The ultimate back-to-school shopping guide: Supplies, dorm essentials, clothing, snacks
We've highlighted the most popular online retailers to get your school shopping done on a budget.
Back-to-school season is in full swing, with some kids already back in the classroom and more headed back every week.
The 2025-26 school year started last week for some here in Texas. That might seem early compared to other states heading back a few weeks later in early September. But regardless of when you or your child are heading back to school, it's never too early to get a jump on your school shopping for supplies and all the other essentials. Plus, with all the germs they'll be around, you might want to stock up your medicine cabinet too.
From supplies, technology and new school clothes to dorm essentials that go way beyond notebooks and highlighters, the Paste BN Shopping team is scouting all the best places to get your back-to-school shopping done, without spending a fortune.
Check out the ultimate back-to-school shopping guide by category:
- College dorm essentials
- Affordable school supplies
- Back-to-school clothes, shoes and backpacks
- Must-have snacks and bulk shopping
- Back-to-school tech deals
Where to buy college dorm essentials
Staples
Staples' Summer Savings Event ended on Saturday, July 19, but you can still find key savings on back-to-school needs like folders and pens, to dorm essentials like desks, mini-fridges and more. Staples has a search engine to find your student's supply list, if they haven't been sent by the school, and supplies start at just $0.25.
Walmart
A go-to for back-to-school shopping and dorm essentials. Walmart held a competing sale during Amazon Prime Day last week, the Walmart Deals sale. But, the retailer is constantly rolling back prices and offering great finds for less. Plus, it's another place where you can get a wide range of your back-to-school needs, from Crayola crayons to full-length body mirrors for your dorm room.
Wayfair
You won't find binders and highlighters at Wayfair, but you will find absolutely adorable dorm essentials and decor options to make it feel like home. Plus, Wayfair is currently offering an extra 15% off thousands of items through Wayfair Verified.
Where to buy affordable school supplies
Amazon
Prime Day 2025 has come to a close, but there are still plenty of great deals live at Amazon. Amazon is your go-to for back-to-school tech, backpacks and lunch boxes, plus you can save up to 40% on supplies. It's a wonderful resource for parents, especially if you have multiple kids and are stocking up on supplies, or you were given a supply list with things like tissues and Clorox wipes.
Target
Target's back-to-school supplies start at 15 cents, but you can shop and save across several categories including supplies, backpacks, clothing, dorm essentials and more. Plus, you can save even more with Target Red, and the retailer offers an additional 20% off for teachers.
Walmart
School supplies start at just 25 cents at Walmart, lunchboxes and backpacks starting at $1.97, and so much more.
Where to buy new clothing, backpacks and shoes for the 2025 school year
Dick's Sporting Goods
Score great deals on essentials from clothing, athletic wear, shoes and backpacks at Dick's Sporting Goods. You'll find trending shoes from New Balance, Nike, adidas and more, matching sets for daily wear, school essentials like lunchboxes and water bottles and top trends for getting back into seasonal sports.
Nike
Nike is a top brand in back-to-school shopping, as well as a cult-favorite for their everyday wear, sports wear, shoes and even backpacks.
Shop back-to-school clothing, shoes and accessories at Walmart:
- Fashion trends for back-to-school outfits starting at $4
- School uniforms starting at $4
- New shoes starting at $11
- Backpacks starting at $5
Where to stock up on snacks and lunch box must-haves
Sam's Club
Back to school means your kids aren't eating up all the snacks in your house, but it still means that you have to prepare breakfast and lunch in advance, and still keep their favorite snacks around when they come home starving. Get all that and more, in bulk, at Sam's Club. Join today for just $25.
Costco
Back-to-school also means back to busy schedules. When they come home starving, or just for an easy post-school, post-sports dinner, pick up a Costco hot dog or pizza. Plus, you can still stock up on their favorite drinks, snacks, foods and more. Plus, if you sign up for a one-year membership at Groupon, you will get a free $20 Costco card.
Thrive Market
Parenting is a delicate balance that includes trying to provide the healthiest lifestyle for your kids. Help them stay healthy, feel full and still snack on their favorites with healthy options delivered right to your door from Thrive Market.
Where to buy new tech for school
Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is an AI platform that allows you to create images, video, audio and vector graphics. Perfect for helping you submit the most eye-catching school projects.
Amazon
Prime Day 2025 was a huge hit for top tech, from AirPods to Amazon devices. But, just because the July sale is over, doesn't mean you're too late to find some great tech deals! Shop new electronics from top brands like Samsung, Apple, Amazon and more.
Staples
Get your office must-haves at Staples, from printer necessities and laptops to smaller electronics like headphones and calculators.
Samsung
Head back-to-school with the latest tech from Samsung, including smartphones, smartwatches and more, now equipped with Galaxy AI.