Back-to-school sales have kicked off earlier than usual this year, with major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Nordstrom already advertising significant discounts. Shoppers are spreading out spending to manage budgets amid higher costs for essentials like food and gas. According to a PwC poll, students and families plan to spend upwards of $922 on back-to-school shopping this year, with 47% of families planning to spend more than last year.
Best College Dorm Deal: Command Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips
Now $5.89, originally $11.99 at Amazon (pack of 16). At almost their lowest price ever of 51% off, these student-approved adhesive strips are perfect for hanging posters in dorm rooms. “I had no issues getting these off when I moved out,” said one student in the Filter’s guide on everything worth bringing to college.
Best Tech Deal: Anker Laptop Power Bank
Now $104.99, originally $119.99 at Amazon; also $104.99, originally $179.99 at Walmart. This top-rated power bank is now 42% off, helping students meet deadlines stress-free. After Nirave Ghondia, a Filter contributor, took more than 50 flights across 100,000 miles with this power bank, it still surpassed its 14 peers in “reliability, durability and usability”, he said.
Best Fall Fashion Deal: Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
Now $34.97, originally $120 at Banana Republic. This preppy knit number for 71% off is versatile for various climates and classrooms. “When the temperature rises, remove the knit layer and drape it over your shoulders,” said Kelsey Ellstrom, a celebrity stylist. “It’s the chicest way to elevate your outfit while also dealing with a temperature change as the day warms up.”
Best Backpack Deal: Herschel Supply Co Little America Backpack
Now $72, originally $140 at Amazon. This 30L backpack is 49% off in a dusty rose colorway. Jessica Reyes, a reviewer, praised it as the very best for its durability and capacity, calling it “a popular choice in my family for an ‘everything’ backpack for school, work and travel”.
Best School Classroom Deal: Sharpie Twin Tip Permanent Markers
Now $6.49, originally $14.66 at Amazon. Four double-sided markers for 56% off. While Rebecca Goodman, a Filter contributor, said name stickers and stamps are popular, “Lots of people I know just use a Sharpie to write their child’s name on everything.”
Other Top Deals
Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable: Now $24, originally $29 at Amazon; $24.99, originally $29.99 at Best Buy. This extra-long cable is 17% off.
Apple AirPods 4: Now $99, originally $129 at Amazon; $99, originally $129.99 at Walmart. Apple’s latest AirPods are 23% off, with improved sound quality and voice isolation.
Hay Recycled Colour Crate: Now $6, originally $8 at Design Within Reach. This stackable crate is 25% off. Guardian reporter Mabel Banfield-Nwachi recommends matching crates with towels to avoid mixing them up with a roommate’s.
Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Shower Slide: Now $20.99, originally $30 at Amazon. These shower slides are 30% off and can last “the best part of a decade”, according to Charlie Allenby, a Filter contributor.
Loop Full Coverage Earbuds Bundle: Now $107.88, originally $134.85 at Loop. This set includes Loop Switch 2 and Loop Dream earplugs for 20% off. Elizabeth Brownfield, a Filter contributor, noted the Dream earplugs have “a more flat, low-profile design that doesn’t stick out of your ear – making them more comfortable for side-sleepers”.
Level Plus Adjustable Shoe Rack: Now $80, originally $100 at Joseph Joseph. Brownfield called this rack “a solution to my storage woes” for its customizable shelf sizes.
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker: Now $119, originally $159 at Amazon and Best Buy. This portable, waterproof speaker is 25% off.
Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker: Now $60, originally $100 at Nordstrom. This gen Z favorite is 40% off in Lilac Lavender. “Puma Speedcats are a gen Z favorite, especially when worn with baggy jeans,” according to the Filter fashion team.
Kind Healthy Snack Bars (pack of 12): Now $9.98, originally $13.18 at Amazon. These bars are 24% off in flavors like Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair: Now $1,612.50, originally $2,150 at Herman Miller. This ergonomic chair is 25% off. As the best office chair for all-day comfort, it has a mesh seat that’s “gentler on the glutes than any conventional padded effort”, according to reviewer Stuart Andrews.
