The Best Back-to-School Deals of 2021

By
Celia Shatzman
Celia Shatzman MyDomaine
Celia Shatzman
Celia Shatzman has written about beauty, fashion, travel, and more for nearly 20 years. She's been published in Forbes, Women's Health, WWD, and Cosmopolitan. 
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Updated on Sep 07, 2021

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Now that the school season is about to go on winter break, we’ve stopped updating this post with sales and can’t promise the ones below are still available. Check back later for updated deals.

Whether you’re shopping for crayons, extra-long sheets for a dorm bed, or chic home office staples, back-to-school shopping offers some of the best sales of the year. But before there’s even a hint of fall in the air, back-to-school deals hit shelves IRL and virtually, giving you the opportunity to score big. “Shopping now is a good idea because the shelves are still relatively well-stocked, and supply will only dwindle as August wears on,” says Kristin McGrath, shopping expert, and editor at RetailMeNot.

Best of all, back-to-school sales go beyond what goes in backpacks. Deals can be found on more than just pencils and notebooks. Think clothing, dorm decor, and electronics, per McGrath. Plus, you don't need to be a student to enjoy these discounts.

Read on to help you make the most of this year's back-to-school sales.

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Brooklinen

Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter

Courtesy of Brooklinen

Brooklinen's sheets, towels, decor, and loungewear are all fabulous, and they are on sale. We have a long list of our favorite products—including the waffle robe and super plush towels. Save 15 percent off now until September 8.

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The Container Store 

Container Store Poppin Organizers

Courtesy of The Container Store

There's nothing that says fall like a freshly organized desk or craft room. Right now, take up to 20 percent off storage items, supplies, and more.

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Ban.do

Ban.do Classic Planner

Courtesy of Amazon

Stock up on vibrant-hued planners, buzzy throw pillows, and cute desk accessories for less during Ban.do's sale. Right now, take 20 percent off sitewide and use code THEWORKS at checkout.

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Urban Outfitters

Taylor Wall Shelf

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Urban has some of the chicest items to help you organize and decorate your dorm or office. Check out the sale tab to find bedding, art, and decor discounts today.

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Design Within Reach

Emmy Sofa

Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Design Within Reach doesn't always have the cheapest home decor items, but they do have some of the best. Sweeten the deal with 15 percent off during the brand's Semi-annual Sale.

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Bloomscape

palm

Bloomscape

It's no secret adding a little greenery to your space really kicks it up a notch. Now through September 7, use code ENDOFSUMMER on Bloomscape and take 20 percent off orders of $99 or more.

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Buffy

Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets

Courtesy of Buffy

Now through September 7, spend $300 on Buffy's cozy bedding this semester and take $50 off your order. Use code SHORETHING at checkout.

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Burrow

Burrow Serif Coffee Table

Looking to upgrade your apartment for the upcoming school year? Now through September 12, save big on Burrow. You'll save anywhere from 10 percent to $500 off your order depending on how much you spend. Plus, Burrow's newest arrivals—like this super chic standing desk—are also included in the sale.

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Citizenry

A light gray chunky knit blanket, which is currently for sale at The Citizenry

The Citizenry

Now through September 6, sign up for text alerts on Citizenry and score 10 percent off your order. If you're in search of a cozy throw blanket, shaggy rug, or some fun throw pillows, this is your one-stop-shop.

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Our Place

Our Place Always Pan Zest

Courtesy of Our Place

Dreamed about owning an Our Place product? Now's your chance. For the next week, Our Place is running a deal of the day, where the brand will be slashing a different product in price.

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JCPenney

Slip Silk Sleeper Mask Zodiac Edition

Whether dorm room or apartment shopping, JCPenney has all the housing essentials you need. Take 30 percent off when you spend $75 or more with code INSTYLE8.

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Society6

Society6 Arch Balance Green Throw Pillow

Furnish your dorm wall, jazz up your bedspread, and upgrade your decor setup at Society6. Right now, take up 40 percent off sitewide during the brand's Labor Day sale.

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

While back-to-school season typically differs throughout the country, expect to see sales popping up now through late summer. “Back to school sales start as early as mid-July and on into September,” McGrath says. Plus, any extra essentials left on shelves approaching Labor Day will also see slashed prices. However, keep in mind waiting this long can be risky, as what you need might no longer be in stock.

How Long Do Back-to-School Sales Last? 

Deals usually run for about a month. “Back-to-school sales generally start in July and run right up until Labor Day, at which point most families have completed their back-to-school shopping,” McGrath says. Keep in mind there may be shipping delays on items such as furniture and electronics, so it's best to check the estimated ship date beforehand and shop on the earlier side to guarantee they arrive in time.

"If you are comfortable with taking a risk, wait until right before school is back in session to snap up any remaining notebooks, lunchboxes, dorm items, and other common items on students’ shopping lists."

What Stores Have the Best Back-to-School Sales? 

Expect to find retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Apple, and more offering large-scale discounts on items like notebooks, school supplies, electronics, and furniture. McGrath notes that Amazon has great bulk deals on school supplies. “That means you'll have to buy more notebooks or pens than you need, but you'll often save on the per-item cost."

You'll also find great decor, bedding, and furniture deals from smaller brands like Brooklinen, The Container Store, Urban Outfitters, and Minted, to help you decorate your dorm or home at a fraction of the cost.

Some retailers like Apple and Best Buy for example offer exclusive discounts for students that sign up through their school emails. You'll just need to provide your student information to get the deals.

Looking for more sales? We’ve pulled together all our top deals stories below: