The Best Back-to-School Sales of the Week: Lenovo, Old Navy, JBL, and More
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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
With schools all across the country starting up over the next couple weeks — and some already back in session — lots of back-to-school deals are still going strong. I've rounded up some of the best discounts of the week so your kid(s) will have everything they need before the bell rings, including nice-looking academic planners, waterproof boots and coats for rainy days, and tablets and keyboards that are easier to lug than a laptop.
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Deals I personally think are the best
JBL Tune True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerChill Crossover Flared Leggings for Girls
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunchbox
School supplies
Scotch Magic Tape with Scotch Desktop Dispenser, 6 Rolls
A few rolls of Scotch tape are always handy to have around.
Oxford Sheet Protectors, Clear Finish, Top Load - 200 ct
Keep important documents safe in these clear sheet protectors.
Brother P-Touch PTD220 Label Maker
A label-maker for putting kids' names on everything from water bottles to gym clothes.
Papier Photo Strip Letter Size Softcover Academic Year Planner
Two experts we spoke to recommended Papier's academic planners , which include weekly and monthly overviews for both short- and long-term planning.
Erin Condren Academic Planner
With monthly and weekly layouts, lined note pages, and space to track exams and projects, this Erin Condren planner is a great choice for college students.
Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencils
These triangle-shaped pencils are specially designed for young kids learning handwriting.
Paper Mate Clear Point #2 Mechanical Pencils - 0.7mm, 10 Count
For older kids, a pack of mechanical pencils in a rainbow of fun colors.
Five Star Spiral College-Ruled Notebook, 5 Subject
This five-subject notebook has four two-pocket dividers.
Crayola Crayons Bulk
Classroom crayons are constantly getting lost or broken, so why not buy them in bulk while they're half off?
Backpacks and lunch gear
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunchbox
PlanetBox lunch boxes are a parent favorite because they are totally plastic-free.
Vera Bradley Outlet Essential Lunch Tote
Surprisingly, Vera Bradley has become a statusy name brand among tween and teen girls.
Vera Bradley Outlet Essential Large Backpack
The backpacks are also in demand — Strategist beauty writer Krista Bennett DeMaio's tween daughter has one on her wish list.
PlanetBox Dig in Utensil Set
A set of portable utensils that's ideal for younger kids.
Photo: retailer
Thermos Funtainer Kids' Insulated Straw Bottle - Blue
The Thermos Funtainer is our pick for the best less-expensive water bottle for kids because it's durable, leakproof, and easy to open and close.
PlanetBox Glacier Water Bottle
We also like the PlanetBox water bottle that's almost entirely plastic-free.
PlanetBox ColdKit
PlanetBox's ColdKit is a lightweight and slim ice pack that adds minimal weight to their lunch bag.
Koala Straw makes reusable straws compatible with a number of popular water-bottle models, including Owala, Stanley, and Hydroflask — and right now, the brand is hosting a 20 percent off sitewide back-to-school sale, with the discount applied at checkout.
Koala Straw for Owala Freesip
Koala Straw for Stanley Quencher Tumbler
Koala Straw for Hydroflask Wide Mouth Bottle
Madden Girl Nylon Dome Print Backpack
This Madden Girl backpack comes in four patterns, and each one has a corresponding removable charm, from a glittery black heart to a puffy pink daisy.
JanSport Crosstown Backpack
Can't go wrong with the classic Crosstown backpack.
JanSport Main Campus
Some colors of this JanSport Main Campus backpack are nearly 50 percent off.
Clothing and sneakers
New Balance Kids 574 Core (Little Kid)
Lots of sneakers are marked down at Zappos right now, including these versatile New Balances.
New Balance DynaSoft Reveal v4 BOA
An ankle pull tab on these sneakers makes them easy to slip on and off.
Nike Cosmic Runner Sneakers
These Nike Cosmic Runner sneakers come in a variety of fun color combinations.
Lands' End Kids Insulated Water Resistant Activity Jacket
If you know your kid needs a new winter coat this year, this is an excellent deal.
Lands' End Kids Pull On Splash Rubber Rain Boots
Some rubber rain boots for puddle jumping.
Columbia Youth Boys Glennaker Rain Jacket
And a rain jacket to help keep their clothes dry as well.
Old Navy High-Waisted PowerChill Crossover Flared Leggings for Girls
Lots of back-to-school 'fits are on sale at Old Navy, including these trendy flared leggings.
Old Navy Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater for Girls
A cute cable-knit cardigan for chilly days.
Old Navy Ultra Baggy Pull-On Cargo Pants for Boys
The youths are all about baggy-fitting bottoms …
Old Navy Straight-Leg Built-In Flex Jeans for Boys
… But classic straight-leg jeans will never go out of style.
Old Navy Unisex Crew Socks for Toddler & Baby - 10 Pack
Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo says these socks have lasted her son for almost two years so far.
Hanes Girls' 20-Pack Ankle Socks
Hanes Boys' 20-Pack No-Show Athletic Socks
Lots of Hanes basics are on sale at Target, including multipacks of ankle and no-show socks.
Adidas Streettalk Sneaker - Kids'
Adidas's back-to-school sale is on now, with up to 40 percent off clothes and shoes. Here's a pair of sneakers with the classic shell-toe design.
Adidas VL Court Sneaker - Kids'
Or go with this sportier style that has a durable rubber sole.
Tech
Lenovo Idea Tab - College Tablet
Lenovo makes budget-friendly tablets that are lightweight and easy to use for everyday browsing. This one is now an even greater value at nearly 40 percent off.
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio
Apple's Magic Keyboard is the best iPad keyboard , but if you want something slightly cheaper, get the Folio version — it's currently on sale for under $200 and is a solid pick for iPad users.
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) - 16 GB/512 GB
Microsoft's flagship laptop is plenty fast for most day-to-day tasks.
HP printers are currently on sale from anywhere between 20 to 35 percent off, including both inkjet and laser models.
HP Smart Tank 5100 All-in-One Printer
HP Smart Tank 7303 All-in-One Printer
HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn Printer
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Printer, AI-Capable
Loftie Clock
Swap a blaring alarm on their phone for Loftie's gentle sunrise clock to help them wake them up gradually.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The noise-canceling AirPods Pro are currently 25 percent off.
JBL Tune True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Or go with some very affordable JBL earbuds.
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.
