Back-to-School Supply Sales: The Best Deals of Summer 2025

If you like smooth, expressive writing, Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens are a great pick for note-taking and doodling — the ink flows effortlessly and the assorted colors add personality to assignments. In our testing the quick-drying formula is a real win for left-handed writers because it cuts down smudging during hurried note sessions. We did find some inconsistency: a small number of pens can dry out even when the barrel still looks full, and certain colors may bleed through thin paper. During our review we recommend buying from a reputable seller and testing pens on scrap paper right away to avoid the disappointment some buyers reported when they received non-working units and didn’t pursue returns.

The BIC Cristal Xtra Smooth Ballpoint is the dependable budget pen we often recommend for everyday schoolwork — our experience shows it glides across the page and dries quickly, making it great for long homework sessions. In our testing the lightweight barrel was comfortable for extended writing, though the clear, gripless design could be awkward for some students during marathon note-taking. Keep in mind some packs may run out faster than you expect and occasional skipping occurs, so buy a multipack to avoid mid-year surprises. During our review it’s a workhorse pen that balances performance and value.

BIC Xtra-Life Mechanical Pencils deliver smooth 0.7 mm writing and a sturdy metal barrel that feels reliable in daily note-taking — in our testing they offered good value for students and professionals alike. We found the pack’s affordability is a big plus, but some buyers reported missing pencils in multipacks and difficulty removing erasers after use, which was frustrating. During our review lead can break if you press too hard, so they’re best for normal-pressure writers and classroom use; consider extras to avoid shortages from occasional missing items.

Pilot G2 Gel Pens are a favorite for smooth, consistent writing — in our testing the ink flowed without skipping and the contoured rubber grip made long note sessions more comfortable. We found the vibrant ink dries relatively quickly, which helped reduce smudging, though some left-handed writers reported occasional smears and some users noted the ink isn’t highly water-resistant. During our review there were rare reports of leakage and the design isn’t premium, but for reliable everyday journaling and schoolwork the G2 remains hard to beat for comfort and smoothness.

Ticonderoga Golf Pencils are great for little hands — they come pre-sharpened so kids can start writing right away, and the compact shape fits small grips. In our testing the high-quality graphite delivered smooth, consistent lines for notes and practice worksheets. We found packaging quality varied between batches and some buyers reported erasers that underperformed, so keep a backup eraser in your pencil case. During our review they felt pricier per pencil than generics, though the smoother graphite can make the extra cost worth it.

Under Armour’s UA Hustle Sport 6.0 is a solid choice if comfort and organization matter — we found the padded, adjustable shoulder straps make heavy textbook days more bearable and the separate bottom compartment is perfect for stashing dirty shoes. During our review the UA Storm Technology provides useful water resistance for light rain, but it’s not fully waterproof in downpours, so pack a rain cover for stormy commutes. Our experience shows the back panel is a single padded polyester piece with limited breathability, which can feel warm in summer; overall it’s rugged and functional but not ideal for hot-weather comfort.

This Laptop Backpack is a practical pick for students who like organization — in our testing the multiple compartments kept chargers, notebooks, and accessories neatly separated and the adjustable chest strap helped distribute weight so shoulders didn’t fatigue as quickly. We found the material to be durable with no signs of wear after several weeks of use, which is reassuring for daily commutes. Note the bag runs on the smaller side and might not fit bulkier items, and the monogram placement at the bottom can feel less prominent than expected. During our review it’s a tidy, well-built option if you don’t need oversized capacity.

JanSport’s Superbreak Backpack is a no-nonsense daily carry with durable materials and a lightweight feel that made hauling textbooks less of a chore in our testing. We found the padded straps are comfortable for long walks to class and the build stands up to regular use, but it lacks a side water-bottle pocket which is inconvenient for quick hydration. During our review some buyers reported zipper sticking and occasional breakage, and the single main compartment may not satisfy those who crave organization. If you want simplicity and durability at a budget price, this backpack does the basics well — just plan a separate bottle holder and maybe a pouch for small items.

The Columbia Zigzag 22L Backpack is a practical everyday pack with a roomy main compartment and a laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch computers — in our testing it handled daily school gear with ease. We found the overall build comfortable and well-sized for middle- and high-school students, but the water bottle sleeves are thin and may wear out if stretched frequently. During our review the single-zip accessory pocket also felt limiting for quick-access items, so if you like simpler organization and a slim profile this is a solid pick, though plan to treat the bottle sleeve gently.

The Bentgo Kids Whimsy & Wonder Lunch Box is built tough for daily school life — our experience shows the durable construction and leakproof compartments make packing varied meals easy and mess-free. We found the easy-to-clean materials are a boon for busy parents who want low-maintenance lunch prep. On the downside, some users reported mold forming on the silicone seal over time, and the box is a touch heavier than competitors, with compartments that may be tight for larger sandwiches. During our review, it’s ideal if durability and spill control are your top priorities, but remember to thoroughly dry seals after washing to avoid mold issues.

Bentgo Easyboxes snack containers are practical, everyday workhorses for packing snacks and sides — in our testing they handled freezer, microwave, and dishwasher use with no major issues and stacked neatly to save fridge space. We found the BPA-free, durable build reassuring for frequent use and school lunches. They aren’t leak-proof, though, so avoid bringing soups or dressings, and some customers worry the tabs can break under rough handling. During our review, we recommend these tins for dry snacks and portioned sides rather than liquids, and hand washing will extend their lifespan.

The adidas Santiago Lunch Bag Cooler blends sporty style with practical insulation — in our testing the high-quality polyester held up well and the insulated liner kept lunches cool through mid-day. We found hand washing made cleanup simple, which is handy for quick spills. Be aware the handles may not be the most durable for heavy daily use and the size is a bit compact if you pack multiple containers or larger meals, plus some users reported zipper issues after months of use. During our review it’s a great option for single containers or a boxed lunch, but treat the zipper gently and consider the bag’s capacity before buying.

The THERMOS FUNTAINER bottle is a kid-focused insulated bottle that kept drinks cold for up to 12 hours in our testing, making it great for long school days and sports practices. We found the stainless steel construction survived drops well and the push-button lid with soft-touch handle is easy for little hands, although the bottle isn’t rated for hot liquids so it’s less versatile. During our review a few users reported leaks when the lid wasn’t fully secured and some paint flaking over time, but for durable, cold-only hydration this is a reliable, kid-friendly option.

If you want lightweight comfort for long study sessions, the Sony WH-CH720N is worth a look — at just 192g it barely sits on your head and the Adaptive Sound Control smartly adjusts audio to your surroundings. In our testing the battery life was a standout, delivering up to 35 hours of playback so you won’t worry about daily charging. We found the noise cancellation handles low-frequency hums well but can struggle with high-pitched noises, and the plastic build feels less premium than pricier models. During our review the lack of a folding hinge also made it less travel-friendly, but for everyday classroom and commuting use it’s a comfortable, long-lasting option.

The TI-30X IIS is a workhorse scientific calculator that covers algebra through basic statistics and physics problems — in our testing the clear layout and two-line display made entry and result-checking straightforward for homework and tests. We found the hard plastic casing holds up well to everyday student use, so it’s a reliable classroom companion. During our review the limited two-line display and lack of advanced or graphing functions mean serious STEM students may outgrow it, but for middle- and high-school math it’s an affordable, durable choice that gets the job done.

The Acer Aspire 3 is an affordable laptop that impressed us with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and snappy responsiveness from the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U in everyday tasks like web browsing and streaming. In our testing the 128GB NVMe SSD delivered fast boot times and quick app launches, though the limited storage could fill up fast if you keep lots of files or media. During our review Windows 11 Home in S Mode and basic integrated graphics were limiting for installing non-Store apps or gaming, so we recommend this as a budget student laptop for note-taking, research, and media rather than heavy content creation.

ARTISTRO Acrylic Paint Markers are an affordable, versatile option for crafts and classroom projects — in our testing they delivered smooth, opaque strokes and dried quickly on a range of surfaces from fabric to rocks. We found the water-based, non-toxic formula reassuring for younger students and mixed-media work. That said, some colors performed inconsistently and a few markers ran out sooner than expected, so keep extras on hand for deadline-driven projects. During our review, these markers are best for short-term art projects where safety and surface versatility matter most.

Crayola’s Colors of the World Colored Pencils Classpack is a standout for inclusive classrooms — in our testing the 240 pre-sharpened pencils in 24 skin tones made portrait and multicultural projects much easier to tackle. We found the included sharpeners and organized storage very helpful for busy teachers who need supplies that are classroom-ready. That said, the cardboard box isn’t the sturdiest long-term storage solution and some users reported the wood quality made sharpening tougher than expected. During our review, this set is invaluable for skin-tone accuracy, but plan for a sturdier storage bin and extra sharpeners if you’ll be using them heavily.

Crayola Broadline Markers are a practical, budget-friendly pick for classrooms and at-home art time — the broad 10mm tips make fast, bold coverage easy for big coloring pages and posters. In our testing we appreciated that the washable formula cleans up from skin and most clothes, which takes the stress out of messy projects, and they work on paper, windows, and other surfaces for creative play. We found they can bleed through thin printer paper and some colors aren’t as vivid on non-paper surfaces, and the 12-count set may feel small if you’re restocking for a group. During our review these markers are a dependable go-to for large-scale coloring, just plan for extra sheets to prevent bleed-through.

Crayola Washable Kids Paint delivers bright, kid-friendly color that makes art projects pop, and in our testing the non-toxic formula gave us confidence for younger painters. We found cleanup is generally easy—paint comes off skin and most surfaces—but some fabrics still stained despite the washable claim, so treat clothes cautiously. During our review a handful of users reported a strong odor and packaging that’s tricky to reseal, which can lead to spills if not stored carefully. Overall, it’s a vibrant, safe choice for crafts when you keep an eye on storage and fabric exposure.

The Desk Organizer with File Holder is a sturdy, polished solution for home or study desks — our experience shows the metal mesh and solid steel frame provide lasting stability and the multiple storage options make it easy to corral trays, magazines, and pencils. During our review the aesthetic choices were nice for matching various decors, though some color variants lacked back support which limited functionality for heavier files. Assembly can be fiddly and some users struggled with screw fasteners, so set aside time and a second pair of hands to stabilize pieces while you build it.

If you need a sturdy 1-inch binder for school or organizing class notes, the Avery 1-inch 3 Ring Binder is a solid choice thanks to its DuraHinge construction that resists tearing and is built to last. In our testing we found the DuraEdge sides and top are more pliable, which helps resist splitting when you stuff it with papers. During our review we noted several users report the rings don't align properly, making page turns awkward, so check alignment at purchase or be ready to exchange units.