If back-to-school sales seem to have kicked off earlier than usual this year, you aren’t imagining it: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Nordstrom and other big retailers have already started advertising deals. Shoppers are electing to spread out spending over time to better manage their budgets amid the higher cost of everyday necessities such as food and gas. According to a poll by PwC, students and their 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.
If you’re among them, we found grade-A sales on the best back-to-school staples to help smooth you or your student’s transition into the new academic year. They’re all products we’ve tested and loved from brands such as Apple, Bose, Herschel and more.
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All of the best back-to-school deals
Nike Everyday Plush Cushioned Socks
Nike Everyday Plush Cushioned Socks (pack of six) none-selected
Nike socks are popular with the school-aged set, according to fashion experts at the Filter UK. This rainbow-hued pack of six pairs, now 29% off, promises to pack some joy into your rotation, and they’ve got moisture-wicking technology and breathable mesh for a cool look and feel.
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Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle none-selected
Heading to the water fountain each lecture to quench your thirst? Stay glued to your seat – and armed with info to help you prepare for that exam – with our all-time favorite water bottle, now 20% off in multiple colors and the best price they have ever been. “What sets the FreeSip apart is the spout – you can sip your drink through a straw or gulp it from the free pour,” according to contributor Zoë Phillimore.
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Uni-ball Vision Rollerball Pens
Uni-ball Vision Rollerball Pens (pack of 12) none-selected
Between analog note-taking and leaving yourself little reminders, it pays to keep a set of pens on hand, especially when it’s 12 of them at 21% off. “This is one of the world’s most ubiquitous pens, adored for its cushioned grip and rollerball that glides across paper,” said Hannah Jane Parkinson, a Guardian columnist.
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Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set none-selected
These cozy and cooling bamboo sheets first put Cozy Earth on the map in 2010, and you can now outfit your dorm bed for a deal using code GUARDIAN20 until 7 August. In my experience with the set, I appreciated its feel of a “well-worn T-shirt with a semi-slick texture” (to quote myself) and fitted sheet that’s remarkably easy to fasten thanks to helpfully labelled tags.
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Ugg Ultra Mini Classic Boot
Ugg Ultra Mini Classic Boot none-selected
Ugg stand at the foundation of many students’ uniforms, but they are also a wise buy ahead of the early fall rainy season. “Rain and suede don’t usually go hand in hand, so try a leather Ugg boot for a harder-wearing cozy boot,” said Charlotte Gornall, a Guardian fashion assistant, of this mini pair, now up to 35% off.
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Rhake LS Backpack
Rhake LS Backpack none-selected
With this Filter-approved backpack, now 15% off with code GUARDIAN15 until 20 August, you’re set for the school day, weekend trips and beyond. Equipped with built-in compartments and sleeves for your laptop, tablet, notebook, keys and more, it’s no wonder contributor Tim Stevens calls it “a great companion”.
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Brooklinen Down Comforter
Brooklinen Down Comforter none-selected
For a bed worth dreaming about, grab this pillowy and breathable cotton-shelled down comforter that’ll have you feeling “as though [you’re] sleeping on a literal cloud”, a newlywed told us of this registry- and dorm-worthy bedding essential. Use code GUARDIAN25 to get 25% off until 7 August. The discount also applies to Brooklinen’s best-tested linen shower curtain.
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Sammart Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket
Sammart Collapsible Plastic Laundry Basket none-selected
Laundry day is a necessary evil, but this best-tested hamper for 26% off makes it easier with its compressive design. “When folded, it’s the size of a small card tabletop, and about 3in thick, making it perfect for an apartment, dorm room or any other cozy space,” said Margaret Eby, a Filter tester.
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Papier Wonder Reading Journal
Papier Wonder Reading Journal none-selected
Don’t let book reports and textbooks stop you from reading for fun. Lauren Gould, Filter editorial coordinator, swears by Papier’s reading journal, which you can now score for 20% off until 22 August. “I’ve found the journal to be a structured, scrapbook-y way to keep track of my goals – and a way to transform reading into a more mindful and intentional experience,” she said.
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Levi’s Men’s 555 Relaxed Straight Jeans
Levi’s Men’s 555 Relaxed Straight Jeans none-selected
Cut the decision fatigue when picking out what to wear in the morning (you’re tired enough as it is!) and go for these tried-and-true jeans. “It’s a more relaxed alternative with a dropped seat and wider leg, so it feels on trend without looking excessively baggy,” said Peter Bevan, a fashion expert, of the pair he wears most.
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Film Camera none-selected
Back-to-school season shouldn’t only signify the start of deadlines and cramped hallways – it also means reuniting with old friends after a summer apart. Document the moments that matter with this teen-approved instant film camera complete with an obligatory selfie mirror. At its 15% discount, it’s ideal for gifting (or for yourself).
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Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream none-selected
Don’t let itchy, dry skin distract you from doing – and feeling – your best at the start of the new academic year. For Hayley Spencer, a contributor, this affordable moisturizer for 38% off is “glow-giving and feels cosseting, thanks to the protecting and soothing sunflower seed oil and calendula”. Slather it on your body and hands for supple skin in any climate.
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Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar with Spoon
Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar with Spoon none-selected
Why be at the mercy of the dining hall’s mystery meat when you can pack a satisfying lunch that stays hot on the go? Hannah Booth, a Filter UK editor, relies on this four-cup Thermos, now 26% off, to save money. “The kids take them to school so they can have hot lunches of home-cooked leftovers rather than school lunches, which were never a favorite,” she said.
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Mango Zip-Neck Sweatshirt With Soft-Touch Interior
Mango Zip-Neck Sweatshirt With Soft-Touch Interior none-selected
Why yes, you can totally rock a quarter-zip without looking like a finance bro (unless, of course, it’s your major and that’s what you’re going for). Bevan recommends this classroom-friendly pick from Mango, “an expert at simple classics”, now 57% off in all colors.
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Nutribullet Pro 900 Personal Blender
Nutribullet Pro 900 Personal Blender none-selected
Shake up your breakfast or mid-day snack with refreshing smoothies using the best on-the-go blender we’ve ever tested, now 30% off. While Marian Bull, tester and kitchen expert, said it’s “basically designed to be thrown in a gym bag”, we bet it’ll make for a perfect companion drink vessel in your school bag too.
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Command Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips
Command Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips, 16-Pack none-selected
At almost their lowest price ever of 51% off, these student-approved Command adhesive strips sit pretty as the dorm room posters they hang. “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.
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Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable
Apple 240W USB-C to USB-C Woven Charge Cable none-selected
This extra-long cable tops our list of college dorm essentials, and it’s now 17% off at a range of top retailers. From your phone to your headphones, it can charge your most-used devices even if the port is at the other side of the room.
Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater none-selected
They say to dress for the job you want, but the same rings true for grades. This preppy, knit number for 71% off will take you through all kinds of 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.”
Anker Laptop Power Bank
Anker Laptop Power Bank none-selected
Nearly every student is familiar with the 1% laptop battery just as they’re rushing to put final touches on an assignment. The top power bank we ever tested is now 42% off to help you meet deadlines stress-free wherever you are. 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.
Apple AirPods 4
Apple AirPods 4 none-selected
Apple’s latest AirPods, now 23% off, are designed to boost the class commute or study experience. Improved sound quality, a smaller charging case and voice isolation are just a few of the new features users can enjoy, according to Samuel Gibbs, the Guardian consumer tech editor. Grab them with active noise-cancellation for 17% off.
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Sharpie Twin Tip Permanent Markers
Sharpie Twin Tip Permanent Markers none-selected
Marking your food in a shared fridge? Labeling your kid’s backpack? You can never have too many Sharpies, especially when you get four double-sided markers for 56% off. While Rebecca Goodman, a Filter contributor, said name stickers and stamps are popular methods of possession tracking: “Lots of people I know just use a Sharpie to write their child’s name on everything.”
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Herschel Supply Co Little America Backpack, 30L
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack, 30L none-selected
Come fall, your backpack will become an extension of your body. Jessica Reyes, a reviewer, praised this backpack as the very best for its durability and capacity at this price level. She called it “a popular choice in my family for an ‘everything’ backpack for school, work and travel”, and it’s now 30% off in a dusty rose colorway.
Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Shower Slide
Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Shower Slide none-selected
Instead of picking up nasty germs in a communal shower, pick up these shower slides for 30% off. We stand by them for their soft quick-drying material and ability to last “the best part of a decade”, according to Charlie Allenby, a Filter contributor. They also make for a quick slip-on option when you’re running out the door.
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Loop Full Coverage Earbuds Bundle
Loop Full Coverage Bundle none-selected
If you’re at the mercy of both loud library-goers and snoring dorm mates, grab this comprehensive solution to your sanity for 20% off. The set comes with Loop Switch 2 earplugs to customize your ambient noise level and Loop Dream earplugs with “a more flat, low-profile design that doesn’t stick out of your ear like traditional earplugs – making them more comfortable for side-sleepers like me”, according to Elizabeth Brownfield, a Filter contributor. You can also get just the Dream earplugs for $50.
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Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker none-selected
Whether you’re drowning out noisy neighbors or setting a vibe before heading out, as one college student uses hers, this Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker is absolutely the flex it thinks it is. It’s portable, waterproof and built to withstand drops, and the Fog Gray color will be a smart addition to your dorm setup.
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Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker
Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker none-selected
A throwback sneaker this popular is hard to find on sale, so if the Lilac Lavender colorway speaks to you, be sure to grab it while it’s 40% off. “Puma Speedcats are a gen Z favorite, especially when worn with baggy jeans,” according to the Filter fashion team.
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Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Herman Miller Aeron Chair none-selected
The storied Herman Miller chair is a steep spend, but given the hours of studying and cramming you’ll be up against, it’s also the ultimate student luxury if you’re able and ready to splurge. As our best office chair for all-day comfort, now 15% off , it has an ergonomic shape and mesh seat that’s “gentler on the glutes than any conventional padded effort, sloping down and curving off to support your thighs at just the right angle”, according to Stuart Andrews, a reviewer.
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Why you should trust our recommendations
We work for our readers, rather than the brands we write about. Every item we recommend is something a Filter editor or contributor has personally tested and can vouch for. On occasion, we may present a close substitute from the same brand and explain any differences from the original.
We scour competing retailers for the lowest prices on any item, and we use price-tracking tools such as Camelcamelcamel to check price history and ensure the discounts are truly good value, rather than a faux markdown. (So, while we love sharing good deals, we also aren’t afraid to call out the unimpressive ones.)
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
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Yeti Rambler v Owala FreeSip: which water bottle deserves the hype?
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I tested 42 pairs of wireless earbuds to find the best in the US
