Spending and Saving

10 Deals for Back to School

There are lots of ways to cut back on your back to school budget — you might, for instance, do a full inventory of any pencils and scissors you have in the house. But if you do have to get to the store for some missing items, you’ll find lots of retailers are eager for your business. According to the National Retail Federation, back to school spending is expected to fall by 7.7 percent this season, while more parents report plans to purchase hand-me-downs at secondhand stores (though they’re also expected to increase spending on electronics, like laptops, by 11 percent).

The big chains are doing all they can to encourage you to buy from them at any price. And the government hopes to help, too, as several states are offering “tax holidays” for back to school shopping (see a list of states and dates here). We’ve compiled a list of some of the best deals out there:

Apparel
Aeropostale
What’s the deal: 25% off tops that have already been reduced 50%; jeans are Buy One Get One Free (great if you’ve got more than one kid heading back to school)
Average retail price: $20-$40 for the tops (before 75% off); $40-$50 for the jeans
Details: The Bargainist has the coupon code.

Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy
What’s the deal: 30% off with coupon online or in-store, including outlet and factory stores
Average retail price: Pair of boys’ pants at Gap, about $20.
Details: Click here for coupon; sale ends Sunday, August 2. But you can use the same coupon as many times as you like before then for anything, including already marked-down items.

Electronics
Walmart
What’s the deal: $298 Compaq laptops
Average retail price: Compaq sells one for $279, but it doesn’t come fully loaded, as Walmart’s does.
Details: That’s it. Just go to Walmart or Walmart.com and buy one.

Apple
What’s the deal: Buy a new Mac, get a free iTouch
Average retail price: $229
Details: It’s a rebate situation, so be prepared to pay up front, submit a claim through your sales clerk (or online) and receive a check within a month.

AT&T
What’s the deal: Two phones free with a family plan
Average retail price: $369 without new account (but you can also get it free with an existing account)
Details: No expiration date given. See promotion for more info on the plan.

Pens, Pencils, Scissors, etc.
Staples
What’s the deal: Elmer’s Glue for $.25 each (limit two)
Average retail price: At Rite Aid, a single bottle goes for $3.00.
Details: More info here, but just show up – in-store promotion only, ending this weekend.

Office Max
What’s the deal: Crayons box of 24, 50% off – buy two for the price of one. Total: $1.98
Average retail price: Even Amazon can’t do better, offering a single box for $3.00.
Details: Use coupon in-store or online.

Gear
Target
What’s the deal: Jansport backpacks on sale for $25 or less
Average retail price: Up to $50 or more
Details: Buy online or in-store.
*Target is also handing out gift cards to students who qualify for free lunches and offering free shipping for online purchases of $50 or more.

LL Bean
What’s the deal: Junior backpacks just $23
Details: That’s just how much they are. But the ones with wheels go as high as $60.

Dorms
Ikea
What’s the deal: $22.99 for swivel desk chair
Average retail price: You won’t find these for less than $70 at Staples.
Details: No specific discount, but much lower than other brand name stores.

Tags: budgets, college, kids, parents, school, shopping