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NYC is on a shopping spree and potentially overspending.
Last summer, families across the five boroughs shelled out an average of $1,123 to gear their kids up for September. That’s nearly a grand more than what parents in other U.S. cities are spending on school supplies.
The startling data, coming from a 2024 survey by Coupon Bird, revealed that New York City tops the chart for back-to-school spending. Florida and California fall close behind.
Of course, New York City is an expensive city to raise a family in, let alone live comfortably. But school gear has become particularly expensive, and if your kid is begging for the latest tech or a designer wardrobe, you’re probably paying the premium. Fortunately, there are ways to curb costs.
Amazon Prime Day may be over, but the retailer has still slashed prices on some popular school essentials. Shoppers can score deep discounts on everything from T-84 calculators, trendy lunchboxes, and backpacks to bigger-ticket items like MacBooks, AirPods, and much, much more.
best back-t0-school deals
Not to mention, skipping the whining, mazes of supplies, and long checkout lines is always another win. Having essentials delivered straight to your door is the real parenting hack, saving time and sanity.
The bell may not start ringing for another month or so, but your time to find the best deals of the year on back-to-school essentials is right now.
Browse the best deals by grade level below:
Pre-K and Elementary School Back-to-School Deals
Simple Modern Medium Disney Toddler Backpack for School Girls and Boys
Amazon
Sized just right for little shoulders, the Simple Modern Toddler Backpack features playful designs and enough space for snacks, school supplies, and favorite toys. Durable and lightweight, it’s built to keep up with busy days and big imaginations.
Crayola Broad Line Markers (12 Count) Washable Markers for Kids
Amazon
With bright, bold colors and washable ink, these Crayola markers make creativity super fun — and cleanup a breeze. Perfect for doodles, drawings, and colorful masterpieces, they’re ready for all the big ideas and little hands.
Bentgo Kids Prints Leak-Proof Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box
The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box is designed with five practical compartments for perfect portioning of fruits, veggies, entrees, and snacks. Its leak-proof, BPA-free design keeps food fresh and mess-free. Ideal for school lunches, it features kid-friendly latches and colorful, fun prints that children love.
Kids Headphones with Microphone Foldable Stereo
Amazon
Snag some headphones with a kid-friendly design. Whether it’s for remote learning, video chats, or quiet time with music or audiobooks, they deliver clear sound in a lightweight, travel-ready frame. Built to fold, fit, and last, they’re made to move with your child through school days and screen time.
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers (22 count)
Amazon
’90s babies know, these were always the coolest markers in school. Mr. Sketch is still around and cranking out even more colors with those incredible scents! Right now, you can save 36% on a 22-pack.
Color Transparent Ruler Plastic Rulers
Amazon
These Color Transparent Plastic Rulers are a back-to-class classic, offering top-notch precision for measuring, doodling, or quick underlining. Lightweight, shatter-resistant, and easy to read through, they’re a simple must-have for any pencil pouch.
Middle School and High School Back-to-School Deals
Amazon
The Anker Portable Charger is a middle school and high school lifesaver, keeping phones juiced through classes, clubs, and crammed schedules. It’s compact, fast-charging, and fits in any backpack pocket. No outlet? No problem.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
Amazon
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is a go-to choice for students tackling everything from algebra to AP calculus. Slim, lightweight, and built to last, it’s made to keep up through every test, class, and late-night study session.
Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Classic XL Backpack, Navy, One Size
Amazon
The Herschel Classic XL Backpack in navy offers a clean, timeless look with plenty of room for everyday essentials. With a spacious main compartment, front pocket, and padded shoulder straps, it’s built for comfort and convenience. A reliable choice for school, work, or daily commutes.
BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils with Erasers
Amazon
Pencil party! These dreamy, click‑to‑write wonders bring back-to-school vibes in soft pinks, blues, and greens, perfect for students, doodlers, or test‑takers. With a 0.7 mm #2 lead that glides without smudging and a conveniently built‑in eraser, you’re always ready for mistakes (and fixes).
Orange Circle Studio Academic Planner 2026
Amazon
Keep your school year on track with the Orange Circle Studio Academic Planner 2026. Designed with clean layouts and thoughtful details, it makes managing assignments, deadlines, and daily plans simple. A practical, stylish tool to help you stay organized all year long.
Amazon
Who doesn’t want a machine-washable lunch box from Vera Bradley? It’s made with quilted cotton, features a lined interior slip pocket for ice packs, and includes an ID window to properly display your name. Choose between several unique floral prints, bold patterns, and decorative styles.
Amazon
Laptops are handy for taking notes, but there are moments when putting pen to paper just sticks better. Our advice: keep a few notepads nearby. You’ll be glad you have them when digital just doesn’t cut it. This three-pack should do the trick.
Paper Mate InkJoy Bright Gel Pens (6-Pack)
Amazon
The Paper Mate InkJoy Bright Gel Pens (6-Pack) add a pop of color and smooth writing to every note and doodle. With vibrant, bright ink that flows effortlessly, they make writing feel fun and fresh. Perfect for school, journaling, or just brightening up your day, these pens are ready to inspire your creativity.
College Back-to-School Deals and Dorm Essentials
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 Chip
Amazon
Apple’s 2025 MacBook Air M4 is a straight-A student’s dream — it’s thin, fast, and built to last all day. With a sleek look, top-tier battery life, and smart new AI tricks, this ultra-portable powerhouse makes the grade for school, study, and everything in between.
Amazon
If you’re looking for a simple, compact mini fridge that will keep your drinks and snacks cold, you can’t go wrong with Crownful. Plus, it comes in five fun colors to add some spice to your dorm room. Best of all, you can snag it on sale now.
Amazon
The Apple AirTag 4‑pack is a school essential. Toss one in your backpack, another on your laptop, or even on your locker key ring. Can’t find your gear? Just ping it via Find My iPhone. Compact, reliable, and peer-approved. Finally, your kiddo will always know where their stuff is — or you can find it for them.
Pipishell 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart
Amazon
Small dorm, big mess? Meet your new best friend: the three-tier rolling utility cart. It’s a total space-saver, easy to assemble, and those deep bins can hold everything from textbooks to snacks. Perfect for keeping your dorm room organized without the hassle.
Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine
Amazon
The Phomemo D30 Label Maker is a tiny powerhouse that makes organizing way easier. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can design and print cute labels on the go — no ink needed! Perfect for school supplies, desks, or anything that needs a little extra order and style.
Addtam USB Wall Charger Surge Protector
Amazon
The Addtam USB Wall Charger Surge Protector is a dorm room essential that combines convenience and safety. With 5 AC outlets and 4 USB ports (including 1 USB-C), it allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without blocking adjacent plugs.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
Amazon
College kids can enjoy an offer a seamless and immersive audio experience. With up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case, Apple AirPods provide reliable battery life for daily use.
Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner
College messes happen: coffee spills, mystery stains, maybe a party foul or two. Enter: Bissell’s Little Green Carpet Cleaner. This Amazon best-seller is compact, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful, with a big tank and serious suction that wipes out pet odors and late-night accidents alike.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
Amazon
The ultimate campus must-have: the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler. This beast stays glued to our side, rocks killer colors, and holds enough to keep you hydrated through back-to-back classes. Sure, it’s a bit heavier than your average water bottle—but trust, it’s worth every penny.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.