Online retailers are providing competitive pricing on a range of back-to-school necessities, often undercutting brick-and-mortar store prices. Consumers can find deals on items from backpacks and calculators to pens and notebooks from major online sellers like Amazon, Staples, and Best Buy.
Graphing calculators, a significant expense for many students, are available at reduced prices. The Texas Instruments TI-84, a model frequently required for math courses, is priced below $100 on Amazon. Staples offers a more budget-friendly alternative with the Casio FX graphing calculator.
Popular JanSport backpacks are also seeing price drops online. Amazon lists classic JanSport backpacks in various colors for $36, a $20 saving compared to in-store prices. Staples also carries a floral JanSport laptop backpack.
Deals extend to personal electronics, with Apple's AirPods 4 available on Amazon for $99, a $31 discount. Staples also has the earbuds on sale, though at a higher price point of $117. The latest generation is noted for improved sound quality and a more comfortable fit.
Basic school supplies like pencils and pens are also part of the online discounts. Amazon offers an 18-pack of yellow pencils for $4, while Staples provides a 40-pack of mechanical pencils for $10. Pilot pens are available on Amazon at a more than 50% discount, with a four-pack costing just over $5, compared to a three-pack at Staples for approximately $10.
Notebooks and binders are also on sale. A six-pack of Mead notebooks is available on Amazon for $7 after a 25% discount. Five Star binders, which retail for over $30 at Staples and Best Buy, are priced around $20 on Amazon, with a red version available for $17.
For art supplies, Amazon offers competitive pricing on Crayola products. A two-pack of crayons is priced at $13, contrasting with a single pack at Best Buy for $31. A 12-count of Crayola markers is available for $6.
Other items seeing online discounts include Owala FreeSip water bottles for kids, priced at $25 on Amazon in various colors. Elmer's glue sticks are also readily available at savings, with a 30-count pack on Amazon for just over $7, and a six-pack at Staples for $4.
In terms of technology, the HP DeskJet 2955 printer is priced at $69.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy, offering a $20 saving and including three months of HP's Instant Ink service. Best Buy is offering a Logitech wireless mouse for $15, a 35% discount, while a similar model on Amazon costs about $30. A Simple Modern Minions backpack is also available on Amazon, featuring multiple storage pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.