Looking for a lightweight laptop that won’t slow you down? I’ve been in that same spot—scrolling through endless options, reading reviews that all sound the same, and wondering which one is actually worth the money.
After testing a few myself (and digging through real reviews on Reddit and Quora), I noticed a clear pattern: some laptops look great on paper but don’t hold up when you’re juggling work, school, and travel.
Others? They’re surprisingly affordable, last all day, and feel like they were made for working adults who need speed and portability.
Feeling nervous before the first day? Check out our back-to-school anxiety guide.
This guide is updated every September with the latest 2025 sales + evergreen tips on how to find the best deals every year. If you’re short on time, here are the quick links to jump straight into this year’s hottest sales.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Quick Links :
If you’re in that boat, check out our breakdown of the best study tools and resources — it’ll save you from buying stuff that never gets used.
🛒 Amazon Back-to-School Deals 2025
Quick Answer: Amazon is one of the best places for back-to-school shopping in 2025, with bundle discounts on supplies, dorm essentials, and student tech. Expect up to 20% off dorm bundles and price drops on laptops, tablets, and headphones.
School Supplies & Dorm Essentials
If you’re heading into a new semester, Amazon’s dorm bundles and supply kits can save you a good chunk of cash. Right now, deals like “20% off dorm bundles when spending $100” are trending.
On r/Frugal, one student said that Amazon’s bundle deals “saved them half their freshman dorm budget.” That’s the kind of hidden discount most parents (and students) miss when running store-to-store.
What’s worth grabbing?
- Backpack + notebook + pen bundles (cheaper than buying separately)
- Twin XL bedding sets (every dorm needs them)
- Cleaning starter kits (yes, even college kids need Lysol wipes)
Pro Tip: Compare Amazon’s bundle price with Walmart or Target—Amazon often undercuts them on tech add-ons included in dorm kits.
Best Tech & Gadgets for Students
Back-to-school sales aren’t just about pencils anymore—tech is where the real savings happen. Amazon usually slashes prices on:
- Amazon Fire Tablets – budget-friendly for note-taking and reading
- Echo smart speakers – dorm-room essential for alarms, reminders, and music
- Monitors & accessories – ideal for hybrid classes and online work
If you’re hunting laptops, I’d recommend checking out our 5 Best Affordable Chromebooks for Back-to-School 2025 →. Pair that with a decent headset—our Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Studying → guide is a lifesaver if you’re trying to study in a noisy dorm.
Walmart Back-to-School Deals 2025
Walmart is always a top pick for families during back-to-school season because of its mix of rock-bottom prices and exclusive Walmart+ perks. Here’s what you can actually expect in 2025.
Affordable School Supplies
Walmart is running some of the lowest prices this year—25¢ notebooks, $2 lunches, and under-$1 basics like pencils and crayons. These deals usually hit shelves in late July and run until the first week of September.
💡 Pro tip: Personally, I always grab Walmart’s $0.25 notebooks early—they sell out fast, especially in college towns where students buy them in bulk.
Quick list of 2025 hot picks:
- Spiral notebooks – 25¢ each
- Lunch kits – starting at $2
- Crayola crayons (24-pack) – 50¢
- Elmer’s glue sticks (2-pack) – 35¢
Walmart+ Student Discount (50% Off)
If you’re a student, you can snag Walmart+ for 50% off—that’s around $49/year instead of $98. It includes free grocery delivery, fuel discounts, and access to Paramount+ streaming (great if you’re on a tight student budget).
I’ve seen students online sharing real wins, like:
“Walmart+ saved me $20 a semester on groceries—that added up fast,” says one college thrifter on Reddit’s r/Frugal.
Stick around, because I also found some affordable ways to keep learning outside of school hours—like this great resource for Online Courses for Students in Summer.
Best Buy – Tech & Laptop Discounts
Best Buy is usually the first stop for back-to-school tech. They run some of the deepest student discounts on laptops, headphones, and accessories — often beating Apple and Microsoft if you know how to ask.
MacBooks & Windows Laptops
Best Buy has 2025 student laptop deals starting at $799 for select MacBooks and premium Windows laptops. If you’re a college freshman or even a high schooler loading up on AP coursework, these offers are among the lowest you’ll find outside of seasonal flash sales.
Here’s what most people overlook: Best Buy will actually match Apple’s student pricing if you ask in-store. That means you can walk out with the same MacBook Air or Pro for less — plus you get Best Buy’s Geek Squad coverage bundled in.
👉 Shop Best Buy Laptop Sale →
Headphones, Tablets & Accessories
If you’re building a full study setup, don’t skip this section. Best Buy regularly marks down iPads, Surface tablets, noise-canceling headphones, and even productivity bundles. According to Consumer Reports and IGN, their back-to-school promos on Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro consistently rank among the best nationwide.
Here’s what most parents miss: buying headphones and a laptop together often unlocks extra bundle discounts at checkout.
- 🎧 Compare top picks here: Best Headphones for Online Classes
- 📚 If you’re buying a laptop for AP or honors coursework, also see: Best AP Classes to Take
FAQ – Back-to-School Shopping Questions
Looking for quick answers to the most common back-to-school shopping questions? Here’s everything you need in one place.
Q: What month do back-to-school sales start?
A: Back-to-school deals usually run from July through September, with the biggest discounts hitting in late July and August. Honestly, if you shop too early, you might miss the peak savings, so I’d recommend checking weekly price drops from Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Q: What’s the cheapest place for school supplies?
A: For budget-friendly options, Walmart and Staples consistently offer low prices on notebooks, pens, backpacks, and tech. In my experience, Walmart often beats other big-box stores on essentials, while Staples is great for bulk office-style supplies. (Pro tip: combine coupons and store apps for extra savings.)
Q: How much should I budget for back-to-school 2025?
A: The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that the average U.S. family will spend about $890 this year. That includes supplies, clothing, and tech. Personally, I like to track spending by category so you don’t get surprised—$200 for tech, $150 for clothes, $100 for stationery, etc.
Q: Where can I get free school supplies?
A: Free supplies are available via local schools, nonprofit programs, and government resources. Check ed.gov student resources for federal programs and local charities—sometimes even public libraries host supply drives. I’ve seen families save over $50 just by hitting one or two community programs each year.
Final Tips & Smart Shopping CTA
Honestly, I’d recommend hitting Walmart for basics, Amazon for bundles, and Best Buy if you’re after tech. Here’s the trick: don’t wait until September—by then, the best deals are usually gone, and prices creep back up.
Quick shopping links to snag deals now:
Pro Tip: Make a checklist before you buy—backpacks, stationery, and tech—and check off items as you find real deals. It saves money, prevents duplicate purchases, and keeps the kids ready for day one.
Nawab, an educator teaching K-12 since 2010, holds an English honors graduate degree and a diploma in elementary education. He has also been blogging for five years, sharing insights for educators and parents.
