The Best Back-to-School Sales of 2021

You don't have to be a student to find great travel deals

By
Drew Zieff
Drew Zieff Tripsavvy
Drew Zieff
Colorado College
Drew Zieff is a writer specializing in the great outdoors and great outdoor gear. He has contributed to Outside Magazine and Backcountry Magazine.
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Updated on 09/07/21
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Note: Now that the academic season is underway, we’ve stopped updating this post with back-to-school sales and can’t promise the ones below are still available. Check back later for updated deals.

As long days grow shorter, and summer gives way to fall, there’s one date that’s on the mind of every student and parent: the first day of school. Even if you're not heading back to school, fall is a sign of a fresh start, and a great time to re-stock on the gear you need for upcoming trips.

Be sure to bookmark this page as we'll continue to update it throughout the month—and into the Labor Day weekend.

01 of 07

B&H

Sony Alpha a7S III

Whether you're heading back to school, or back on the road, B&H's rebates and promotions section is not to be missed. You can save $300 off a Sony Alpha a7RIIIA mirrorless camera, take $150 off a new MacBook Pro, and lots more.

02 of 07

J.Crew

J.Crew Solid Long-Sleeve Rash Guard

J.Crew

Just in time for fall, J. Crew has knocked 50 percent off women's knitwear as well as kid's pullovers, t-shirts, leggings, jeans, and more in select styles. Additionally, shoppers can save up to 40 percent on select full-price items with the code HELLOFALL until September 6.

03 of 07

Macy’s

Big Girls Rapid flash 21 Running Sneakers from Finish Line

Courtesy of Macy's

With the summer drawing to a close, Macy's currently has a variety of sales going on. Right now, shoppers can save up to 25 percent on activewear for the family and 25 percent off Nike and Adidas footwear. Plus, their Big Home Sale is going on, so if you’re shopping for dorms, this could be a goldmine for bedding and bath essentials.

04 of 07

Oakley

Oakley Prescription Glasses

Courtesy Oakley

Save a whopping 50 percent off on prescription lenses and get free shipping from Oakley through September 9. You read that right—or did you? Looks like you might need a new prescription after all. 

Continue to 5 of 7 below.
05 of 07

Nike

Nike Air Force 1 LV8 (Big Kids)

Courtesy of Nike

On the hunt for everyday apparel and athletic essentials? Bulls-eye. Save up to 40 percent off on top picks at Nike.com.

06 of 07

Gravity Blankets

gravity-weighted-blanket

Courtesy of Gravity

If you’ve been waiting for a deal on a weighted blanket, Gravity Blankets is offering discounts for a limited time only. Save on cooling weighted blankets, ice hybrid mattresses, duvet covers, and blankets for kids now.

07 of 07

Backcountry

Patagonia Insulated Jacket

Courtesy of Backcountry

Get a head start on preparations for the winter season. Families can get up to an extra 20 percent off winter outdoor gear and apparel on clearance, from hiking boots to fleece jackets and parkas. Concurrently, you can also save 25 percent on select gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and more.

We’ve pulled this guide together to reduce the stress of back-to-school shopping, and show you how everyone can benefit from these deals—whether you're a student or not.

When Do Back-to-School Sales Start in 2021? 

You're likely to start to see back-to-school sales begin in July and ramp up in August. "Consumers are expected to spend record amounts—nearly $850 per family—on back-to-school items this year. For those shopping for K-12 students, our survey shows an increase in spending in every category, particularly with electronics and clothing," says Katherine Cullen, National Retail Federation’s Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights. Of course, school supplies aren’t the only items you’ll find on sale: keep an eye out for sales on luggage, backpacks, shoes, sunglasses, and more.

Sales can extend a month or so in either direction but cluster heavily in late July, August, and early September—which makes sense as some schools kick-off as early as July or as late as post-Labor Day.

How Long Do Back-to-School Sales Last? 

Back-to-school sales vary in length, so it pays to do your homework. Some sales only last for a weekend, while others extend more than a month. While there is a ton of variability, we’d say anywhere between a week and a month is typical.

Does Best Buy Offer Student Discounts? 

If you're in the market for a new laptop, tablet, or pair of headphones, Best Buy has some steep student discounts this time of year. The deals are always changing—so it's a smart move to keep checking.