Best Back-to-School Deals in August 2025

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Back-to-School Deals in August 2025

Back-to-school season is in full swing, and for savvy shoppers, August is the best time to snag some of the best discounts of the year. From tech gadgets to new wardrobes, the flood of back-to-school deals in August 2025 can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve done the homework for you. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the back-to-school sales and highlight the most valuable special offers on laptops, tablets, backpacks and school supplies.

Whether you’re a parent stocking up for elementary school, a student looking to refresh your school supplies or a college student furnishing your dorm room, it’s important to find the right deals to stretch your budget. Retail giants like Walmart, Target and Amazon compete with incredible deals, while specialty retail brands like Apple and Lenovo also offer special discounts for students. Let’s take a look at the best back-to-school deals and get ready for the new school year without breaking the bank.

Top Back-to-School Deals by Category

To make your shopping trip as efficient as possible, we have broken down the best offers by category. This way you can quickly find exactly what you need and make sure you get the best value for your money.

1.Tech: laptops, tablets and accessories

For many students, especially at university, new tech devices are at the top of the shopping list. Luckily, there are fantastic deals on laptops and other essential electronics in August 2025.

• Apple: The Apple Education Store is a goldmine for students and educators. This year, there are discounts on MacBooks and iPads, including $100 off the new MacBook Air with M4 chip. As an added bonus, there’s often a free accessory like AirPods or a discounted Apple Pencil with the purchase of a MacBook Air. Don’t forget to check out the discounted prices on Pro Apps and streaming services.

• Lenovo: Lenovo is hosting a big back-to-school sale with significant savings on its popular laptop series. You can find deals on the rugged ThinkPad series, the sleek IdeaPad series, and even the powerful Legion gaming laptops. Deals often include special bundles and trade-in programs for additional savings.

• Best Buy and Amazon: These retailers are one-stop shops for a wide range of tech deals. Look out for discounts on laptops from brands like Dell, HP and ASUS. We’ve seen a great deal on the Dell 14 Plus where you can save $350, and the ASUS Vivobook is also on sale for a great price. You’ll also find deals on tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, as well as accessories like noise-canceling headphones, portable power banks, and wireless keyboards from brands like Beats and Anker.

• Microsoft: Microsoft is offering an attractive bundle deal on its Surface Pro, which includes a keyboard and Microsoft 365, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for students who need mobility and productivity.

2. School Supplies and Backpacks

The staple of any back-to-school list is school supplies, on which retailers often offer the biggest discounts. Keep an eye out for rock-bottom prices on notebooks, pencils and more.

• Walmart and Target: These stores dominate the market for cheap school supplies. Here you can find notebooks, folders and crayons for as low as $0.50. Target especially offers deals on Up&Up and Dealworthy brands, where items like spiral notebooks and folders are significantly reduced. Walmart is also offering a bundle that includes 14 school supplies and a backpack for just $16 – the lowest price in six years.

• Amazon: Amazon has a “Buy More and Save” promotion where you can save $10 when you spend $50 on select school supplies. So you can stock up on everything from mechanical pencils to scented markers in one fell swoop.

• Staples and Office Depot: Don’t overlook the office supply stores. They have weekly specials and BOGO deals on writing instruments, binders and organizational supplies. Staples is known for its incredible deals on school supplies.

• Backpacks and lunchboxes: A new backpack is an essential back-to-school item. Look for special deals at retailers like Target, which offers up to 30% off on brands like Cat & Jack and All in Motion. Lands’ End is also a good choice, as their durable backpacks are often half price. For lunch, Amazon has discounts on Bentgo and Owala water bottles.

3.Clothes and Shoes

Buying a new wardrobe is an important part of the back-to-school season. Fortunately, many stores are offering deep discounts on everything from school uniforms to everyday fashions.

• Target: Target is hosting a back-to-school-idays savings promotion with deals on kids’ clothes and school uniforms. We’ve seen deals like 30% off kids denim and other popular clothing items.

• Gap & Abercrombie Kids: If you’re looking for quality clothing, Gap and Abercrombie Kids are offering significant discounts. Here you’ll find high-waisted, wide-leg jeans and other popular clothing items reduced by 40-50%. You can even get an additional 10% off at Gap with a special promo code.

• Dick’s Sporting Goods & Nordstrom: When it comes to shoes, these retailers are a must. Dick’s Sporting Goods is having a big shoe sale with discounts on brands like Nike, Adidas and Converse. Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, which ends in early August, is a great opportunity to snag shoes and designer backpacks for back-to-school shopping.

• VeeTrends & Hanes: For bulk purchases or back-to-school uniforms, consider online retailers like VeeTrends. They offer value packs and deep discounts on staple items. Hanes is also a good source for durable, affordable basics like t-shirts and hoodies that will last throughout the school year.

4.Dorm Essentials and Dorm Room Decor

For students, back-to-school shopping means furnishing a new apartment. August is the perfect time to pick up bargains on everything from bedding to small appliances.

• Target & Walmart: These retailers offer a wide selection of dorm room items, from bedding and towels to desk lamps and storage solutions. Keep an eye out for discounted twin XL bedding sets, mini-fridges and organizer boxes.

• Amazon: Amazon has a great selection of deals for college dorm rooms, including discounts on desk organizers, lighting and power banks. Find everything you need to create a functional and comfortable workspace.

• Best Buy: The Best Buy Student Hub offers deep discounts on TVs, headphones and other electronics under $25 – perfect for furnishing a dorm room.

Maximizing Your Savings: Expert Tips

ollow these expert tips to make the most of back-to-school deals in August 2025:

• Watch for state sales tax holidays: many states offer sales tax holidays in July and August. This is a fantastic opportunity to save an extra 4-7% on your purchases, especially on expensive items like laptops and computers. Find out about the tax-free days in your country and the items that qualify.

• Student discounts: Don’t forget to check your student status. Many retailers and brands, including Apple, Lenovo and even streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Prime, offer exclusive discounts for students. You can easily check your status with platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans.

• Combine discounts: Look for retailers where you can combine discounts. Sometimes you can combine an educational discount with a sale price or promo code to save even more.

• Act quickly: The best deals, especially on popular tech gadgets and clothing sizes, often sell out quickly. It’s best to start shopping in August to secure the items on your list.

• Compare prices: Don’t assume that one sale price is the best price. Use price comparison tools to see if there’s a better deal at a competing retailer. As a recent Numerator survey found, Walmart, Target and Amazon are the top three retailers for back-to-school deals, but their prices can vary.

Conclusion: Get Ready for a Successful School Year on a Budget

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive experience. With incredible back-to-school deals in August 2025, you’ll find everything you need to start the new school year off right. From powerful laptops and tablets to stylish clothes and essentials, the savings are substantial. By shopping strategically and taking advantage of sales tax exemptions and student discounts, you can prepare for the new school year with confidence and a full wallet. Happy shopping!