Quick lead: Shop smart now — back-to-school supplies bargains are live at Amazon, Staples and Best Buy. Standouts include Apple AirPods 4 for $99, the Texas Instruments TI-84 for under $100 and JanSport backpacks around $36.
Below we group the best buys by retailer and by category so you can quickly pick items and compare prices. All prices are time-sensitive and may change.
Quick take: top price winners for back-to-school supplies
- Apple AirPods 4 — Amazon: $99 (sale)
- Texas Instruments TI-84 — Amazon: under $100
- JanSport backpacks — Amazon: about $36
- HP DeskJet 2955 — Amazon & Best Buy: $69.99 (includes 3 months Instant Ink)
- Logitech wireless mouse — Best Buy: $15
Amazon highlights
Amazon has a wide selection of low-priced essentials and several clear bargains right now. If your list includes backpacks, calculators or small electronics, start here.
- JanSport backpacks — about $36 on Amazon, roughly $20 cheaper than some in-store options.
- Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator — listed for under $100 on Amazon, a common required model for many math classes.
- Apple AirPods 4 — on sale for $99 at Amazon; compare to Staples’ earbuds listed around $117.
- Pilot pens — Amazon four-pack marked down by more than 50% (around $5).
- Mead six-pack notebooks — roughly 25% off on Amazon.
- Crayola two-pack of crayons — about $13 on Amazon; Crayola markers (12-count) around $6.
Staples and Best Buy: where they beat Amazon
Staples and Best Buy still win on select items and unique SKUs. Check these if you need a specific color, model or same-day pickup.
- Staples — Casio FX graphing calculator (available in pink) as a lower-cost alternative to TI models.
- Staples — some mechanical-pencil multipacks and a 6-pack of glue sticks for about $4.
- Best Buy — Logitech wireless mouse for $15 (long battery life; practical pick for students).
- Staples — earbuds listed around $117 for certain models, compared with Amazon’s sale price for higher-end earbuds.
- Amazon and Best Buy — HP DeskJet 2955 tied at $69.99 (includes three months of Instant Ink on qualifying purchases).
Back-to-school supplies: backpacks, calculators, pens and printers
Group your shopping list by category to make faster decisions. Below are representative prices to help you choose which retailer to visit first.
- Backpacks: JanSport on Amazon ~ $36; specialty backpacks vary by model and retailer.
- Graphing calculators: TI-84 on Amazon under $100; Casio FX at Staples as a lower-cost/pink option.
- Pens and pencils: 18-pack yellow pencils on Amazon ~ $4; Pilot four-pack on Amazon around $5; Staples offers larger mechanical-pencil packs for about $10.
- Notebooks & binders: Mead six-pack notebooks ~25% off on Amazon; Five Star binders about $20 on Amazon versus over $30 at some Staples listings.
- Art supplies: Crayola two-pack on Amazon about $13 vs. some single packs priced higher at electronics retailers.
- Printers: HP DeskJet 2955 — Amazon & Best Buy $69.99 (includes 3 months Instant Ink).
How to shop these deals and save
Prices change quickly. Use these quick tips to lock in savings and avoid surprises.
- Check availability and delivery: Amazon often offers fast shipping for Prime members; consider store pickup at Staples or Best Buy if you need an item same day.
- Use the Amazon Prime 30-day trial if you’re not already a member to get fast or free delivery on eligible items.
- Compare exact SKUs — sometimes a lower price reflects a different model or fewer included accessories.
- Watch sale end dates and stock levels; many of these price drops are temporary and time-sensitive.
- Affiliate disclosure: this story includes affiliate links. The site may earn a commission on purchases made through some links.
Key takeaways
- Amazon is the best starting point for broad lists — backpacks, TI-84 calculators and discounted pens are standout buys.
- Staples and Best Buy can beat Amazon on specific SKUs, store pickup availability and color options.
- Always confirm the exact model and current price before checkout — these are snapshots and may change quickly.
Price snapshot
- Apple AirPods 4 — Amazon: $99
- Texas Instruments TI-84 — Amazon: under $100
- JanSport backpack — Amazon: about $36
- HP DeskJet 2955 — Amazon & Best Buy: $69.99 (3 months Instant Ink)
- Logitech wireless mouse — Best Buy: $15
- Pilot pens 4-pack — Amazon: about $5
Affiliate disclosure: The site may earn a commission on purchases made through some links. Prices listed above are time-sensitive and may change after publication.
Source: This price roundup was compiled from the original Fox News deals report. For full product listings and links, see the Fox News source: These school supplies are cheaper online than in stores — Amazon, Best Buy and more (Fox News).
Note: Prices are time-sensitive and may change after publication.
