The $29 Backpack High-Schoolers Love and More Back-to-School Deals
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Summer is in full swing, but the back-to-school deals start earlier and earlier each year, and it’s never a bad idea to get ahead of the rush. I’ve rummaged through the internet sales bins and rounded up some of the best discounts of the week so your kid(s) will have everything they need before the bell rings, including freshly sharpened No. 2 pencils, statusy Herschel backpacks, and J.Crew cashmere for transitional fall weather.
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Deals I personally think are the best
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An adorable lunch tote from Ban.do is nearly 40 percent off.
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Some slip-on UGGs for days where they're running late.
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Bose's noise-canceling headphones are comfortable to wear for multiple hours of studying.
School supplies
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Keep some extra Sharpies lying around for poster-making and labeling.
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The best pencil for filling out a Scantron.
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An easy way to correct mistakes.
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These kids’ scissors have a comfortable ergonomic handle and a blunt tip.
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This sharpener has six holes to accommodate pretty much any pencil size.
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Reinforced loose-leaf paper helps ensure it won’t tear out of their binder.
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Ohuhu’s double-tipped markers can create both fine, precise lines and streak-free swaths of color.
Lots of Crayola markers, crayons, and colored pencils are marked way down at Target.
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Washable markers with ink that will come right out of clothes with a little soap and water.
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A classic ballpoint that comes with blue, black, red, and green ink.
Backpacks and lunch gear
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Our favorite lunch box overall is now 20 percent off.
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For lunches that include dips or sauces, the Voyager’s silicone lid ensures nothing will leak or spill.
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PlanetBox Insulated Lunch Bag, Stardust Edition Carry Bag with Pockets for Water Bottle and Snacks
You can slip the lunch boxes above into these insulated lunch bags that include a pocket for a water bottle.
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A cute flowery lunch tote from Ban.do.
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In lieu of plastic bags, Stasher’s reusable silicone ones are perfect for packing a handful of nuts or dried-fruit slices.
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You can also opt for these 100 percent compostable sandwich bags that can be washed, dried, and reused.
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Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo recommends this brightly colored insulated food jar that is “as functional as it is stylish.”
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Lots of kids’ lunch boxes in a panoply of patterns are half off at Lands’ End.
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Herschel backpacks are the bag of choice for lots of Manhattan high-schoolers we surveyed.
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This Adidas backpack has ample space for a laptop, books, and binders.
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For kids who tend to be a little rough with their belongings, this L.L.Bean backpack has heavy-duty zippers and a reinforced bottom for extra durability.
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The Victoria’s Secret Pink line is all the rage among Gen-Z girls. This roomy backpack also comes in polka-dot and camo patterns.
Clothing and sneakers
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Adidas Kids’ Samba Sneaker
Lots of kids’ sneakers are marked down during Nordstrom’s Anniversay Sale, including these kid-size Sambas.
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These high-top Converse have cute flowers embroidered on the side.
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For toddlers who love to run around, these New Balance sneakers are grippy and durable.
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Go with a pair of UGG slides for older teens.
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Primary, a Strategist-favorite brand offering colorful basics for kids, has a great everyday tee that’s currently 26 percent off.
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Here’s a long-sleeved version for when the weather starts to cool.
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Some basic T-shirts in different colors would be handy to have for school-spirit week.
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Get an extra 60 percent off this already-on-sale J.Crew sweater with code SALETIME.
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J.Crew Boys’ Tech Dock Short
Some drawstring shorts that can lean sporty or polished.
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Relaxed pull-on shorts that can withstand a little roughhousing.
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J.Crew Kids’ Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Select sweaters are on sale during J.Crew’s semi-annual cashmere event, perfect for when the weather starts to cool down.
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J.Crew Girls’ Brushed Cashmere Cardigan
This fluffy pink cardigan is very Elle Woods coded.
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This active knit tank dress is breathable and quick-drying.
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Or go with this cute denim skirtall for dressier days.
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For kids who feel uncomfortable in stiff denim, these baggy jeans are made from a soft blend of cotton and Tencel.
Tech
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A pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must when they’re studying for finals.
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SHOKZ OpenFit Air
Shokz’s over-the-ear earbuds are more secure (and less pricey) than Apple AirPods.
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This mini portable charger won’t take up too much space in their backpack.
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Back-to-school season is prime time to spring for a new laptop.
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The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
