Don’t miss these early back-to-school deals — 39 items I’d shop now

MacBook, Beats headphones, and Keurig coffee maker
(Image credit: Amazon)

Although it's only July and summer is in full swing, the reality is that back-to-school season will be here before we know it. We don't want to rush these warm, sunny days, but it is worth noting that there are tons of amazing sales and deals currently happening — especially with Prime Day approaching quickly.

Now is the perfect time to start your back-to-school shopping and take advantage of summer discounts. The best part is, I've made it super simple for you. While you're still soaking up the sun, I've rounded up some of the best back-to-school sales on classroom supplies, dorm essentials and study must-haves. 

Currently, one of my favorite back to school sales comes courtesy of Best Buy. Right now you can get MacBooks from $799 and small dorm appliances from $39. Meanwhile, Dell has laptops and monitors on sale from $79.

So get a head a head start on your back-to-school shopping and enjoy the rest of your summer without a worry. Check out 39 deals I recommend shopping now. 

Best back to school sales 2024

Quick Links

Editor's Choice sales

Amazon back to school sale: deals from $5 @ Amazon

Amazon back to school sale: deals from $5 @ Amazon
Amazon has one of the biggest back to school sales we've seen. The sale offers deals for children and college students alike. Save on school supplies (pens/markers/backpacks), apparel (Gap/Adidas/Disney), and more. 

Target back to school sale: deals from under $1

Target back to school sale: deals from under $1
Target recently launched their back to school deals, which is known to be their biggest sale of the season. They have deals on school supplies starting under $1. They also have tons of clothing, shoes, lunchbox and backpack deals starting at just $5. The kiddos will be dressed and packed for school in no-time.

Back to school sale: deals from $23 @ Best Buy

Back to school sale: deals from $23 @ Best Buy
Back to school season is here and the Best Buy Back to School Sale is offering numerous deals for students of all ages. After discount, laptops start from $169, headphones from $23, and small dorm room friendly appliances from $39. Plus, MacBooks are on sale from $799.

Dell laptops/monitors: deals from $79 @ Dell

Dell laptops/monitors: deals from $79 @ Dell
Dell is offering a huge back to school sale with discounts on 1080p monitors, laptops, desktops, headphones, and more. After discount, monitors start from $79, whereas laptops start at just $279 for a basic machine. 

AT&T smartphone sale: up to $1,000 off @ AT&T

AT&T smartphone sale: up to $1,000 off @ AT&T
AT&T's back to school sale is officially live. New and existing users can knock up to $1,000 off flagship smartphones after trade-in. For example, you can get the iPhone 15 Pro Max for up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in and qualifying unlimited plan. 

Backpack sale: deals from $4 @ Walmart

Backpack sale: deals from $4 @ Walmart
Walmart has dozens of children's backpacks on sale from $6 as part of its back to school sales event. The sale includes brands like Marvel, Reebok, Eastsport, Disney, Kipling, Nintendo, and more. 

Value Picks

MacBook Air (M2/256GB): was $999 now $799 @ Best Buy

MacBook Air (M2/256GB): was $999 now $799 @ Best Buy
The MacBook Air M2 boasts a load of great features. It includes a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display (2560 x 1664), Apple's M2 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 1080p FaceTime camera, four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, and MagSafe charging. In our MacBook Air M2 review, we called the Editor's Choice laptop an unbeatable combo of performance, design, and battery life.

Gateway 14" Ultra Slim Laptop: was $479 now $379 @ Walmart

Gateway 14" Ultra Slim Laptop: was $479 now $379 @ Walmart
The Gateway Ultra Slim Notebook is a budget machine packed with mainstream specs. For $379, you get a 14-inch 1080p IPS display, Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Budget laptops usually skimp on RAM or CPU power, but this machine is more than suitable for everything from homework to casual gaming.

Apple Mac mini M2: was $599 now $479 @ B&H Photo

Apple Mac mini M2: was $599 now $479 @ B&H Photo
The new Mac mini M2 is faster and $100 cheaper than its M1-based predecessor. In our Mac mini M2 review, we said it's one of the best computers on the market with a speedy M2 CPU that runs circles around Apple's M1 CPU. The base model supports up to two external displays at up to the same resolutions (6K via Thunderbolt 4 or 4K via HDMI). It features an M2 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD.

Siena Mattress: was $529 now $199 @ Siena

Siena Mattress: was $529 now $199 @ Siena
The Siena Mattress is a very affordable memory foam mattress from the same company behind Nectar and DreamCloud. Its medium-firmness feel should suit most sleepers and we like that it has five layers of memory foam and polyfoam, with a breathable cover to help you sleep cooler at night. In our Siena Memory Foam mattress review, we said it offers excellent temperature regulation, superb edge support, and low motion transfer for a very low price. As part of its back to school sale — Siena is offering the twin for $199 (was $529), whereas the queen is $399 (was $769). You also get a 180-night trial with free shipping and returns. 

Laptops

Dell laptop sale: from $279 @ Dell

Dell laptop sale: from $279 @ Dell
As part of its back to school sales, Dell has multiple laptops on sale from $279. The sale includes XPS, Inspiron, and more. For instance, you can get the Inspiron 15 for $499 (was $699). This everyday laptop can be used for everything from Netflix streaming to work. It features a 15.6-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD, Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. We like this config because you get a 1080p LCD and everything you could need at a reasonable price. 

HP laptop sale: up to 50% off deals from $149 @ HP50% off laptops:

HP laptop sale: up to 50% off deals from $149 @ HP
50% off laptops: Back to school sales are starting at HP. The PC manufacturer is taking up to 50% off select machines. After discount, laptops start as low as $149. One of our favorite deals is the HP Laptop 15 which is currently on sale for $479 (was $899). 

HP Victus 16.1" Gaming Laptop: was $1399 now $899 @ Best Buy

HP Victus 16.1" Gaming Laptop: was $1399 now $899 @ Best Buy
This gaming laptop comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H Processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. It also has a 16.1-inch HD display, so your games will look great.

Dell XPS 14: was $1,559 now $1,249 @ Dell

Dell XPS 14: was $1,559 now $1,249 @ Dell
The latest member of the XPS family is on sale. In our Dell XPS 14 review, we said it features a gorgeous display, minimalist design, and enough power for everyday work and mid-range gaming. The config on sale packs a 14.5-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

MacBooks

MacBook Air (M1/256GB): was $999 now $649 @ Walmart
Lowest price!

MacBook Air (M1/256GB): was $999 now $649 @ Walmart
Lowest price!
It's no longer Apple's flagship, but the MacBook Air M1 offers fantastic performance and value. The M1 CPU never stuttered in our tests and also helped it reach over 14 hours of battery life. It features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple M1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. In our MacBook Air M1 review, we said it offers amazing endurance and shockingly good speed.

MacBook Pro 14 (M3/512GB): was $1,599 now $1,399 @ AmazonLowest price!

MacBook Pro 14 (M3/512GB): was $1,599 now $1,399 @ Amazon
Lowest price! The M3-based MacBook Pro is one of the best laptops you can buy. In our MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 review, we said it delivers blistering performance with a brighter display than its predecessor, robust graphics, and super-long battery life (17 hours with 25 minutes). If you upgrade to the M3 Pro or M3 Pro Max chipset, you get to snag this laptop in a stunning new Space Black finish with 18GB or 36GB of RAM, respectively. The base model features a 14.2-inch 3024 x 1964 Retina display, Apple M3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,699 @ B&H Photo

MacBook Pro 14" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $1,999 now $1,699 @ B&H Photo
The 2023 MacBook Pro 14-inch packs Apple's new M2 Pro silicon, which outperforms most of today's flagship laptops. (It can also be configured with the M2 Pro Max). In our MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 review, we called it the world's best laptop. It offers an incredible battery life of over 14 hours. The base model includes a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964), M2 Pro 10-core CPU (w/ 16-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $1,885 @ AmazonPrice check: $2,249 @ B&H Photo | $2,299 @ Best Buy

MacBook Pro 16" (M2 Pro/512GB): was $2,499 now $1,885 @ Amazon
Apple's new premier laptop is the most powerful Mac laptop we've tested. In our MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 review, we said its 16-inch mini-LED display is one of the best laptop displays we've tested. If you own an older Intel-powered MacBook Pro and need a new mobile powerhouse, this is the Mac you want. It features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234), M2 Pro 12-core CPU (w/ 19-core GPU), 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Price check: $2,249 @ B&H Photo | $2,299 @ Best Buy

Dorm room essentials

Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack: was $29 now $20 @ Amazon

Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack: was $29 now $20 @ Amazon
These Kasa smart plugs can be controlled via voice or app to manage things like lamps, string lights, and coffee makers. (They're compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant). You can even leave one in the bathroom for hair styling tools, so you can always double check that the curling iron is off, even after you've left your dorm room.

Magic Bullet Blender: was $49 now $39 @ Amazon

Magic Bullet Blender: was $49 now $39 @ Amazon
The Magic Bullet Blender is great for athletes or anyone who's trying to eat healthier. It can be used to make a wide variety of health shakes and smoothies; just add your protein powder of choice and you're set! It can also be used to make pasta sauces and guac.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon

Roku Streaming Stick 4K: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon
The latest version of Roku's popular streaming stick is our pick for the best streaming device you can buy, and that was before it dropped to a new low price. The Roku 4K offers access to all the streaming services you need via a clean interface. Plus, Dolby Vision ensures solid picture quality to a strong standard, and the new long-range Wi-Fi receiver helps you ditch buffering issues.

JBL Clip 4: was $79 now $47 @ Walmart

JBL Clip 4: was $79 now $47 @ Walmart
The JBL Clip 4 sounds great for its size, and its ultra-portable design can be easily clipped to your clothing or bag while you explore. It's IP67-rated, so you can listen to tunes poolside or in the shower. It comes in a variety of fun colors, so you can pick one that best suits your style. Plus, it lasts for around 10 hours of playback.

Keurig K-Mini coffee maker: was $99 now $59 @ Amazon

Keurig K-Mini coffee maker: was $99 now $59 @ Amazon
The Keurig K-Mini accepts K-Cup branded coffee pods to brew 6- or 12-ounce cups of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa quickly and efficiently. It even works with My K-Cup universal reusable pods, letting you enjoy your favorite blend without adding to the landfill. In our Keurig K-Mini review, we said it's super compact and excels at its one function — brewing a pod of coffee. 

Tempur-Adjustable Support Pillow: 2-pack for $99 @ Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Adjustable Support Pillow: 2-pack for $99 @ Tempur-Pedic
Normally priced at $69 each, Tempur-Pedic has its Adjustable Support Pillows on sale. Currently, you can get two pillows for just $99. That's $39 off and one of the best sales I've seen on Tempur-Pedic pillows. The pillow uses the Tempur's proprietary blend of materials to offer pressure relief and comfort. (Editor's Note: I've been using these pillows for over a year and find they offer the perfect balance between firm and soft). 

Eufy RoboVac 25C: was $249 now $149 @ Walmart

Eufy RoboVac 25C: was $249 now $149 @ Walmart
Save big on the RoboVac 25C robot vacuum right now at Walmart. This robot vacuum offers solid suction power and 100 minutes of battery life. It's also got Alexa and Google Assistant support, which means it can be controlled via voice.

Amazon 2-Series 40" Fire TV: was $249 now $189 @ Amazon

Amazon 2-Series 40" Fire TV: was $249 now $189 @ Amazon
If you don't need 4K resolution, this 2-Series is a budget smart TV with 1080p resolution and support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. The included Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote lets you find your favorite content, get sports scores, control smart home devices, and more with the sound of your voice.

LEVOIT Air Purifier: was $299 now $142 @ Amazon 

LEVOIT Air Purifier: was $299 now $142 @ Amazon 
This powerful air purifier will bring fresh air to your home, apartment or dorm, eliminating dust, pollen, pet dander, tobacco smoke, household odors and more. You don't have to worry about it keeping you up at night thanks to its Sleep Mode, which keeps noise levels to a minimum. 

Headphones

JBL Tune 660NC: was $99 now $69 @ Best Buy

JBL Tune 660NC: was $99 now $69 @ Best Buy
While these don't beat the JBL Live 660NC headphones, these are still a great deal. You still get excellent battery life and surprisingly good noise cancellation, all for just $69. Normally, it's tough to find even decent noise-canceling headphones at that price.

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen): was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen): was $129 now $79 @ Best Buy
The AirPods 2 are still very capable wireless earbuds. There's no ANC, but you get solid audio performance and up to 5 hours of playback time. The standard lightning charging case gives up to 24 hours of additional charge, and a 15-minute quick charge nets 3 hours of listening time. Hey Siri voice control handles your every command, and adds up to a great deal for you.

Beats Studio Buds: was $149 now $79 @ Amazon

Beats Studio Buds: was $149 now $79 @ Amazon
The Beats Studio Buds offer active noise cancelling, sweat resistance and up to eight hours listening time, or 24 hours when combined with the pocket-sized charging case. In our Beats Studio Buds review, we labeled them a surprisingly affordable option for ANC. Add in impressive sound, and they're a top contender in its price range. They hit $89 last holiday season, which makes this their second-lowest price. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro was $229 now $125 @ Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro was $229 now $125 @ Amazon
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer high quality audio and compelling 3D sound with precise head tracking. The updated design provides improved comfort, while battery life runs to 5 hours before needing a recharge. Meanwhile, the charging case gives 29 hours worth of playback time before needing a top up. In our Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review we said the Editor's Choice buds deliver great sound and superb ANC, and are an essential audio companion for Galaxy mobile owners.

Beats Studio3 Noise Cancelling Headphones: was $349 now $169 @ Amazon

Beats Studio3 Noise Cancelling Headphones: was $349 now $169 @ Amazon
The Beats Studio 3 offer a comfy fit, 20 hours of battery life and near-seamless pairing with iOS devices. Their active noise canceling also does a decent job of blocking outside noise, making them ideal for your next study session. Our Beats Studio 3 review said these are a "solid choice," especially for Apple users. 

Powerbeats Pro: was $249 now $149 @ Amazon

Powerbeats Pro: was $249 now $149 @ Amazon
The Powerbeats Pro are one of the best wireless earbuds on the market, featuring a nine-hour battery life (more than 24 hours with the charging case), water resistance, well-balanced sound and a comfortable yet stylish design. In our Powerbeats Pro review we said they're Apple's first pair of completely wireless fitness earbuds (by way of Beats). They deliver excellent sound and seamless iPhone integration in a low-profile package. They're $10 shy of their all-time price low.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $299 now $179 @ Amazon

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2: was $299 now $179 @ Amazon
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 take ANC to the next level. In our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review, we said these buds are a remarkable follow-up to their predecessors delivering better sound, call quality, and unrivaled ANC. Sound balance and noise neutralization work extremely well and battery life lasts up to 6 hours, with an extra 24 hours via the charging case.

Tablets

10.2" iPad (WiFi/64GB): was $329 now $249 @ AmazonPrice check: $269 @ Best Buy

10.2" iPad (WiFi/64GB): was $329 now $249 @ Amazon
The 10.2-inch iPad features Apple's A13 Bionic CPU, a 12MP front camera, and 64GB of storage (instead of 32GB like its predecessor). You also get support for Center Stage, which uses machine learning to adjust the front-facing camera during FaceTime video calls. In our iPad 10.2-inch review, we called it a solid tablet with a great screen, smooth performance, and good battery life for a reasonable price. Note: The 256GB model is also on sale for $389 at Amazon ($80 off).
Price check: $269 @ Best Buy

10.9" iPad 2022 (WiFi/64GB): was $349 now $399 @ Amazon
Price check: $449 @ Best Buy

10.9" iPad 2022 (WiFi/64GB): was $349 now $399 @ Amazon
The 2022 iPad features a large 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) screen, A14 Bionic CPU, 12MP rear/front cameras, USB-C connectivity, and Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) support. Although it received a considerable $120 price increase from its predecessor, it's now on sale. In our iPad 2022 review, we said it delivers almost everything you could want in a modern table. 
Price check: $449 @ Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: was $699 now $599 @ Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: was $699 now $599 @ Amazon
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 features an 11-inch Full HD 120Hz display, a 12MP front-facing camera, three microphones and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU. In our Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 review, we called it a speedy, long-lasting Android 12 slate that's beautiful to look at and sets a new standard for premium Android tablets. Just keep in mind it's been replaced by the recently-released Tab S9.

Speakers

Sony SRSXB13/B: was $59 now $34 @ Amazon

Sony SRSXB13/B: was $59 now $34 @ Amazon
A Sony speaker for under $35 is reason enough to celebrate, but it doesn't hurt that it offers impressive bass and has up to 16 hours of battery life while also being waterproof.

UE Wonderboom 3: was $99 now $71@ Amazon

UE Wonderboom 3: was $99 now $71@ Amazon
The UE Wonderboom 3 is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100, and although not the lowest we've seen it drop to, it's still a bargain. It's IP67 waterproof and delivers up to 13 hours of rich 360-degree sound, helping to make it the perfect companion for BBQs, pool parties, and music festivals. In our UE Wonderboom 3 review, we said the Editor's Choice speaker delivers punchy performance in a portable and waterproof design.

When do back to school sales begin and end?

Back to school sales generally begin in early July. They last through early September. Unlike Labor Day or Memorial Day, which lasts a few days, the back to school season lasts for multiple weeks. However, keep in mind that some of the best sales tend to occur in August. By the time September begins, most of the highly sought after deals have expired or simply gone out of stock.

Where are the best back to school sales?

Laptops, Bluetooth speakers, Chromebooks, and tablets are among the best back to school sales you'll find during the back to school season. Some of our favorite laptops, such as the MacBook Air M2, are already seeing price cuts of up to $200. Meanwhile, stores like Walmart and Wayfair are slashing the price of various dorm room essentials like coffee makers, cheap bedding sets, and more. 

What should I buy for back to school supplies?

Some of the most popular back to school supplies include arts and crafts materials (for younger students) and laptops or headphones for high school or college bound students. College bound students may also be interested in dorm room supplies like storage containers, bedding sets, office chairs, and desk lamps. Most students will also require a laptop bag or backpack. Make sure to check out our best backpacks for college guide for the best sales and picks.  

Olivia Halevy

Olivia is a Deals Writer at Tom’s Guide. She loves all things lifestyle, shopping, and sourcing the best deals from some of the top brands, retailers, and websites around. From fashion and beauty to smart home and tech, she has an eye for finding practical, stylish, and reasonably-priced items that help make life simpler (and a little more aesthetically-pleasing). Olivia has over five years of experience writing lifestyle, commerce, and branded content for Patch.com. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new exercise classes, binge-watching the latest viral TV shows, cooking, spending time with family, and taking long walks with her dog, Gus.