At the risk of entering the most anxiety-inducing prepositional phase of all time into the chat: Back to School season is upon us. Whether you’re headed off to college for the first time or are getting ready to return for what you’re anticipating to be a crazy semester, I’m here to share some news that might help. Amazon is currently having a sale dedicated specifically to Back to College essentials. Even better? Besides the discounts that are part of this temporary event, I uncovered deals on a handful of hassle-eliminating gadgets, practical wardrobe essentials, and dorm décor. Think: Umbrellas that can be squeezed into just about any handbag, Meghan Markle’s favorite Adidas workout sneakers, lava lamps, and more. Ahead, the most insane deals you gotta start shopping right now so you’re SUPER prepared for the upcoming school year.
A shower caddy that’ll help organize all of your toiletries is definitely the move. I love this option in particular for being chic.
Going from July 2021 to June 2022, this faux-leather planner will help you keep track of deadlines, exams, and everything else college throws your way.
Buying one of these laptops is a splurge for sure, but its performance, display, and speed are unrivaled.
Noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer, especially when you’re trying to focus on schoolwork. This wireless Bluetooth pair from Sony is a steal at this price for their crisp sound quality and comfiness.
$56 $45 (20% off)
Here, a dimmable touch lamp with storage benefits. The design cleverly features 2 USB ports and a pen holder, which makes it a small space-friendly choice. A fabric shade and an Edison LED bulb are included as well.
Boasting a near five-star rating, reviews for this comforter consistently praise its softness and ease to wash. In case you’re not planning on doing a duvet and just want a comforter, note that this comes in seven other colors (all of which are offered in sizes twin through California King).
A cloud-like bathrobe robe is a must for so many reasons. Here, a loungewear staple that’ll ease the transition from walking around in the nude whenever you please to living with roommates.
Nothing brings chill vibes to a dorm or off-campus apartment quite like a lava lamp.
To get a sense of how popular Mellanni’s soft and cooling bed sheets are, peep their glowing 230,000 ratings and counting. Available in sizes from Twin to Split King, this set includes one fitted sheet, one top sheet, and two pillowcases.
Sparkling water people will understand why this SodaStream deal warrants a text in all caps to the group chat. This wildly easy-to-use device eliminates needing to buy—and having to shlep—plastic bottles of seltzer.
My genius younger cousin who’s entering her junior year of college recently enlightened me as to why stick on wallets are a game-changer when you’re a student. As she put it: “College made me realize I cannot stand normal wallets. Bringing a normal wallet everywhere feels like a chore and it takes up space in my stuffed backpack and I don’t even need my entire wallet 95% of the time.”
Here, an option that’ll securely hold your student ID, driver’s license and debit card. It’s not on sale, but considering the real leather quality and price point, it’s still worth it.
Claw clips are not only convenient and easy: They’re fashun. This Tik Tok-famous set of 4 is a smart buy for college and, well, life in general as they’re grippy, comfy, and can hold a lot of hair without breaking.
If you and the roommates are moving off campus this year, a set of pots and pans will be essential for cooking meals with more nutrients than instant noodles. Here, a nonstick set from Ayesha Curry Kitchenware that also happens to be aesthetically pleasing.
From Meghan Markle to Justin Bieber, the list of celebrities who’ve been spotted in Adidas’s cult-loved Ultraboost sneaker over the years is vast. If you’re after a new pair of sneakers for working out and walking all over campus in, these are a failsafe choice.
From the looks of the news…face masks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Here, a comfy and reusable 100 percent cotton face cloth mask equipped with a filter layer.
Less than five bucks for a pack of 60 pens? SAY. LESS.
This compact umbrella technically doesn’t fall under the ~umbrella~ of school supplies, but it’s useful nonetheless. Its handbag-sized friendly and will bring peace of mind when there’s a chance that you could get caught in the rain, but don’t want to shlep a normal-sized umbrella around.
If the thought of studying for an exam without being able to highlight your notes gives you heart palpitations (hi, it me), this deal is worth stocking up on.
Fellow post-it note lovers, behold this price and color palette. *Clicks like the wind.*
When it comes to affordable liquid ink pens that are a joy to write with, I’m of the opinion that Pilot’s Precise V5 pen reigns supreme.
Even if the setting is a communally-shared dorm bathroom, nothing compares to getting out of the shower and wrapping one’s self in a fluffy towel. Pro tip: If you don’t think you need all 6 bath Egyptian Cotton bath towels included in this set, put 2 aside as a gift for a friend.
Here, some more colorful school supplies to add pizazz to your color-coded study guides.
This duo of 3-subject college ruled spiral notebooks (with 150 sheets of paper in each) will have you more than covered for a semester’s worth of notes.
Hand sanitizer was helpful even before March 2020. Here, a lemongrass-scented duo of travel-sized hand sanitizers that you’ll be able to throw into any bag with ease.
This silk, lavender-scented eye mask from mindfulness brand Asutra isn’t on sale unforch, but it’ll come in handy if you share a dorm with a roommate whose sleep schedule isn’t completely aligned with yours. And fun fact: Asutra’s Chief Brand Officer is Venus Williams!
TBH, this 73-count set of Tide PODS might last you until graduation if you like to go as long as possible between stretches of doing laundry.