $300-600 typical
- College: $1,000+ (with electronics and dorm items)
Prioritize Purchases
- Must-haves: Items on school's required list
- Need soon: Electronics, backpacks, lunch gear
- Can wait: Clothing (may go on better sales later)
- Nice-to-haves: Extra organizational tools, accessories
Look for Bundles
Amazon often offers school supply bundles that provide better value than buying items individually. Check for:
- Grade-specific supply kits
- Brand bundles (Crayola, Five Star)
- Backpack + lunch box combinations
FAQ
When do Amazon's best back-to-school deals start?
Prime Day (mid-July) kicks off the season with strong electronics deals. General school supplies see the best prices from late July through mid-August.
Is Amazon cheaper than Target or Walmart for school supplies?
It depends on the item. Amazon often beats competitors on electronics and bulk supplies. For single items, local stores may have comparable or better prices. Compare before buying.
Should I wait for Labor Day sales?
For most items, no. Selection decreases significantly after school starts. Electronics may see small additional discounts, but popular items will be sold out.
How do I handle multiple school supply lists?
Create separate Amazon lists for each child. Check off items as you find them on sale. Buy common items in bulk to share.
Are Amazon's back-to-school "deals" real?
Mostly yes, especially on name-brand supplies and electronics. Use price tracking tools to verify discounts on specific items.
Start Your Back-to-School Shopping
Smart back-to-school shopping starts with a plan. Create your lists, set your budget, and watch for deals throughout July and August.
For year-round Amazon deals and verified promo codes, visit ValidSave.